Chippenham Sunday League September 24 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Chippenham Sunday League September 24

6:25am Monday 25th September 2006 in Football By Gazette Sport Reporter

Eric Hughes Memorial Cup

Defending Presstoprint-sponsored Eric Hughes Memorial Knockout Cup holders Foresters Arms (formerly Parsons Nose) have crashed out of this season's competition at the very first hurdle.

Foresters who were in division two when they won the cup back in April after they beat Biddestone Social 2-0 were unable to repeat their giant killing acts of last term which saw them dispose of five top flight teams on their way to cup glory.

Foresters now in division one were drawn at home to premiership side Box Rovers, but since winning the cup Foresters have lost the services of their keeper Gareth Evans, defender Sean Mear, star midfielder Craig Townsend and top scorer Mark James and against Box the loss of these players showed as the visitors to Awdrey Avenue won 4-1 to claim their first victory of the season and end Foresters hopes of another good cup run before it had even began. Warren Jones and Jason Walsh put Box 2 up before Steve Pegler halved the deficit, further goals in the second half from Jones and Walsh made sure Rovers wrapped up their triumph with ease.

Last term's losing finalists Biddestone Social coasted home winning 15-1 against The Horse and Groom who in spite of playing the whole game with 10 players never gave up and were very sporting in their defeat.

Gary Banks returned from injury to hit 4 of Biddy's goals, John O'Meara and Danny Jones both struck hat tricks, with O'Meara's 3rd being a 30 yard net buster. Mike Few 2, Will Edwards, Rob Pocock and Gary Blackwood with his first goal for the Social completed the rout. The Horse's consolation came from Chris Fenwick who scored with a spectacular lob from 18 yards.

Both first division North Star A and division four newcomers AFC Bell who are managed by Craig Townsend who scored for Parsons Nose in last terms cup final, had the easiest of passages into the second round which they reached without kicking a ball.

Star knew weeks ago that they had made it through after the resignation of Corsham Cricket Club gave them a walkover.

Christian Malford's inability to raise a team means that AFC Bell will be joined by three other representatives from division four to make it into the second round draw after Churchill Arms, AFC Melksham and Little George upset the form book in a first round that was littered with shocks.

Churchill Arms had their finest hour since joining the league when they fought back from a goal down to beat first division Chippenham Sports & Social Club 3-1.

Churchill, who had to field striker Myles Hickton between the posts, fell behind to a Mike Cassidy effort, but three goals in the last half hour from Alan Jones who scored twice and Shaun Warren earned Churchill an unexpected win.

AFC Melksham beat third division Pack Horse Rangers 2-0. After a goalless first 45 minutes the game could have gone either way, but it was Melksham who made the breakthrough via Dan Rimmer and when Andy Harrison struck Melksham's second the win was wrapped up.

Little George recorded one of the best wins of the day by beating first division Atworth United.

Scott Boyd's opener for Atworth was wiped out by Tom Jones who made it 1-1. Jones hit the right notes again as he scored to put George 2-1 ahead after picking up a great pass from Steve Healy. Ben Husband made it 3-1 before the interval and he added a 4th in the second period to seal his teams famous victory. Laurence Brill, who was making his debut for United after signing from AFC Melksham, hit a late consolation when he crashed home a long range free kick.

Second division Pig & Whistle United claimed the biggest scalp of the day when they outshone top flight Holt FC.

Holt took an early lead courtesy of an injured Tom Pang's penalty. United fashioned an equaliser just before the break which was scored by Gareth Evans. The second half belong to United and in particular Leigh Stevenson who ran the show as he turned on the style and scored both second half goals for his team to earn them revenge over a Holt team who had hammered them 7-0 in last terms competition.

Third division, White Hart Combe caused a shock when they sent the top flight's bottom club Trowbridge Harriers packing.

James Stone lobbed Combe ahead, Harriers responded quickly with a goal from Kevin Bull which tied the scores and one from Sacha Morgan which saw them lead, however three quick goals before the break from Venroy Cross, Stone and Lee Fernandez gave the initiative back to Combe.

Mikey Spong pulled another goal back for Harriers before injuries to Marco Woods and John Baker forced a reshuffle and from then on Combe took control with Fernandez rasping home a beauty from the edge of the box and Rob Preston heading home from a corner and this came after Harriers had put through their own net.

Paul Clifford's well taken first half header was enough to give third division Biddestone White Horse a 1-0 win over third division table toppers AFC Calne for whom it was their first loss of the season.

Second Division's joint leaders Rowde kept up their good early season form as they beat division three's Blue Circle (Sunday) 4-3.

