Bradford leave it late for cup win (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Bradford leave it late for cup win

TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: BRADFORD United are through to the third round of the Knockout Cup after a 3-1 win over the Four Seasons.

In a competitive encounter at Bradford, Four Seasons had the better of the first half and created good scoring opportunities.

The home team were limited to long shots by Season's resolute defending.

After the break Bradford created chances as Seasons tired, but goals were denied by good saves from goalkeeper Jim Bettles.

With 20 minutes left, United scored two quick goals, but the lead was pulled back with 10 minutes remaining when Stuart Wootton finished neatly.

The visitors gave their all to gain the equaliser, but United struck next to wrap up victory.

John Baker, Paul Tunnell and Mike Embleton were United's marksmen.

The Deverills made a flying start against AFC Trowbridge Town Youth Reserves and were two goals up in 10 minutes, through Simon Reaney and Mike Payne.

After dominating most of the half and hitting the post twice, the visitors came into the game and Toby Dawson found the net with a fierce shot.

After the interval both teams played some good, attractive football before Scott Gallazi added the third for Deverills on the hour. However the game was far from over when Dawson scored his second for AFC and extra-time looked a possibility until Deverills' passage was secured with a fourth goal from Aaron Stevens.

Seend United have taken over at the top of Division One after a 3-0 win over Warminster Town Reserves.

In-form Freshford United won 8-0 at Dynamo West End, with seven goals coming in the second half.

They had most of the possession in first half but failed to take their chances. With 10 minutes left the visitors' captain left the pitch after a clash of heads and was substituted by Phil Little, who scored with his first touch from a corner. Two quick goals were added after the interval, from Paul Mockeridge and Mark Birleson. With Dynamo tiring further strikes came from Mockeridge, Birleson and Stewart Donahoe, with a superb 30-yard shot. Following an own goal Phil Little scored his second to round off a great victory.

The game between Broughton Gifford and North Bradley Saints was abandoned after three minutes due to an injury to Saints' goalkeeper, Gary Brooks.

In Division Two, strugglers Bratton gained a valuable point at home to Hilperton United. They took a first half lead thanks to Danny Cox, but Dave Thomas equalised after the break for the visitors.

League leaders FC Northbridge retained their unbeaten record with a 2-1 home win over Westbury United A. Jamie Starr and Liam Brown scored for Northbridge, with Stuart Powell replying.

The top of the table clash between Rudloe Reserves and Steeple Ashton finished all square at 3-3. A second half hat-trick from Charles Young rescued a point for Rudloe, who had been two goals down at the break. Richard Stephens, Guy Rowley and George Mortimer netted for Ashton.

Bradford Town Reserves remain Division Three leaders by one point after drawing 2-2 at home second placed Lavington, who are still unbeaten.

Dave Cooper and Jason Povey scored for Bradford, with Craig Campbell and the league's top scorer, Miles Hickton, replying for the visitors.

In the battle of the basement sides, The Stiffs recorded their first win of the season beating Bradford United Reserves by an impressive

5-1. Goalkeeper Dave Carroll had an extremely good game.

The five goals came from Nathan Litterick (2), Keith Quadling, Chris Giles and Steve Williams, with Darren Brewer netting for United.

AFC Trowbridge Wanderers went second in the table after a 1-0 win over Apetito. The only goal came from Mark Stevens after the interval

Hilperton Reserves came back from two goals down at the break at home to Rowde Sports, with strikes from Dan Martin (2) and Mark Campbell.

FC Chippenham completed the double over Semington Magpies, winning 3-2 at home with goals from Lee Blackmore, Dean Smith and an own goal. Andrew Harrison and Kelvin Lockwood scored for the visitors.