MELSKHAM Town A stretched their lead at the top of the Trowbridge Windows-sponsored Trowbridge and District League Division One to nine points with victory over nearest challengers Luxol St Andrews.

With both teams going into their top-of-the-table clash unbeaten, a 2-1 win saw Melksham come out on top and hand themselves the advantage in the title race.

Melksham who drew first blood when Graham Griffiths pounced on a defensive error to give Dave Jenkins’ side the lead.

Griffiths was on hand again as he made the most of another defensive error to double both his and Melksham’s tally before half-time. Luxol got themselves back in the game in the second half when Josh Hard scored a penalty and although they thought they should have been awarded another spot-kick, the Lacock side were unable to conjure up an equaliser.

At the foot of the table, relegation-threatened Heytesbury and Westbury United Reserves were involved in a battle of their own as they desperately searched for a much-needed three points but the two teams were forced to settle for a draw.

Brandon Thompson early opener for Westbury was cancelled out when James Cox turned into his own net but the former regained their lead through Nathan Hallett-Young.

Heytesbury had captain Kyle Edwards sent off but fought back to make it 2-2, Ollie Nash heading in the equaliser.

A 3-2 victory for Hilperton United at home to Warminster Town Reserves saw the two teams change places in the table.

A Liam Flowers own goal and a 20-yard wonder strike from James Clifford gave Hilperton, who moved up to fourth, a 2-0 interval lead. Matt Dyer and a Kieran Fereday own goal got Warminster level but Hilperton bagged all three points thanks to a second from Clifford.

Neither Stockton & Codford or Semington Magpies were able to force an opening in the first 45 minutes of their encounter but the hosts took their chances in the second period and claimed a 3-0 victory courtesy of goals from Jason Povey, Nick Sleeman and Ashley Caws.

Westbury Town will have to wait in their bid to secure first division football for next season after drawing 1-1 with Trowbridge Town Reserves.

Westbury manager Bobby Cunningham had to play in goal for his team and saw Dale Rowland’s header cancel out a goal from Trowbridge’s Saul Johnson.