The match of the day in Division two was undoubtedly the game featuring newly promoted sides Bromham (Sunday) and Bradford Renegades.
As Riverside Renegades last term pipped Bromham to the runners up spot by one point after they defeated their hosts 5-2 in what was Ady Kember’s outfit final game of a fine season.
Bromham had been odds on to avenge that defeat against a Renegades side who had seen a number of their star names leave the club in the summer and who went into the game having suffered some heavy defeats in their pre-season friendlies but when it came down to the real thing youngsters like Fynn Driver, Jamie Parlour and Brad Godridge all rose to the occasion and played the game of their lives, especially Godridge who was man of the match in his sides excellent 3-1 win.
Renegades scored their opener against the run of play when player/manager caught Bromham on the break and with the aid of the post saw his effort give his team the lead. Renegades second came from a mistake in Bromham defence when a weak back pass was intercepted by Ashley Styles who made the most of his gift to finish well and doubled Renegades lead.
Good work between Styles and Davis led to Renegades third which was scored by Jamie Parlour whose delightful lob made it 3-0.
The second half saw Bromham reduced to 10 men through injury but this seemed to inject some new life into them and when Dean Rudman reduced the deficit a comeback looked to be on the cards but Renegades weren’t prepared to give up what they had fought well for and held out for a well deserved win.
AFC Melksham 0, Biddestone White Horse 1
AFC Melksham have seen many changes in the summer and at one stage in recent weeks were struggling for players but that seems to behind them now and against Biddestone White Horse they gave a good account of themselves before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat.
The two evenly matched side put on a great display and despite Biddestone winning the encounter they spent long periods of the game on the defensive, but having taken the lead on 36 minute with a trademark finish from Scott Fleming whose lob over the advancing Paul Haines was a good finish but had more than a hint of offside about it and despite the assistant referees’ flag being raised referee Tony Frith awarded the goal.
Melksham dominated the second half without scoring, with Dan Barnett, Chris Dore and the talented Jordon Kirk going close with chance after chance. A penalty shout was turned down much to the surprise of the Melksham camp and some great approach work that lacked the cutting edge was the home teams downfall against their guests who always looked dangerous on the break with Melksham pushing wave after wave of attacks that confirmed the strength of Biddestone’s defence.
With both sides moving the ball around to please both managers the game flowed, thanks to sensible refereeing by Tony Frith but both points left with the visitors but on another more fruitful day Melksham could have scored a hatful.
Green Bell 1, Hullavington 5
Hullavington’s 5-1 victory away at the Green Bell (formerly The Crown Devizes) was the fifth time on the trot that they had been beaten by Matt Wilkins side.
Hullavington’s top scorer from last season Ed Wilkins continued where he left off from last term by scoring the first of his teams five goals, Phil Garland made it 3-0 and a second half double from Harry Freeth on his debut but the visitors in total command before Steve Thomas replying for the Bell 15 minute from time.
North Star A 2, Audley FC 14
As predicted it was a case of David verses Goliath at Beaversbrook Sports Facility, Calne where North Star A who have suffered back to back relegations were put to the sword by Audley FC who had already beaten them twice in pre-season friendlies.
Steve Mallard’s Audley side who are among the favourites for a top two placing come next May triumphed 14-2 with Chris Yeo top scoring with a seven timer, Dave Nolan hit a treble, Mark Nolan claimed a double, Nick Gapper and Mike Few who drilled home a stunning 30 free kick completed the rout.
Nick Bloodworth and Kevin Long scored for the losers who will need to improve sooner rather than later otherwise they could suffer another relegation.
Sutton Benger 2, Christian Malford 1
Sutton Benger’s Ian Dawkins had a red letter day, not only was the long serving Benger player making his 600th appearance for the village side but he scored one of the goals in their 2-1 victory over local rivals Christian Malford.
Benger trailed 1-0 at the interval to a Mike Cassidy goal but they drew level through a debatable penalty, which was converted by Ian Dawkins. Although Benger’s equaliser may have been contentious their was no doubt about their winner which came five minutes from time, Rob Kent flicked the ball over the defender before slotting home into the bottom corner to seal a memorable win for the villagers who usually take time to get going.
The Three Crowns United 5, Pig & Whistle United 3
Marcus Young proved to be the star of the show for Chippenham based Three Crowns United in their 5-3 triumph over Pig & Whistle United who were being tipped by many to be the surprise package this season following their capture of a number of players from local side AFC Melksham but they were left waiting for their first win of the season despite a spited second half fight back.
Three Crowns led 4-1 at the break with Young scoring all four of their goals, one of which came from the penalty spot and one of which was sheer class after he cut inside and drilled home an awesome strike for his fourth of the game.
Matt Chalk and two Gareth Evans goals took Pig & Whistle to within touching distance of the Three Crowns before a wonder strike from Jason Cole who fired home from distance after rattling the woodwork second before he actually scored settle the scoring.
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