AFTER winning their first ever Division One title last term, defending champions Trowbridge Wanderers are struggling at the wrong end of the table this season after suffering a sixth loss in eight games.

Wanderers latest defeat saw them beaten 9-0 at home by leaders Boomsbury, who now have a five point lead over the chasing pack.

With a number of key players missing, Boomsbury manager Ben Howe was forced into a change of formation for the trip to Wanderers and with a different mindset from the team that lost to Melksham Town Reserves last weekend, Howe’s men were at their brilliant best and were on top form from the minute Steve Jackson gave them the lead.

Jackson helped himself to a six-timer, scoring three in each half. Matt Jones and Pete Spong scored in the first half to go with Jackson’s first half hat-trick to give their side a 5-0 interval lead.

Along with Jackson’s second half treble, Mike Grieve fired home a brilliant long range free kick to make up the nine.

Bradford United 0 Freshford United 3

Bradford United hosted Freshford United in the first of back-to-back fixtures for the near neighbours.

Bradford, who after victories over Westbury United Reserves and Trowbridge Wanderers, went into the game looking for a third straight win but it was Hughie Fulton’s title-chasing village side that boosted their chances of finishing top of the pile thanks to a 3-0 win that moved them into second spot in the table.

Steve Roddy fired Freshford ahead and a second from the in-form striker gave the villagers a 2-0 half-time lead.

Bradford had the chance to reduce the arrears early in the second half but they could only look on in disbelief as Mark Maguire saw his penalty kept out by Freshford keeper Chris Birleson, which was just one of many fine saves he made to keep his team ahead.

Roddy then wasted a glorious chance to complete his hat trick as when he looked certain to score, he pushed his shot wide of the target.

Bbut the miss wasn’t to hurt Freshford as Mark Birleson wrapped up victory when he completed the scoring.