Radstock Town 2, Calne Town 1 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Radstock Town 2, Calne Town 1

4:19pm Thursday 4th May 2006 in Football

EVEN after a 2-1 defeat by Radstock on Saturday Calne can be justifiably proud of their highest ever league position of fifth.

Saturday's game started impressively and Calne's defence was breached after only 15 minutes when James Billings headed a long ball across goal, for Craig Bryant to force home at close range.

Almost straight after, Calne's, Kevin Banks booted the ball off the line, following another Danny Boys cross, which caused chaos in the Calne box.

Calne quickly found their rhythm after this set back and when they got the ball forward quickly, Owen Bryan and Gary Banks caused the Radstock defence some serious problems.

On 35 minutes Bryan chased down a Kevin Banks through ball, turned his marker in an instant and crossed for Gary Banks to power an unstoppable header past the Radstock keeper.

Just before half time, Radstock almost matched the lead when Billings again showed his aerial prowess. However, this time Calne stopper Steve Allison brilliantly turned away his goalbound header.

But, early in the second half when Boys arrowed in another back post corner kick, Billings again rose highest and this time beat Allison with a looping header back across goal.

Calne responded with an admirable abandon, as at times only two defenders were left at the back, and on 66 minutes, when Simon Gardner broke forward and crossed, Robbie Lardner ushered the ball goalward.

However, keeper Purnell gathered at full stretch.

In the last ten minutes, Radstock defended desperately and deep into injury time, Bryan escaped down the right and crossed to Matt Messenger whose close range header on target was blocked by the nose of the retreating defender and flew to safety over the cross bar.

• Calne defeated Devizes Town 4-0 last Wednesday in the Premier Division at Nursteed Road.