Amesbury Town 0, Trowbridge Town 1 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Amesbury Town 0, Trowbridge Town 1

GAVIN Eyre came off the substitutes' bench to score a late winner on Saturday as Trowbridge Town started their defence of the Wiltshire Senior Cup.

The skilful winger arrived at the near post to head home Adam Nunn's cross with six minutes remaining to set up a quarter-final tie at Devizes Town.

Bees boss Neil Kirkpatrick said: "I think that was the strongest squad I have been able to pick from and it paid dividends. Gavin Eyre and Adam Nunn both came on to affect the game and to have players of that quality in reserve is great.

"I thought it was a really good game and a really good performance in very wet conditions. After winning the cup last year we would obviously like to repeat that triumph, but we will have to take it one game at a time."

Trowbridge were boosted by the return of former fans' favourite Paul Thorpe, who had an impressive game alongside youngsters Luke Smith and Lee Wilson.

Andy Bloodworth had a shot saved by Amesbury goalkeeper Andy Jackson on 14 minutes and in the next attack he was denied a shooting opportunity by a last ditch tackle.

Waleed Bakali, making his 100th appearance for the club, then hit the cross bar with a 25-yard effort while Dave Percival's header was brilliantly tipped wide by Jackson.

After the break, the visitors continued to dominate and on 67 minutes Gordon Saunderson had a low drive saved by Jackson. With time running out, Eyre rose to head in the winner.