DEVIZES Town manager Rob Broadbank admitted his side made life difficult for themselves in their 1-0 FA Vase victory against Stockbridge on Saturday, writes JONATHAN LEIGHFIELD.

Liam Mortimer’s first-half goal put Devizes in control of this first qualifying round tie at Nursteed Road, but after several chances to put the game beyond doubt were wasted, Broadbank’s men had to hang on at the end.

As a result, Devizes have been rewarded with another home tie in the next round as they host the Isle of Wight’s Newport.

Broadbank was understandably delighted to progress in his first taste of the FA Vase as a manager, but felt it could have been a much more enjoyable experience had his players taken their opportunities to score.

He said: “It was a very good game overall – in the first half, I’d say we had the better of the play and in the second half, it was probably them to be fair.

“Being truthful, if it had ended three or 4-0 to us, that would have been a fair result.

“We had several one-on-ones which we didn’t convert, and that made it a bit edgy in the last 10 minutes. But, overall, we were pretty comfortable really.

“Hopefully we can do a few rounds and earn the club some much-needed money and have a bit of fun along the way.”

Elsewhere, fellow Toolstation Division One side Calne Town saw their Vase hopes ended in a 3-1 loss at home to Downton. Stuart Windsor was on target for the hosts.

Toolstation Premier Division sides Bradford Town and Westbury United did make progress.

Bradford earned a 7-2 success away at Solent University as Gary Higdon bagged a hat-trick, while there was one goal each for Matt Morris, Charlie Maddison, Tyson Pollard and Lewis Powell.

Westbury were 4-1 winners at Andover Town thanks to Jamie Jordan’s brace and a goal each from Ricky Hulbert and Sam Jordan.

There was also Vase progress for Hellenic League Premier Division side Royal Wootton Bassett Town as they triumphed 7-0 at Swindon New College.

Callum Parsons and Giorgio Wrona both scored hat-tricks, while Alfie Presley got the other.

Hellenic Division One West side Malmesbury Victoria were also Vase winners as they saw off Woodley United 3-0 at home.

Andy Baker scored twice for the Vics, with Shane Bumphrey getting the other.

  • CORSHAM Town were the only side with a league match at the weekend, but they went down 1-0 at Oldland Abbotonians in Toolstation League Division One.