DIVISION Three table toppers Melksham Town A travelled to Beversbrook, Calne, for their first meeting of the season with fellow promotion chasers Potterne FC.

What was expected to be gladiatorial battle between two in-form sides didn’t disappoint as the teams fought out a thrilling 2-2 draw that saw Melksham keep their lead at the top and Potterne maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Potterne were 2-0 up at the break thanks to a double from Neil Clark, his second being an awesome long-range strike.

A Craig Campbell own goal reduced the arrears for Melksham and a late goal from Dan Sibley earned Barry Holloway’s table toppers their share of the spoils.

After back to back victories over bottom of the table Zeals FC, Bath-based Aces FC had the pleasure of entertaining second-from-bottom FC Trowbridge and thanks to a lightning start that saw them score twice inside the opening three minutes Aces went on to claim a 6-3 success.

Mike Little netted a hat-trick for the winners, Dave Morris, Steve Tuke and Tom Pang, who also missed a penalty, shared the other. Natti Mills with two and a debut goal from Kieran Palmer scored for Trowbridge.

Both Bratton and their guests at Leighton Sports Centre, Hilperton United Reserves, started the day on nine points and they finished it on 10 points apiece after a 3-3 draw saw the spoils shared.

Dan Cox wiped out Dean Gumm’s opener for Hilperton. A second for Cox counted for nothing as Bratton surrendered their lead, Lewis Smith restoring parity. Bratton led through a Luke Mead goal before Gumm grabbed his second of the afternoon to see the game end at 3-3.

The Stiffs continue to enjoy their best season for many years.

Kevin Ball in the absence of manager Ade Giles took his Trowbridge-based side to basement side Zeals FC and, despite falling 3-1 behind, they hit back to win 8-4 and claim their fourth win of the season.

Jose Gulada, Shane Rendall and Matthew Carter put Zeals ahead after they cancelled out Darren Brewer’s opener.

Two goals each side of half time for Chris Giles restored parity ant then put Stiffs 5-3 up. Scott Ball’s double made it 7-3 before a second from Rendall cut the gap for Zeals prior to George Hall scoring number eight for the winners.