THE season may only be three games old for newly formed Cricklade Town, but they are already plotting their return to the Hellenic League.

After folding on the eve of the 2013-14 campaign, the club returned this summer and with several players who were plying their trade in the Southern League last term, are unsurprisingly taking the Wiltshire League by storm.

Having played three games, winning all of them, Luke Alford’s men have hit 20 goals including nine in last night’s victory over a young Malmesbury Victoria Development side, who drew with Bromham 1-1 at the weekend.

Four goals from Ben Carter, added to the four the former Purton hitman had already netted this term, a hat-trick from ex-Wantage Town man Sam Collier, who also sent a penalty sailing over the bar, and strikes from Toby Clark, who has played for Highworth Town, Hungerford Town and North Neigh, and Dave Coleman completed the 9-2 rout.

“We know that we have got a strong squad and the aim is to challenge for the title and try and get into the Hellenic League,” Alford said.

“The club were in the Hellenic League before they folded and most of the facilities are still in place.

“We are not sure what the situation is about having floodlights, but the club had permission to install floodlights four years ago.

“It is a case of talking to the league, finding out we need to do and go from there.”

Cricklade, who saw their game with reigning champions Trowbridge Town on Saturday called off as the visitors’ players were attending a wedding, are joined at the top by Wroughton.

Mark Love’s men have also won their opening three games, including last night’s 3-0 win at previously unbeaten Marlborough Town, who beat Melksham Town Reserves 5-2 on Saturday.

However, Wroughton, who saw their game with Corsham Town reserves at the weekend postponed, sit in second place as Cricklade have a superior goal difference.

Royal Wootton Bassett Reserves, who were 3-0 winners at Pewsey Vale Development on Saturday, were held by league newcomers Lydiard Millicent, who suffered a 3-1 reverse at Ludgershall Sports at the weekend, in an eight-goal thriller.

Devizes Town Reserves, who had their game with Lydiard at the weekend postponed, suffered a 4-0 defeat to Shrewton United last night.