FC NORTH Wiltshire came out on top in their AM Print & Copy-sponsored Knockout Cup first-round clash with third division stablemates FC Bradford, a 4-3 victory earning them a place in the second round draw.

Both teams were struggling for numbers but it was North Wilts who got off to a flying start, with goals from Ricky Stonham and Tom Butler putting them 2-0 up at the break.

Mike Evans pulled a goal back for Bradford, only for David Mullins to restore North Wilts’ two-goal cushion.

Elliot Hinton’s penalty gave Bradford another glimmer of hope but once again, North Wilts and Mullins, with his second of the tie, opened up another two-goal lead.

Bradford did score a third in the final minute but by then, Mark Maguire’s goal was a case of too little, too late, as shortly afterwards, the final whistle sounded and North Wilts advanced to the final 16.

Third division White Horse (Sunday) B were always going to be up against it away at top-flight Melksham Cosmos but with only 9 players turning up at Christie Miller, things understandably were a lot harder, however the nine men didn’t see them disgrace themselves as they went down 7-2.

Joe Griffiths, Shaun Heathcote, Sean Meer, Adam Potter, Matthew Bowden, Ashley Barnett and Tommy Smith shared the Cosmos goals. Mark Durbin, from the penalty spot, and Billy Wilkins replied for the White Horse.

Last term’s beaten finalists The Castle FC progressed to the next round without having to kick a ball after opponents North Star were unable to raise a team for their first-round meeting.