Ashford's treble fires Aldbourne up to the top (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Ashford's treble fires Aldbourne up to the top

WILTSHIRE LEAGUE: ALDBOURNE are the new leaders of the Wilts Premier following their 3-0 win over bottom club Purton Reserves all three goals coming from their top marksman Gary Ashford.

They were made to fight hard for their victory however, as a well organised Purton outfit got players behind the ball in the first 45 minutes to thwart the home attack and the sides went in at the break with a blank scoresheet.

Soon after the restart a quick strike from Ashford was just the tonic Aldbourne needed and the striker went on to complete his hat-trick with two more well taken goals.

Assistant boss Ian Restell said: "I thought Purton did well in the first half and made it difficult for us.

"Gary is scoring goals for fun, he's getting plenty of support from the rest of the lads and let's hope he keeps the goals coming.

"It's nice to be in top spot but there is a long way to go yet."

Deposed leaders Corsham Town were beaten 2-0 at Westbury, Mark Lanfear scoring in each half for the home side.

Westside, who gained a deserved win over Down Ampney last week, travelled to Warminster hoping for a repeat performance but found the home side in good form and were beaten 6-1.

The Town's goals were shared out with Gregg Lewis, Graham Russell, Tom Welch, Mathew Burton, and Matt and Jason Guy all getting on the scoresheet with Rick Hewittson scoring a consolation for the Swindon side. The victory moved Warminster up to fourth spot in the table, a point behind the leaders.

There was not too much excitement in the game between New College and Pewsey Vale, both sides picking up a point in a no score draw.

Down Ampney scored the winner in the last minute of their match at Bromham, Mark Harper threading the ball between two home defenders for Terry Moore to run through and score the only goal of the game.

Melksham moved up to third place in the table with a 1-0 victory at Devizes, Tim Etaugh scoring the all important goal and AFC Trowbridge Youth also collected three points with an impressive 5-0 win over Shrewton Matt Minus (2), Booker Woodford, Rob Simmonds and Dean Murdon on target.

Barron Heating regained the leadership of Junior Division One after beating Blyskawica 4-0 thanks to birthday boy Ryan Gardner who celebrated with a hat-trick and Matt Fryer added a fourth.

The match between Lower Stratton and Abbey Rodbourne produced plenty of fireworks even if it was a couple of weeks early.

Goals from Ian Fawkes, Darryl Pryor, John O'Sullivan and Adam O'Bree gave Stratton a 4-1 lead with just 10 minutes to go, but in an action packed finish to the game Abbey scored four times, two in the last two minutes to snatch victory.

Robbie Etherington (2), Nathan Sheppard (2) and Matt Bown the Abbey scorers.

AFC Stratton gained a 4-2 success over Minety thanks to two goals from Scott Rouse, one from the penalty spot, and two from Steve Stewart.

Pinehurst OB, going well in fourth spot, consolidated their position with a goal to nil victory at Castle Combe scored by Shane Dobson and Swindon Asians were beaten 2-0 at home by visitors Biddestone.