PRIOR to their trip to Hilperton United, the only league defeat of the season to date for Bradford United had come at the hands of their hosts who followed up their 3-1 triumph in October with a thumping 8-1 romp over their guests to send them crashing out of the Knockout Cup.

Bradford's visit to Whaddon Lane was too be third time lucky as a 2-1 ended their hoodoo and their victory over Tony Stevens' side, coupled with a defeat for Castle Combe, catapulted Anthony Ottavanio’s side to the top of the table.

Bradford made an early breakthrough as they flew out of the traps, Ryan Mortimer heading them in front, when he finished well after the Hilperton keeper parried Richie Bliha’s whipped in free kick in his direction.

Bliha was at the heart of Bradford’s second, another corner cause confusion in the Hilperton box eventually be turned into his own net by Jason Rose.

Bradford continued to pepper the Hilperton goal in the second half with both Bliha and Nick Gerrish being denied by the woodwork.

Sam Stevens reduced the arrears for Hilperton on 70 minutes but it was never enough to save his team from back-to-back defeats as Bradford’s defence held firm to claim maximum points to help their title challenge.

Leaders Castle Combe found North Bradley at their best, a disciplined performance from Ben Howe’s side seing them thump their guests who finished with nine men 9-0.

Bradley went three up front for the game and the move proved to be very productive as Dan Dominy’s first-half hat-trick set the way for a second-half onslaught. John Baker made it 4-0 before substitute Steve Jackson added goal five and six. Scott Askew came off the bench to score Bradley’s seventh.

Combe were reduced to 10 men when they lost player-manger Robbie Burton to a straight red card.

Askew’s second of the afternoon took it to 8-0 shortly before Clint Couzens second yellow of the game consigned him to an early bath.

Ollie Howe headed in from a corner to finish the scoring for a rampant Bradley side who remain in the title hunt but must hope Freshford or Bradford slip up if they are to have a real chance of finishing top of the pile.

Warminster Town Reserves, fresh from their excellent 3-1 victory over Hilperton United last weekend, picked up where they left off, claiming a league double over Semington Magpies who they defeated 4-1.

Chris Berrelly got Magpies off to a flying start when he netted early on, but although they led 1-0 at the break a fine second-half showing from Warminster saw them level through Craig Sheppard.

A second from Sheppard put his team ahead with goals from James Lindsey and James Collett wrapping up victory for the visitors to Little Marsh.