Instant response after humiliation (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Instant response after humiliation

4:05pm Thursday 22nd December 2005 in Football

THE tears and tantrums of an 8-1 thrashing on Saturday were replaced with elation on Tuesday night as Devizes Town tore up the the form book to beat high flying Frome 2-0.

Devizes had been humiliated by mid-table Hallen on Saturday, leaving manager Nathan Sheridan furious with his team's dire performance and two unnecessary sendings off.

The boss had threatened to make wholesale changes but a lack of options saw only Steve Sartin and Mark Roberts lose their place.

But his rant had the desired effect as it was a complete turnaround from the Hallen capitulation just three days later at a packed Nursteed Road.

A delighted Sheridan said: "On Saturday I thought we were beaten before we stepped on the pitch but tonight our whole body language and character was completely different.

"The Frome manager said we were the better team and we deserved the points.

"We didn't have the extra personnel to change the team too much."

Sheridan can now look forward to the Boxing Day derby at Melksham, who won 1-0 at Bristol Manor Farm on Tuesday thanks to Gavin Eyre's 85th minute free kick, with confidence rather than trepidation.

But he admitted that he has some tough decisions to make ahead of the showdown at The Conigre.

"I have some real selection issues as I will have about 19 fit players to choose from," added the manager.

"Tonight will give us some real confidence ahead of Monday's clash."

A crowd of more than 100 were entertained to a hard fought game at Nursteed Road on Tuesday, and the fans soon had something to cheer about.

Steve Campbell, who is able to play for Devizes when not needed by Southern League outfit Yate, made a huge difference in midfield.

His presence gave confidence and composure to the youngsters around him, including his brother Gary.

Both sides had strong penalty appeals waved away, and home keeper Jez Hare made an outstanding save on the stroke of half time, before Devizes broke the deadlock ten minutes after the break.

Gary Campbell rose highest to head home his brothers free kick with some help from skipper Rob Hannah who directed the set-piece back towards the waiting scorer.' It could have been two as the in-form Jamie Mullings broke down the right with blistering pace and squared the ball to strike partner Powell but he could not provide the finish on 60 minutes.

The home side put the game beyond doubt with 15 minutes remaining when Danny Powell showed great endeavour on the right to dispossess a Frome defender.

He then laid the ball back to Steve Campbell who fired a shot across goal that was cleared off the line only as far as Mullings, who fired home from six yards.

Devizes showed true git, determination and good discipline, which has been lacking in previous games, for a great team display.

The Boxing Day clash at The Conigre kicks off at 1pm.