CRICKLADE Town boss Albert Dearing admits his scratch side have taken him by surprise by topping the early-season standings in the Wiltshire League Premier Division.

Town and Wroughton continued to set the pace as both enjoyed victories on Saturday.

Cricklade head the pile on goal difference after wrapping up a 2-0 home victory over Trowbridge Town, Reece Gilliver and Jamie Shepherd netting for the home side.

Dearing took over the Leisure Centre side in the summer but faced a total rebuild of the squad - a process he admits has continued into the start of the campaign.

“Considering that when we took it (the job) we had to rebuild from scratch we have done well,’’ said Dearing, who is being assisted by Gary Norman, with Steve Shaw, Colin Yates and Terry Dearing also forming part of the new-look Town coaching staff.

“We have used the first six games as part of our pre-season really and we’re still building. When we started off we were aiming for mid-table but we’ve had a look at it and are looking at the top six.

“It’s ticking along and we’re still finding our feet. We’ve signed players as we’ve gone along and we had another two who only made their debuts on Saturday.’’ Wroughton kept up the pressure as they inflicted a first defeat of the season on former leaders Westbury United Reserves.

Kintbury are tucked in behind the top two following their 7-0 thrashing of fellow new boys Bassett Bulldogs as are Melksham Town Reserves, who recorded their fifth win of the season with a 3-2 success over Shrewton United.

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development are also inside the top six after they saw off Corsham Town Reserves 5-1.

Ryan Withers led the scoring with a brace, while there were also goals for Josh Coombe, Dan Murphy and Martin Sinclair.

Bremhill remain bottom of the table after suffering a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Malmesbury Victoria Development.

Pewsey Vale Development and Devizes Town Reserves drew 0-0.