Devizes Town 1, Bristol Manor Farm 5 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Devizes Town 1, Bristol Manor Farm 5

TWO early and two late goals sank Devizes as they continue the season without a league victory.

High-flying Bristol Manor Farm struck early before the young Devizes team could get into its stride.

Manager Nathan Sheridan was disappointed to go 2-0 down after 11 minutes but pleased with the endeavour and spirit his team showed after the early setback.

He said: "Before the match I said it was important to keep a clean-sheet for the first 15 to 20 minutes but going two down so early it was hard.

"The first two goals where unlucky as one was an own-goal and the second Nick Mooney went to clear but it rebounded off the referee and fell to their winger who crossed for their striker."

But the two early goals by third-in-the-table Manor Farm meant Devizes, not for the first time this season, left themselves too much to do. Phil Romans was unlucky to score an own goal just six minutes into the match as he steered Aaron Cornwall's cross goal-wards and beat his keeper Jez Hare at the near-post.

Then just five minutes later Devizes where two-down as Tony Bennet slotted home coolly across Hare to beat him at the far-post.

Devizes did create some chances themselves as Mooney and Gary Campbell went close.

Bristol Manor Farm got their third as they scored from a quickly taken free-kick in the 41st minute. Cornwall left the Devizes players stunned as he curled the ball into the right top-corner with his left foot.

At half-time Devizes changed personnel and formation as Ray King replaced player-manager Sheridan and they switched to 4-4-2, with King going in at left full back.

The dividends of this switch where reaped as Lloyd Sartin scored a scrappy goal in the 50th minute.

Devizes pressed hard but couldn't force a second. With Devizes putting all their impetus on attack it left openings at the back and Farm substitute Tony Simpson made no mistake as he lobbed Hare and left himself with an easy finish in the 89th minute.

The fifth goal came a minute into injury time after superb passing gave Tony Cook an empty net.

Sheridan added: "We might stick to the 4-4-2 as we looked more solid after the switch. On the transfer front I have not spoken to Barry Flippance but I will be speaking to Matthew Messenger and Dave Hunt within the next 48 hours."

Veteran defender Romans was presented with the man of the match award of a bottle of champagne by Sheridan after only his second game of the season. He has made his comeback into the Devizes team after four seasons out of the game.