Poor pitch marking sparks a new row (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Poor pitch marking sparks a new row

TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: COUNCIL pitches in west Wiltshire came under attack again as one match was called off and a second postponement was averted at the 11th hour.

Last season three different officials refused to start matches at Stallards recreation ground, Trowbridge, because of inadequate line markings and on Saturday Chippenham-based referee Gary Hunt insisted that the lines at Seymour were not good enough for the Trowbridge United-Seend United Division One clash.

It was a frustrating Easter for Seend, who earlier had postponed their reserve Division Two match against Bratton in order to fulfill the top flight fixture.

But for last minute work by Ricky King, Martin Bray and Tom Rosling, who were loaned a marker by Steeple Ashton, the Division Three clash between Semington Magpies and Calne Eagles would have met a similar fate.

One observer, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "Clubs using council-owned grounds are paying a first class price for a third rate service. There is no excuse as monthly fixtures are circulated to the council. It is about time the league and council negotiated a contract to safeguard clubs financially when the council fail to deliver."

Dan Phillips' left foot shot and Dan Rimmer's diving header established a two-goal cushion for Magpies, who only completed the first half of their season on Tuesday, but they were forced to share the spoils as Shaun Jefferies and Nick Cawley spearheaded Eagles' first half fightback.

Tom Baker performed a captain's job for leaders St Andrews. His 90th minute strike from Kevin Gover's cross sent second place Lavington crashing to a third away defeat in four matches.

Myles Hickton and Lee Saunders wiped out Ewan Maynard's opener for Saints, who set up a revenge victory when Nick Medin levelled before the break. Lavington's latest reverse could cost them silverware as title favourites Rudloe Reserves squeezed home 2-1 at much improved FC Chippenham.

Dietmar Gabaer equalised for Chippenham after Warren Jones has given Rudloe an early lead. Luke Wolf claimed the winner just before the interval.

Rowde Sports' promotion aspirations took another nose-dive despite Adie Bridge and Jamie Mullings leading a spirited second half reply at Frome Town Sports A, who forged ahead through Nigel Wilkins, Anthony Burtenshaw and Andy Maidment.

A match of three penalties saw Trowbridge Wanderers, who were due to meet St Andrews last night, maintain their promotion prospects with a 5-1 derby win over The Stiffs, whose keeper Richard Miluk netted from the spot.

Wanderers, who missed a penalty through Dean Gumm, were rewarded with a hat-trick from Lee Murden, including a spot kick, Steve Coombes and a first ever goal from Andy Davidson.

Teenager Charlie Heydon notched a treble to maintain Bradford Town Reserves' remarkable progress this year. A header from Ian Williams gave Town a 4-0 lead over apetito before Nigel Penelhum replied.

In contrast, Town's neighbours United have experienced a wretched 2005, but two first half goals from Jim Burbidge and Matt Long secured a morale-boosting win at Hilperton United Reserves, whose reply came from a Steve Meek penalty.

Two clashes in the next eight days between Blue Circle and CS Filos could determine the Division Two title. Steve Martin's Circle made it six wins in a row thanks to a first ever hat-trick from Simon Dolbear at relegation-threatened Broughton Gifford Reserves, who were denied a consolation by Russell Dyer's goal-line clearance.

A 75th minute goal from Dave Barker earned Pete Davies' Filos revenge for their only defeat so far against Westbury United A. In a closely fought dress rehearsal for this season's divisional cup final, Filos were denied a 10th minute lead by keeper Sam Tucker's outstanding save from Sam Tabiner.

All four leading sides won, with debutant Sam Stevens' goal for The Lamb not enough to prevent The Deverills from extending their winning run to five games with first half strikes from Micky Payne and Danny Hargreaves earning a 2-1 win.

Deverills, who hit the woodwork three times in the first half, visit Bratton, Castle Combe Reserves, Filos and Steeple Ashton to complete their season.

It's five wins from seven for third place Hilperton, who have still to host Filos.

A second half Lee Ridout strike and a Neil Hannaford penalty produced a 2-0 success at struggling Castle Combe Reserves.

Division Three soccer is looming closer for Neil Taylor's Steeple Ashton. Still without a victory, Ashton crashed 8-1 to FC Northbridge who stormed into a six goal lead in 30 minutes. Fikret Isiktan netted Ashton's consolation in response to four goals from Steve Jackson, two from Gareth Colebrook, Ian Huntley and an own goal by Taylor.

For one team relegation is already confirmed, with Heytesbury's 7-2 thrashing at North Bradley Saints ending a 52-year stay in the top flight. A Scott Askew hat-trick, two from Jack Heard and one apiece from Tim Richards and Chris Fardell sank Heytesbury, who replied through Charlie Scott and Steve Wyatt.

Saints are still eyeing a hat-trick of titles but champions Broughton Gifford are on course for an 11th championship in two decades after a 3-1 win over leaders Rudloe who fell behind to Ashley Groves and Adam Young goals either side of the interval.

A Tom Smith header from Richard Boore's free kick reduced Rudloe's arrears but a 79th minute corner, tenaciously won by Liam Richards, led to John Hubbard's cross being firmly headed home by Chris Stiles.

Former leaders Dynamo West End, with three home games remaining, picked up only their second win since late November to all but eradicate any relegation worries with a 2-1 revenge win over Frome Town Sports who now complete their season with two games against Gifford.

Paul Bendell replied to a Trevor Jones penalty and a second goal from Mike Gale.