CRICKLADE kept their slim Wiltshire Premier title hopes alive with a 6-2 victory over Melksham.

Cricklade found themeselves a goal down midway through the first half but the goal stung them into action and they were soon on top to go in at the break with a 3-1 lead.

The visitors pulled a goal back soon after the restart but their joy was shortlived as the home side struck with three more second half goals.

Ben Leach and James Etough netted for Melksham with Matt Charlton and Martin Swaddon on target with two apiece, Neil Fisher and Stephen Read completing the scoring.

New College also kept their faint hopes alive with a comfortable 3-1 win over Westbury United.

Scott Lane put the College in front from the penalty spot and Terry Bohane got on the end of a good cross to head in a second.

The same player added a third with a cracking left footer from 25 yards.

The visitors scored a consolation with a late strike from Mark Lanfear.

College boss Pete Horwat was pleased with the way his side played but not too happy about the goal they conceded near the end.

He said: "It was a sloppy goal to give away due to a lack of concentration on the lads' part.

"Still, I must admit they played some good football at times and fully deserved the points."

AFC Stratton lost their third league game on the trot when they were beaten 2-0 at Marlborough.

Tom Etheridge ran through to score a neat individual goal and added a deflected second.

Title favourites Corsham regained pole position in the table following their 6-0 win over Pewsey Vale.

Adam Taylor, Frankie Coleman, in his first game back from injury, and James Lyons all scoring two goals apiece.

Corsham boss Tom Dryden said: "I don't like to single players out for praise but U18 defender Max Sparrow together with Tom Bond deserve a mention I thought they were outstanding."

Bottom-of-the-table Purton kept Calne on their toes before the visitors eventually ran out 3-1 winners to keep in the hunt for honours. Darren Legg got Calne off to a great start, scoring twice in the first ten minutes.

The Red House side fought back well and denied Calne any further goals until a strike by Mark Sharratt on 75 minutes. Purton scored a consolation through John Davies in the last five minutes.

Visitors Warminster Town beat Malmesbury Vics 4-1, scoring all five goals in the process. Graham Russell scored at both ends with other goals coming from Simon Mead (2) and Jason Guy. Bromham and Shrewton shared the points in a 2-2 draw.

In Junior Division One, Swindon Asians completed the double over leaders Down Ampney, running out winners 3-1 Martin Johnson (2) and Errol Williams for the home side and Rory Sporle scoring a late goal for Ampney.

AFC Stratton Reserves did everything but score against West Swindon who snatched victory with the only goal of the game. Blyskawica lost 2-1 at home to Aldbourne and goals from Craig Green, Greg Payne, Nick Grifiths and Adam Lincoln gave Blunsdon United a 4-0 win at Stratton.