Pheasant celebrate title with big win (From Wiltshire Times)

Div Two

Pheasant celebrate title with big win

10:05am Friday 15th May 2009

DIVISION TWO: Chippenham based Pheasant FC were presented with their Second division winners trophy prior to their game with AFC Melksham at Yatton Keynell and for a second time in a fortnight they hit the goal trail as they claimed a 14-2 victory over a Melksham side who they had beaten 9-0 success at start of May, Pheasant’s last five matches of the season saw them score an incredible 57 goals while only conceding three.

Melksham played the whole game with 10 players and they were without manager Mickey Hawkes who has called time on his short but successful term as manager of the WG Parr trophy winners, Hawkes has cited work and personal commitments for his decision to leave his present role, Melksham finished the season in fourth place in the division after looking like a top two place was possible for most of the season. Melksham’s chairman Mike Rogers and his team wish to thank Hawkes for his hard word and commitment over this long season and wish him well for the future.

AFC Melksham suffered the worse possible start in their game as Pheasant took the lead after just 90 seconds when Alex Orledge was on hand to drill the ball home from six yards after a shot rebounded of the post to him. Nathan Phillimore had two efforts ruled out for offside before Joe Murray scored a surprise equaliser for Melksham.

Gareth Evans scored a second for Melksham when he netted from the halfway line but at that stage his team were 5-1 down as Pheasant were starting to run the visitors ragged, Nathan Phillimore led the carnage with a four timer, Ben Highmore scored three and Rob Stephens, Garry Lock, Jack Coathupe, Nat Auckland, Tom Highmore and Liam Phillimore shred the others wit ha goal apiece.