Devizes Town 1, Barnstaple Town 0 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Devizes Town 1, Barnstaple Town 0

DEVIZES Town recorded their first elusive league victory on Saturday, making it three wins on the bounce for Nathan Sheridan's side.

Devizes have shown promise throughout much of the season but rarely have had anything to show from it.

But after wins in the FA Vase, over Brislington, the Les Phillips Cup, over Keynsham Town, and now a first win in the league, it seems they have turned the corner. Sheridan was particularly happy to have gained a first league win, which moved his side off the bottom.

He said: "The last few months have been hard but I knew with the guys we had, if they started showing some belief and we got a bit of luck, with a couple of results we would turn the corner.

"The good thing about Saturday was it was a game that I could sense us going on to win.

"Even though we scored so late on in the game, we created lots of chances and their keeper kept them in it.

"What was great is their manager, Geoff Evans, came over after the game and shook my hand. He said, ' if you play like that for the rest of the season, you'll be midtable no problem.'

"To be honest I knew it would take my team two or three months to find their feet as so few had Western League experience.

"But now we have to keep going. This next month will shape our season with two derbies and the FA Vase match."

Devizes started the game at a frenetic pace, attempting to take advantage of a tired Barnstaple after their trip from Devon.

In an even first half both Danny Powell and Jamie Mullings had chances, but found their shots saved. The more clear cut opportunities came in the second half, again courtesy of the lively front two, who caused the big visiting defence problems with their pace.

The first effort came from the boot of Powell who unleashed a fierce effort from 25 yards just wide of the right post.

Then Mullings chased down a lost cause, winning the ball, but shooting over.

With ten minutes to go Mullings had the ball on the left touchline.

He knocked the ball past the left-back before firing a shot from 30 yards, which flew straight into the top corner.

Sheridan praised his young attacker.

He said: "Jamie's given us another dimension. He's strong, quick, likes to get stuck in and has taken some of the pressure off Danny Powell, who's beginning to flourish.

"They have struck up a good partnership together and have a good understanding of each other's games. I knew if our team got some self-belief they would do well. Now they need to continue this run but I am pleased with how they have been playing."