Cup joy for Devizes as Curtis strikes winner Screwfix Direct League

DEVIZES Town are through to the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup, sponsored by Axa, for only the second time in their history.

Their third qualifying round victory over the Sussex County League side on Saturday is rewarded with a trip to Nationwide Conference side Kingstonian on October 28.

"It's a very good draw for us and who knows we might even cause an upset," said Devizes manager Brian Newlands.

"If Kingstonian play to their full potential, they will win, but it they are a bit underpar and we play as well as we can, then we are in with a chance of at least bringing them back to Nursteed Road for a replay."

Kingstonian play at Yeovil on Saturday and Newlands, or his assistant Martin Allen, will take the chance to check on the Surrey side's form.

Devises produced a solid all round team performance at Hill Park on Saturday.

The visitors started strongly and appeared to have taken the lead on three minutes, with defender Darren Walters powering a header past United goalkeeper Jamie Bryant from Nick Mooney's corner. Devizes' joy was short lived however, when the referee surprised even the most ardent Saltdean supporter by disallowing the goal for an adjudged infringement.

Devizes finally gained the advantage on 16 minutes when Barry Flippance released wing back Mooney, whose first time strike curled past a helpless Bryant to nestle in the bottom corner of the United net.

Saltdean created several chances to draw level with Shaun Randell, a constant threat, being denied a goalscoring opportunity by a superb last ditch tackle from Chris Copp.

The Devizes goal led a somewhat charmed life as chances went begging, until deep into first half injury time when poor marking saw the hosts equalise, Shaun Grice benefiting from Town's generosity by ghosting clear to set up an opportunity for Randell to score from close range.

The start of the second period saw Grice head over for Saltdean, before Devizes regained the lead with a superb goal from Nigel Curtis, the Town giant heading home Mooney's centre from close range to delight the travelling supporters.

Play now switched from end to end, with United searching for an equaliser and Devizes content to hit the hosts on the break. Saltdean captain Tony Flower saw his header fly over the crossbar and Devizes substitute Julian Alexander saw his thunderous shot turned around the post by a full stretched Bryant.

United were denied a penalty ten minutes from time when Randell went down under a challenge from a Town defender. And with almost the last kick of the game, Saltdean substitute Ian Costello struck a stunning volley which cannoned to safety off the Devizes crossbar, much to the relief of the travelling contingent.

Devizes return to Screwfix Direct League Premier Division action on Saturday when they travel to Backwell United, kick off 3pm.

DEVIZES have also announced details of travel plans for supporters wishing to go to next Saturday's FA Cup, sponsored by Axa, fourth qualifying round game at Kingstonian. Coaches will be running and seats can be booked, with a £5 deposit, at Avon Trophies, Wharfside, Devizes.

Chard Town 1, Calne Town 2

PLAYING up the infamous Chard slope in the first period, Calne conceded the first goal after 15 minutes of this Screwfix First Division encounte, Chard youngster Adam Downes finishing off some fine right wing play by his attacking partner Terry Emmett.

Chard utilised the advantage of the slope impressively and kept Calne back in their own half until the 20 minute mark when Calne's midfield took a grip and halted the forward supply.

Calne drew level through Toby Colbourne on 30 minutes, as Stuart Greatwood fed a fine pass through to the big forward and he sent a 22-yard blockbuster past goalkeeper Andy Buse, whose attempted save was surely only a token effort.

Calne's winner came early in the second-half from that man Colbourne, again, as he finished from eight yards following a goalmouth melee involving Nick Taylor, Dave Clayton and Andy Wall.

Taylor came close to extending Calne's lead when he got his head to Paul Ranger's free kick but goalkeeper Buse tipped his powerful header wide.

The final ten minutes found Calne hanging on desperately as Chard pressurised the Calne defence but found Stuart Greatwood an insurmountable barrier as he twice stepped in to halt Chard offensives.

Wellington Town 3, Pewsey Vale 0

PEWSEY Vale are still looking for their first win of the season in the Screwfix Direct League First Division, but the team played with much more commitment.

Wellington took the lead in the sixth minute when a Chris Woon shot was helped into the net by Pewsey defender Brian Blake.

Pewsey had their chance to level the score line with a good long range strike by Stuart Card going just wide of the Wellington post.

Wellington went further into the lead in the 17th minute with a second goal scored by Woon, who chipped advancing Pewsey goalkeeper Andy Doel.

In the second half Vale were unable to put the downhill slope to their advantage and went further behind after goalkeeper Doel made a great save, putting Steve Trevelgan's shot round for a corner. But from the corner kick, Mark Brereton found Richard Jenkins on the far post and he who headed in Wellington's third goal in the 57th minute.

A chance for the Vale to draw one back came with a free kick taken by Russell Goodenough that found Brian Blake on the far post only for Blake to head into the side netting.

Vale are at home to to Street Town this Saturday, kick-off 3pm.