MARLBOROUGH kept their hopes of pulling clear of the Davis Wood League Conference North drop zone alive by claiming a welcome point on the road at Yate.

A tight start to the match was eventually broken as Yate were awarded the a short corner and, following an initial shot that Marlborough were unable to clear, the opener was scored from a tight angle.

Marlborough pressed forward and were unlucky not to convert several excellent chances.

Before half time they levelled after intricate forward play and pinpoint perfect passing allowed player-coach Matt Way to finish at the back post.

Marlborough dominated the second half in possession but were unable to capitalise and again found themselves behind after a mix-up in the D.

However, the visitors continued to play a patient game and their persistence was rewarded when 10 minutes before veteran defender and drag-flick specialist Chris Jones scored from a short corner routine.

Devizes bounced back from their recent Central One wobbles with an emphatic 12-0 victory over Bath Buccs D.

The home side had lost two of their last three but were dominant right from the off and opened the scoring with Roger Edwards’ drag-flick.

Dan Smith soon made it 2-0 with a dink over the keeper before Edwards converted another flick.

The leaders maintained the momentum and the game was put to bed just before half time as Ollie Smith and Rory Sherman tapped home from close range.

Bath’s keeper was sin-binned for felling Smith in the second half and Edwards converted the flick.

Devizes quickly added another three as Callum Lavens finished the scoring.

Chippenham’s 2-2 draw at second-placed Yeovil & Sherborne helped Devizes stretch their lead to five points.

The match was hit by a storm early on but the first half was an open affair with both teams having opportunities.

Chippenham took the lead with a breakaway goal, Billy Whitaker and Mark Knight combining to set up Oliver Whitaker who scored with a cheeky reverse flick.

Yeovil restored parity and grabbed the lead midway through the second half, capitalising on a short-corner routine.

However, Chippenham got back on terms as Knight stepped up at the short corner and, despite his first attempt being saved, was on hand to tuck home the rebound.

Wootton Bassett made it 16 wins from 16 at the top of East Central One as they thrashed third-placed City of Bath B 12-1.

Kyle Barnes helped himself to eight goals, with Mark Turner netting a hat-trick. Jack Twine also found the net.

In East Central Two, Wootton Bassett B were 4-0 winners over Devizes A, Nick Thomson scoring twice and Milind Thapa and Grant Kirkup also on target.

FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS, REPORTS & PICTURES SEE THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @gazsport