Goals from Marcus Wallen, Nathan Moffett and Rob Mitchell had put Rowde 3-1 up at the interval with Dan Cox scoring for the cement boys. Rowde were disjointed in the second period, and although Darren Griffin added a fourth for the villagers which turned out to be the winner they allowed Blue Circle to get back into the game and goals from Neil Watts and Steve Martin made for an interesting finale which saw the villagers hold out and put their name into the hat for the second round draw.

After beating Winsley in last week's preliminary round, Southwick Sports reward for their giant killing exploits was a tie away to third division leaders The Southgate Inn.

They lost 8-3 and the prolific David Lloyd led the way with four, Stuart Skinner bagged three with Dave Hopkins adding the eighth Gary Rice, Sam Simpson and Lee Ashman goals made little impact for Southwick against a Southgate side who have the credentials to make it to the final four.

Fourth division Bromham (Sunday) gave a great account of themselves before losing 2-1 at home to Trowbridge-based Ship FC. The Ship had to come from behind to beat Bromham after Jim Sandiford had put the underdogs one up when he slotted home from 12 yards after good work from both Dan Fennell and Freddie Paget. Scott Cunningham netted Ship's equaliser and the second division outfit sealed their win in the dying seconds when Mark Townsend headed home a Dave Appleyard corner.

Premier division Bradford News progressed into the next round by virtue of a 4-1 win over division one's Potterne FC.

The first half hour of the game was fairly even with both sides having chances. Bradford broke the deadlock on the 32nd minute, when Russell Francis fired in a cross from the left which Jason Povey superbly volleyed into the back of the net.

The newsmen had to wait until 15 minutes from time before adding a second which saw Nathan Olasz's speculative shot bounce wickedly before ending up in the net Potterne fought back and were rewarded on 79 minutes, when Jonathan Emm picked up the ball in the box, side stepped his marker to send a low shot into the bottom corner past the outstretched hand of Charlie Hayden.

The newsmen who had worked hard against their lively opposition weren't prepared to throw away their slender lead an on 81minutes Russell Francis converted from the penalty spot to make it 3-1. The game was settled in the 92nd minute when Jason Povey who had started the scoring completed it with his second of the game and his teams 4th which gave them their first win of the campaign and leaves the losers still looking for their first.

Third division Chippenham United RAOB needed extra time before ending the hopes of first division basement club Chippenham Police who can't seem to buy a win at the moment.

Jason Roberts, Julian Kirby and Nathan Beck scored for the boys in blue in normal time to match the goals scored by United's Martin Riddell, Ben Smith and Joe Johnson which saw the scored locked at 3-3. Darren Tubbs hit the only goal in extra time that gave United a 4-3 win.

Premier division sides Dog & Fox Ashley, Sherston Town and Corsham Centre all booked their places in round two with easy victories over respective opponents Corsham Park Rangers, Corsham United and The Crown Devizes. Dog & Fox beat Corsham Park 6-2 and being 5-0 at the break it looked as if they would reach double figures but Rangers may take some heart from the game as they can claim a second half success which saw them out score the Dog by 2 goals to 1.

Steve Roddy opened the scoring for The Dog, Dom Khaekphoj, Dan Cottrell, Steve Latham and another Roddy goal saw them dominate the first 45 minutes. Rangers hit back after the break with a brace from substitute Zach Scully but it was to no avail as Khaekphoj completed the Dog's half dozen.

Corsham Centre hit 12 past The Crown Devizes who held could only manage 1 in reply. The Crown held the cup winners of 2005 for 25 minutes, then Tim Jefferies hit the first of his 3 goals which was cancelled out immediately by Paul Revening who tied the game at 1-1.

The Centre retook the lead almost from kick off when a number of intricate one twos involving Scott Lye resulted in the afore named player making it 2-1 with a crisp finish. From then on the floodgates opened and the Centre scored at will with James Lye adding four, Matthew Ralph two, Liam Ralph and Russell Gibbings shared the others.

The pick of the goals was a fine looping header from Liam Ralph and one from the prolific James Lye who seems to back to his best after illness forced him to miss the latter part of last season.

Sherston Town went one better than the Centre, as they defeated fourth division Corsham United 13-1.

Tom Byrne and Dan Price claimed three each, Ed Wilkins, Ben Munns and Gavin Thompson netted two each while Andy Wicks scored a single. United's consolation came from Aaron Jones.

Highest individual scorer of the day was the Sir Audley's Arms Luke Gullick who hit the bull's eye seven times in his team's 11-2 victory over White Horse FC.

