Weekend wash-out – again (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Weekend wash-out – again

10:35am Monday 26th February 2007 in Football

The Wiltshire League fixture list took another hammering again at the weekend when the heavy over-night rain caused almost half the scheduled programme to be abandoned due to waterlogged pitches.

Just three matches got the go ahead in the Premier Division, with Wroughton the section's highest scorers with a 5-0 win at Bromham.

The home side's officials worked hard to get the game on but unfortunately for them found their Swindon visitors in a goal-hungry mood.

Barry Dickens opened the scoring after 10 minutes, adding the finishing touch to a low cross into the box.

The visitors added a second shortly after when John Dart latched onto a good pass to slot past the home keeper, and just before the break Tom Steptoe made it 3-0, beating a couple of defenders in the box before slipping the ball past the exposed Bromham keeper.

The visitors continued on top in the second half with Craig Roberts adding a fourth and Stuart Temple completing the scoring in the last minute.

Wroughton boss Mark Love said: "We were fortunate to get a game - the pitch was a bit heavy but fair play to the home side for getting the game on.

"Our lads adapted well and it was a good result for us."

Marlborough Town gained a 3-0 win over Purton Reserves, much to the delight of Town boss Adam Wainwright who played in midfield together with club stalwart Richard Jackson.

He said: "We have had a lean spell and confidence was a bit low so I thought a bit of experience in midfield could put us right and it worked out well."

The home side had the better of the opening exchanges and took the lead on 20 minutes when a good ball into the box found Dean Hughes who found the net from close range.

Just before the break Robin Simpson doubled the score, getting behind the visitors defence to send a 20-yarder into the top corner of the net to give his side a two-goal cushion at the break.

Marlborough continued to have the edge in the second half and added a third with a looping far-post header from Steve Dean. In the only other game played in the section, Calne Town accounted for visitors Malmesbury Vics 3-0.

Despite playing their first game for four weeks, Calne looked the much sharper side in the opening exchanges and took the lead when a corner was flicked on at the near post for Darren Legg to head in from close range.

Soon after the start of the second half they added a second when a good cross found Mark Dolman who planted a firm header past the Vics keeper.

Ben Trafford then added his name to the score sheet, scoring with another good header in the closing stages.

In Division One, Marlborough Town Reserves ensured a good day for the club with a 2-0 away win over Aldbourne, John Burton and Tom Walbridge scoring a goal in each half.

AFC Castrol gained ground on leaders Pinehurst OB with a 6-0 win at Castle Combe thanks to a hat-trick from Stuart Phillips, two from Gareth Parry and one from Paul O'Connell.

Minety moved into third spot following their 6-0 win over AFC Rodbourne, and goals from Gavin Ferris (3), Anthony Snoddy, Stuart Greatwood, Liam Brown and Ryan Tyrrell gave Biddestone a 7-1 win over Westlecot United.

Division Two leaders Lower Stratton beat FC Chippenham 3-2 with goals from Gavin Kay, Rich Baker and an own goal.

Stratton Juniors reached double figures against visitors Bromham Reserves, running out 11-2 winners with four goals from Tom Price, two each from Simon Dyminski, Richard Wells and Richard Bruce and one from Adam Storer.

Wroughton Reserves beat Westlecott Reserves 7-2, James Hern (4), Wayne Taylor, Rich Saunders and Ian Lennard scoring, and CHQ United beat Westside Reserves 5-3 - Lewis Bryant, Lucian Cox and Michael Parry netting for the Swindon side.

Pat O'Driscoll was supposed to have been in charge of Division One side Stratton Rovers for the last time before handing the reins over to new boss Mike Hartley.

However, their match with Blunsdon was called off, but the Reserve side was in action beating Dynamo CDR 3-0 with a diving header from Steve Townsend, and strikes from Craig Hogg and Daniel Marrich.

"I'm not leaving the club, I will continue as chairman, help with fund-raising and driving the club forward," said outgoing O'Driscoll.

"I have got a lot of business commitments at the moment and can't spend the time needed to run the side, I'm not ruling out a return at one stage but the team will be in the capable hands of Mike Hartley and I am sure he will do a good job."