GARY Higdon scored a hat-trick as Corsham Town beat Wiltshire rivals Devizes Town 4-3 in the Western League's return to action on Saturday.

Devizes belied their position in the league with a spirited performance under their new management team and made Corsham dig deep for the result.

Devizes started brightly, taking the lead early on, though Corsham equalised before the break when a cross from Dan King was turned into the net off a defender.

After half-time, Devizes regained the lead following some sloppy defending before Higdon got his first to equalise again for Corsham.

Devizes 'keeper Martin Mitchell produced some good saves throughout the game and he was ably assisted by good defensive play, with at least two clearances off the line.

Eventually though, Higdon put Corsham ahead, but back came Devizes, netting with a free-kick.

Kieran Baggs' team were not to be denied, however, as Higdon completed his hat-trick just before the final whistle.

Corsham boss, Baggs said in his post-match interview: “We got away with it today. We were well below par and Devizes, particularly their front two, gave us lots of trouble.

"I’d like to thank Higs (Gary Higdon) for his contribution today in getting the three points, and we go into our Boxing Day game at Warminster, which again will be a very tough encounter.”

Elsewhere, Calne Town won their Wiltshire derby against Warminster Town 3-2.