Corsham Town 1, Willand Rovers 1 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Corsham Town 1, Willand Rovers 1

CORSHAM'S unbeaten start to their league campaign was extended after a 1-1 draw against high-flying Willand Rovers.

Colin Bush's side looked to be heading for a superb three points after Frank Coleman had opened the scoring with a stunning second half strike, but they were pegged back five minutes from time.

Bush said that, although disappointed, he was pleased with his team's efforts, especially with a depleted squad going into the game.

Bush blasted the league last week after they scheduled the game on a weekend when Corsham were not supposed to have a match.

Scott Lye, Jack Cullis and Russell Hodge had all booked holidays, as there was no game on the fixture list.

"It was excellent, especially with all the problems we had last week," said the Corsham boss.

"I was disappointed we didn't get all three from my point of view, but I would have settled for a point on Friday evening.

"Some players there have done themselves no harm at all and, with four regulars out, it was a big boost.

"We've got a very healthy squad here, which is excellent.

"It was a tough, physical game for both sides. They were quite happy to be physical.

"At half-time it was 0-0 and it was very even, which from our point of view was very pleasing.

"In the second half we played really well and we scored a superb goal from Frankie Coleman, but we came under some pressure at the end."

Because of the problems the late fixture alteration had caused, Bush was forced to ask defender Nigel Curtis, who played for the club last year, to come out of retirement.

Bush also lauded the performance of his goalkeeper, Craig Chaplain, who returned to the squad after cricketing commitments.

"Craig Chaplain was back in goal and he's back as number one. He's available for the next eight months. We look like a different team when he's in there. He's big, strong and he takes crosses well."