MANAGER Nigel Tripp believes the title may be beyond FC Chippenham Youth, despite them cutting the gap at the top with a 3-0 win at home to Devizes Town Reserves.

Youth remain 12 points behind leaders Ludgershall Sports, who were beaten 3-1 at home by Malmesbury Victoria at the weekend, but will climb above them should they win all five of their games in hand.

However, Youth remain a feeder club for Southern League Chippenham Town and Chippenham Park in the Toolstation League, meaning their selection is hampered on an almost weekly basis.

Boss Tripp therefore thinks it will be a big ask for his troops to challenge for the title this term.

He explained: “We are a feeder club for Park and the first team so it’s a bit of a struggle as we are having to change our side nearly every week.

“If I could say this is our squad week in, week out, then I think we could have a chance but it’s a challenge at the moment.

“If Park have a settled side then we have a settled side but at the moment, we’re dependent on what they need.”

All the goals came in the second half at Hardenhuish Park, with Milo Pearson opening the scoring before further strikes from Chay Forester and Jamie Morris put the game to bed.

Tripp added: “Although we didn’t score in the first half, we kept plugging away in the second half and got our rewards.

“I’d say it was a complete performance as we defended really well and passed the ball around well too.”

Melksham Town Reserves remain second in the table following a 3-1 win away at Sarum Youth, while Marlborough Town slipped to a 3-2 loss at Southbrook.

The game of the day came at Wroughton as visiting Shrewton United got the better of a ten-goal thriller, romping to a 7-3 success.

Corsham Town Reserves lost 5-0 to Supermarine Sports while Trowbridge Town were 4-1 winners over Vale of Pewsey.

Westbury United Reserves romped to a 3-0 win at Wootton Bassett Town Development, while Trowbridge Wanderers edged out Wilts Calne Town 2-1.