MANAGER Dave Ferris believes that there is sizeable work to be done at Calne Town but hopes that a future-focussed approach will pay dividends at Bremhill View.

After leaving Chippenham Park, Ferris took over as Calne boss in November and steadying the ship has proven a tricky task, with the Lilywhites continuing to struggle near the lower reaches of the Toolstation League First Division.

However, with Ferris doing his utmost to integrate as many young players as possible into the first-team picture at Calne, he is optimistic that the future is bright.

“It has been a challenge and it has been about making sure that we could put a side out to fulfil our fixtures, which was a real problem at one point due to play availability,” said Ferris.

“The club have brought the U18s, the reserves (Wilts Calne Town) and the first team closer together and we’ve got a lot of young players involved now.

“We’ve got a youth policy and I think that we’re really looking forward to pre-season and next season.

“My aim is to have a team of players that all work together rather than 11 individuals.

“Calne were struggling when I came in, and we’re still struggling – results haven’t been good but some of the performances have been quite rewarding.

“I’ve found the fitness levels haven’t quite been where you’d want them to be and as a result, we’re playing well in the first half of games and then fading against other teams that are a lot fitter.”

Calne endured a punishing afternoon as they were thrashed 6-0 at Malmesbury Victoria last weekend.

Sam Jenner and Jon Bazley got the Vics up and running before Sam Parker helped himself to a hat-trick before half-time.

Parker was on target again after the break to complete his four-goal haul and while young Calne goalie Cameron Shipway saved a Gareth Jones penalty, Ferris’ side also ended the match with nine men, with both Matt Jenkins and Neurin Jones – formerly the Lilywhites’ player-manager – both picking up second yellow cards.

Calne were due to host more Wiltshire opposition in the form of Warminster Town last night.

Elsewhere, Devizes Town bounced back to winning ways following their 9-2 demolition at the hands of Almondsbury UWE with a fine 1-0 win over Ashton & Backwell United, Jake Roberts grabbing the only goal of the game.

In-form Park racked up a fifth win in a row by beating Roman Glass St George 2-1, Lewis McCarron notching a 93rd-minute winner after Ryan Tyrell’s earlier penalty.

However, Corsham Town were undone by a goal in the 93rd minute in their 3-2 loss at Westbury United, Josh Bright and Jamie Morris’ strikes proving in vain.