THE rapidly changing fortunes of Blue Circle continues, with last season's relegated outfit now heading Division Two by two points.

A second double strike of the season by midfielder Shaun Sheppard secured a vital 2-1 success to wreck Seend United Reserves' three-match winning home sequence.

A Mark James penalty had the sides level at the break but Seend's finishing finally let them down.

Steve Martin's Blue Circle youngsters lead the way after former Bath Division One side CS Filos lost their unbeaten record in a 4-3 thriller against Westbury United A.

In poor conditions Filos skipper Paul Bryant netted in 60 seconds but by the 46th minute United had established a three-goal cushion, through Jon Gardner, Matt Fry, Simon Lunt and Stuart Barber.

Two fine saves and a goal-line clearance denied Filos as Dan Bliss and Matt Thompson led a storming home revival.

At the bottom FC Northbridge suffered a similar fate as fellow promoted-side Castle Combe Reserves also hit back from a 3-1 deficit. Gareth Colebrooke's opener was immediately levelled before James Starr and Kye Leather put Northbridge on top. Combe, without ace marksman and manager Shawn House who has left the club, then took advantage of poor set piece play to record their first win.

Many pundits believe Division One is going to be the closest in years.

Former champions Frome Town Sports demonstrated that by jumping from eighth place to second spot when they destroyed the unbeaten record of leaders Dynamo West End 2-1. A double from Paul Bendell inside the first 15 minutes, before Dave Birch replied on the hour, proved just enough.

In a reversal of fortunes, Trowbridge United, after three odd goal defeats in the top flight, deservedly clinch their first spoils by the odd goal in three at fellow-promoted side Warminster Town Reserves, where Rowan King responded to goals from Guy Rowley and first teamer Gordon Saunderson.

In Division Three eight teams are separated by a solitary point, with newcomers St Andrews and Rudloe Reserves the new leaders.

Kevin Gover's Saints, who tomorrow host Apetito, are ahead on goal difference after Dave Greenwood's second half penalty for his seventh goal of the campaign and substitute Luke Giles gained Saints revenge for a shock defeat by Hilperton United Reserves a fortnight before.

George Bentley's free kick and a double from Dave Wolfe earned Rudloe a 3-2 victory over FC Chippenham, whose two goals came from Danny Johnstone.

Second half goals from Paul Tunnell (2) and one from Pat Knight has put Bradford United Reserves among the leading pack as they recovered in a fourth successive home league game to beat Frome Town Sports A, who had led at the interval through Anthony Burtenshaw.

United neighbours Town, who they meet in tomorrow's big derby clash, secured their first point in the league in a 1-1 draw at 10-man Lavington where two of the smallest players on the park almost fashioned a win.

Fifteen-year-old substitute Danny Hurkett, son of central defender Mark, had one effort cleared off the line late on as Bradford just could not overcome Lavington's 10 men.

Gavin Targett's lofted effort in the 38th minute beat Lavington's fourth choice keeper Scott Clark but three minutes into injury time, Paul Brewitt equalised with a fine individual effort.

Lavington skipper Pat McCabe was sent off nine minutes into the second half, but Bradford goalkeeper Aaron Harford was forced to make a fine save before Ian Williams went close with a header at the other end.

Castle Combe A remain bottom and pointless from five matches after the previous week's cup giantkillers Trowbridge Wanderers rattled in six without reply at Stanley Park where Dave Cooper hit four and Jamie Moth two.

l SEVERAL matches are kicking off early tomorrow due to England's World Cup qualifier. Home teams wishing to change kick-off times should notify fixture secretary Phil Senior and the result service on (01225) 765485.