Steve Mallard, Kieren Smith, Adam O'Keefe and Glen Gray for who it was his first goal for the club were the Arms other goal getters. Andy Field's second goal in as many games and Chris Putt's first goal were the club were the Horse's consolations.

Fourth division The Crown and third division Wheatsheaf were involved in an absorbing duel at Green Lane, Devizes that needed extra time before producing a winner.

After the 90 minutes had ended 3-3 Wheatsheaf went on the rampage and ran out 9-4 victors. Richard Boden put Wheatsheaf in front with a fantastic overhead kick. Dean Potter restored parity but Chris Long's pinpoint head swung the tie back in favour of Wheatsheaf.

Nick Buckle's first goal for The Crown bought the scores level only for Rob Lymath to regain the advantage for the visitors when he knocked home the rebound after Graham Neale's shot was parried into his path. Buckle's second of the game to the match into added time and although Potter scored another for the Crown it wasn't to be enough as Wheatsheaf went goal crazy with Long scoring two more to complete a treble. Olly Parfitt, Rex Jacket, Jason O'Sullivan's deflected drive and another from Boden saw Wheatsheaf to an incredible win.

First division FC Colerne proved too strong for division four Chippenham West End Club who lost 9-0.

Charlie Spirrell and Jamie Bowler joined in the goal fest with 3 each, Ryan Wilcox, Mike Bowler and Jake Jefferies also joined in the fun with 1 each. Full marks must go to the West End's Tam Laidlaw who stepped in the referee the game.

Cooper Avon won their all division three clash against Somerford who had a Chris Yeo goal as their only consolation after they were hammered 8-1, the tyremen had the game won in the first 45 minutes after they had built up a 5-0 advantage. Simon Gillett, two, James Ponsford, two, Shane Thornton, Adam Gainey, Dave Macey and Graham Griffiths all hit the target.

Second division, FC Bradford and top flight side Spencer Sports finished the game with ten players after they each had a man sent off in the last five minutes.

Bradford lost Jake Jordan while Spencer lost Dan King who had earlier scored one of Spencer's goals in their 5-0 success. Ben Grinham put Spencer's in front before Paul Eames ran from his own half and majestically waltzed through Bradford's defence and into the area before firing home rare strike with his left foot to make it 2-0. Ralph Plummer and James Eatough also found the mark for the winners.

With a number of players away in Dublin, Hullavington could only field 10 players for their clash with first division rivals Semington Rovers who triumphed 8-2.

Rovers were struggling themselves for numbers and had to play Luke Tallintire in goal for the first half before Allan Clarke replaced him in the second period, Tallintire then stunned everyone by scoring Rovers sixth goal. Stuart Barber three, Kelvin Lockwood, Stuart Donohoe, Bobby Mitchell and John Sudders with his first goal for the club made sure Rovers made it to the final 32.

Andrew Waller and Liam Bailey replied for Hullavington.

Scott Askew followed up his seven-goal haul for his Saturday side North Bradley Saints, with five goals for Kings Arms (Trowbridge), who beat Fascia Graphics 6-2.

Askew could have had six but he missed from the penalty spot, so when they were awarded another spot kick after Dan Jeary had deliberately handled on the line he was relived of his kicking duties and the ball honour was given to Adam Glover who made no mistake from 12 yards. Steve Harvey and Gary Rouse bagged Fascia's consolations.

The division four's bottom club Rising Sun had only scored two goals all season to date but they scored three in one game against first division Kingfisher, however they couldn't prevent the Riser from losing 7-3.

Wayne Johnson scored two fantastic free kick for the beaten Devizes based team, one from 35 yards and the other from 18, Chris Walker scored the 3rd. Marcus Young returned to the scoresheet for the Chippenham based Kingfisher side with a brace, new signing Steve Carlwither also hit two while Alan Farnish, Luke Stoneham and Ben Thomas netted 1 apiece to make up the seven.

It was Westbury Rangers A verses Westbury Rangers B at Meadow Lane and it came as little surprise that the A team emerged victorious by virtue of the 6-1 success.

Tim Coombes struck twice, with and own goal and singles from Pete Ayton, Marc Lanfear and youngster Sam McQueen making up the half dozen, the B teams reply came from Mark Young.

Maud Heath Sports overcame a potential banana skin by beating Sutton Benger 3-1, Dave Herring and a Darren Holcombe penalty put Sports 2 up before their lead was halved by Chris Miles. Another spot kick this time successfully converted by Chris King gave the Sports a safe passage to round two.

