WITH both Trowbridge Wanderers Reserves and FC Northbridge fighting for their second division survival the teams went head to head in a crucial relegation six-pointer.

Northbridge suffered a 5-1 loss that leaves them rooted to the foot of the table four points adrift of Holt and six points from safety and needing a miracle to avoid the drop to Division Three with just three games to save their season.

Northbridge played their part in what was an entertaining game and they did really well to stay with Wanderers, who were able to give a few of their first team players a run out in what was one of their biggest challenges for a while.

Gavin Francis saw his opener for Wanderers cancelled out by Tom A’Court who was on hand to head home on 41 minutes after Wanderers keeper Liam Newble had brilliantly kept out a Kye Leather effort.

Wanderers regained the lead on the stroke of half time through Mark Reynolds and things went in their favour five minutes into the second half when Northbridge had Gary Williamson sent off for a second yellow card.

Trowbridge Wanderers made full use of their numerical advantage and took a 3-1 lead courtesy of Jason Cole.

Nigel Penelhum added number four before Dan Mercer bagged the final goal of the game that looks likely to secure Jake Wayman’s their second division status for another season at least.

Bratton 4 Calne Eagles 0

MID-TABLE Bratton eased past Calne Eagles with a worthy 4-0 home win.

However, at half time there was little indication of the final scoreline.

The first half was a tight affair with both sides showing plenty of guile and determination.

Bratton goalkeeper Luke Dalton made two good saves from Adam Bewley and Stuart Windsor respectively, while at the other end Eagles’ keeper Andy Windsor made a great reaction save to deny Darren Clements.

Bratton opened the scoring moments before the half time whistle, when good work down the right wing from Shane Newman set up Darren Clements who finished in fine style from 14 yards out.

In the second the half Calne’s attacking play became one dimensional.

Consequently, Bratton slowly started to control the game.

Calne still defended stubbornly but it seemed only a matter of time before Bratton’s superior knowhow in possession would begin creating chances.

They doubled the score with 25 minutes remaining when Gary Davies’ shot from just outside the box took two deflections on its way into the back of the net, leaving Andy Windsor in goal no chance.

Calne brought on big target man Brett Cullen and for a brief period they rallied, creating a few good chances to get back into the game.

Centre back Roy Wenham headed a corner against the crossbar and Brett Cullen was unable to find the net with the rebound shooting narrowly over the bar. Cullen also had another good opportunity soon after but snatched at his shot, which presented Luke Dalton with an easy save.

In the last five minutes Bratton secured the points with goals through substitute Jack Lenaghan who, on his debut, curled home a 35 yard stunner and Shane Newman, who scored from a corner kick in the very last minute.

Warminster Town Reserves 7 Holt 1

WARMINSTER Town Reserves kept their hopes of a top three finish alive after taking maximum points from their game with lowly Holt who they beat 7-1.

Warminster included six 16 year olds in their side and it was one of those youngsters who stole the show.

Matthew Dyer had a superb game scoring the opener for Warminster and then making it 2-0 before Shaun Sheppard who also had a game to remember added number three.

Dyer completed a first-half treble which gave the hosts a 4-0 half-time lead.

The second half was bossed by Warminster who added three more goals.

Shaun Sheppard added to his first half effort to wrap up the second three timer of the game.

The mercurial Stuart Faint came off the bench to score Holt’s consolation before Phil Curtis scored the final goal of the game for the hosts, who are now on level points with Worton & Cheverell with a game in hand.

MATCHES OFF: Heytesbury v Boomsbury, North Bradley v Worton & Cheverell

TROWBRIDGE & DISTRICT LEAGUE ROUNDUP, STATS AND PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @gazsport and @WTSport