WITH FC North Wiltshire heavily tipped for promotion and Crossblades currently faltering in the depths of Division Four, Sunday morning’s clash at Leafy Lane was set to be a David v Goliath affair.

Sadly for Crossblades, they were unable to slay their opponents and North Wilts ran out 6-1 winners.

Last season it was Crossblades who had the upper hand over their opponents, winning two of their three meetings.

But from the kick off, Crossblades struggled to get into the game as their hosts never rarely had to get out of second gear.

Stuart Donnelly, Simon Gray and Ross Lye were given plenty of time on the ball and were able to spread the ball all over the pitch with ease by dominating the midfield.

With all the ball and attacking prowess it was only a matter of time before John Hampshire's goal was breached.

Squire and Booth were full of energy for the Blades, never giving up and proving once again that their spirit is invaluable to the team.

As the half progressed Simon Gray was showing what a fantastic player he is, with some phenomenal passing and some outstanding attacking play.

Very soon Crossblades found themselves 2-0 down, Dan Gilbert scoring early on with a left-footed volley at the back post and Simon Gray scoring a second on the half hour mark.

Almost immediately things got worse for the battle scarred blades when more nifty footwork and defensive errors enabled North Wilts to capitalise and score a third when Gilbert headed superbly past a helpless Hampshire.

Crossblades weren't without their own chances. Carl Gilbert made space for himself and tested Mark Salen with a fierce drive but the keeper was equal to the shot.

Carl Jacobi was starved of service and with no one feeding him the big man grew more and more frustrated, dropping in to a central midfield in the hope of getting more ball.

Just before half time, a long ball over Captain Tim Chilton found Daniel Gilbert and his simple tap in saw North Wilts go in at the break 4-0 to the good and in control.

A rousing team talk from Chilton brought the Blades out firing in the second half.

Chilton, Liam Matthews and Taylor Worthy were outstanding in the second half, heading and tackling as if their lives depended on it. The attitude of these warriors was infectious, and suddenly the fight was evident throughout the side.

Jimmy Squire was chomping at the bit in midfield, Jamie Weir and Will Wright were using the width and running hard and new signing James Collett was putting in a solid performance at right back.

After a failed clearance, Carl Gilbert pounced on a lose ball and lashed home a powerful drive from seven yards and give the Blades some reward for the effort they were expending.

Crossblades were never going to get back in to this game, but Chilton was proud of the change in attitude in the second half.

With Simon Gray and Ross Lye showing a great touch and electric pace, North Wilts continued to show how dangerous they are.

Yet Chilton and Worthy were proving the hare doesn't always win against the tortoise and kept the two danger men relatively quiet.

Chilton introduced Ben Owers, Chris Neate and Ben Rees in to the equation and their freshness brought several chances, with Salen saving well from Carl Gilbert.

Perhaps the best chance fell to Owers, a 'Worldy' ball from Neate was met by Owers head and Salen saved brilliantly Despite their dogged resilience, North Wilts added a fifth late on when yet another defensive mix-up resulted in the ball being poked home past Hampshire by Jamie Lyons.

Ross Lye was kept relatively quiet for most of the second half but he certainly had the last laugh when he stepped inside and curled the ball home with his left foot capping a good performance.

Both teams played in great spirit and it was a game that showed off the league excellently.

Referee Neville Dennett had very few decisions to make through the game, and both teams aided in allowing a free flowing games for the referee.

Crossblades player/manager Tim Chilton commented "It's tough to deal with players like Simon Gray and Ross Lye, but second half we kept them quiet.

"I was disappointed with the first half, while North Wilts weren't firing on all cylinders, we really did gift them the 4-0 lead and could have kept it tighter. I can't argue with the scoreline.

"North Wilts deserved their 6-1 victory but I hope we can take our second half fight in to next week."

FC United of Chippenham 0 Old Road FC 2

HAVING missed out on the chances to claim the outright lead at the top of the table last weekend following their loss to Worton & Cheverell, Old Road FC rose to the occasion this week and opened up a two-point lead over the chasing pack thanks to their 2-0 triumph over local rivals FC United of Chippenham.

Neither side could fashion an opening in an evenly matched first 45 minutes but the deadlock was finally broken early in the second half when Andrew Rose, who had seen a first-half effort ruled out for offside, put his team ahead after being set up by Jamie Smith.

Dean Archer made the points safe with another good finish, with Smith again providing the assist.

Old Road’s Dan Stevens picked up the man of the match accolade for his tireless efforts in midfield.

Trowbridge Rangers 1 Sportzcoach Dragonz United 3

SPORTZCOACH Dragonz United made it two wins out of two in the league with a 4-1 win at Trowbridge Rangers (Sunday).

Dragonz, who had lost back to back cup matches were grateful for a return to league action as they were up against a team of their own ability.

Sportzcoach led 1-0 at the break when a Tom Smith cross was turned in by a Rangers player.

A Shaun Heathcote own goal brought the scores level in the second period only for Sportzcoach to up a gear and take control of things as they coasted to victory.

Paul Walker restored the advantage for Sportzcoach, Tom Smith extended their lead and Alex Shaftoe wrapped up the points with their fourth of the morning.

Trowbridge Town Supporters Club 3 Pig & Whistle United B 1

TROWBRIDGE Town Supporters Club were at their very best as they picked up their first league win in six outings thanks to a 3-1 home victory over Pig & Whistle United B.

In an evenly-matched first half the supporters’ club finally broke down their visitors stubborn defence five minutes before half time when Dean Coles put them in front.

The hosts only had to wait until the 55th minute before they doubled their lead, James Crawford making it 2-0.

Pig & Whistle halved the deficit on 75 minutes through Dan Goldsworthy but any hopes of a late revival were soon ended as substitute Antony Pullen sealed victory for the supporters’ club with his second goal for the club.

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