Unable to celebrate milestone

4:58pm Thursday 8th February 2007

DEVIZES scored the 1,000th league goal in their history without even knowing it. Midfielder Ollie Smith bagged the all important strike during their 7-2 win over Cirencester two weeks ago.

The side had been on 992 before last weekend but their goal difference was put up after they were awarded a win against Lydney, who they beat in November.

They originally forfeited the game for fielding player coach Charlie Seccombe.

It was originally thought Seccombe was banned because of a match day misconduct offence but, on appeal, the club were awarded the game and the goals scored - meaning Smith's strike stood.

Chairman Toby Brown said: "It's a shame because we scored the goal without knowing so we couldn't celebrate it. I am getting pretty blasé about things now. This is our 10th year and they have just got better and better."

Devizes, who top Gerrard League Premier Three, now go to Taunton Vale on Saturday and EVC Hornets on Sunday looking to tighten their grip on the title.

Brown added: "Most people are astonished how well they have done as they are on course for their ninth consecutive league win. It is not by luck, but by hard work. But they could not do it without the seconds, thirds and fourths supporting."