Division One, leaders North Bradley maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 5-1 victory over Wanderers, Bradley who scored in the 1st minute through Tim Richards had threatened to walk away with the game but some good defending from Wanderers back four denied Bradley a hatful of goals.

Stuart Powell, Neil Maidment, Chris Gale and another from Richards late on accounted for Bradley knapp hand, Wanderers consolation came via Stuart Farr who netted seven minutes from time.

With Old Road Tavern's pitch at Sutton Benger doubled booked they agreed with opponents Biddestone Arms to switch the game to their Cuttle Lane pitch and although the game kick off late both teams deserve praise for getting the match played. Biddestone won the game 4-1 with Andy Davis scoring a hat trick after Richard Chaffey had put them in front. Dan Belt was Tavern's lone scorer.

AFC Pilot hit six without reply against North Star B and it was old boy Chris Bishop who outshone new signings Mark James, Sean Mear and Matty Bright. Bishop scored four, the pick of his quartet was an excellent looping header. Martin Williams and James also found the net for Tony Couch's side who he believes will be the top side in Melksham in a couple of years time.

British Lion OC were among the goals for a second successive week, they followed up last weekend's 7-6 win over Ship FC with an 8-3 victory over fourth division Trowbridge Town Supporters Club.

Andrew Webster scored five for the second division club, with Luke Honeyball, Luke Enderby and John Stockman scoring one each. Peter Barby replied with both goals for the Town.

Results for September 24

Auto Business Solutions Ltd, Chippenham Sunday League: Eric Hughes Memorial Knockout Cup (sponsored by presstoprint) First Round, Biddestone Social 15, The Horse & Groom 1; Biddestone White Horse FC 1, AFC Calne 0; Blue Circle (Sunday) 3, Rowde 4; Bradford News 4, Potterne 1; British Lion OC 8, Trowbridge Town Supporters Club 2; Bromham (Sunday) 1, The Ship 2; Chippenham Sports & Social Club 1, Churchill Arms 3; Chippenham United RAOB (3)4, Chippenham Police (3)3 aet; Chippenham West End Club 0, FC Colerne 9; Christian Malford v AFC Bell walkover to Christian Malford; Cooper Avon 8, Somerford 2; Dog & Fox Ashley 6, Corsham Park Rangers 2; FC Bradford 0, Spencer Sports 5; Foresters Arms 1, Box Rovers 4; Hullavington 2, Semington Rovers 8; Kingfisher 7, The Rising Sun 3; Kings Arms (Trowbridge) 6, Fascia Graphics 2; Little George 4, Atworth United 2; Maud Heath Sports 3, Sutton Benger 1; North Bradley 5, Wanderers 1; North Star A v Corsham Cricket Club walkover to North Star A; North Star B 0, AFC Pilot 6; Old Road Tavern 1, Biddestone Arms 4; Pack Horse Rangers 0, AFC Melksham 2; Pig & Whistle United 3, Holt 1; Sherston Town 13, Corsham United 1; The Crown FC (3)4, Wheatsheaf (3)9 aet; The Crown Devizes 1, Corsham Centre 12; The Southgate Inn 8, Southwick Sports 3; Westbury Rangers A 6, Westbury Rangers B 1; White Hart Combe 7, Trowbridge Harriers 3.

Fixtures for October 1

Auto Business Solutions Ltd, Chippenham Sunday League: Premier Division, Biddestone Social v Sherston Town ; Corsham Centre v Spencer Sports ; Holt v Bradford News ; Maud Heath Sports v Trowbridge Harriers ; Division One, Chippenham Sports & Social Club v Potterne ; Christian Malford v Kingfisher ; FC Colerne v Hullavington ; Foresters Arms v Semington Rovers ; North Star A v Atworth United ; Division Two, AFC Calne v Fascia Graphics ; British Lion OC v Pig & Whistle United ; FC Bradford v Rowde ; Southwick Sports v Sutton Benger ; The Horse & Groom v White Horse ; Division Three, AFC Pilot v Wheatsheaf ; Blue Circle (Sunday) v Chippenham United RAOB ; Cooper Avon v Westbury Rangers B ; Pack horse Rangers v Corsham Park Rangers ; Somerford v The Southgate Inn ; White Hart Combe v Sir Audley's Arms ; Division Four, Chippenham West End Club v Little George ; Corsham United v North Star B ; The Crown v AFC Bell ; The Rising Sun v Bromham (Sunday) ; Wanderers v Old Road Tavern. All matches kick-off at 10.45am.