MARLBOROUGH Town are quickly becoming the dark horses of the Wiltshire Senior League in Thomas Thatcher’s first season in charge at Elcot Lane.

A 4-0 success away at Corsham Town Reserves lifted the claret and blues up to third in the table at the weekend to surprise a few people in the division.

The first goal came from Aaron Pressley 25 minutes in but the hosts were able to keep the deficit to the solitary goal until midway through the second half.

Thatcher brought Craig Simmons on and he had an immediate impact as he was able to bag a quick-fire brace within 15 minutes.

Ben Crame got the final goal in a dominant performance that leaves Marlborugh just three points off of the summit.

“It was superb,” said Thatcher.

“It was a hard game to go into but we played a different formation, we went 3-1-4-2 and the back three were solid.

“The week prior we went 4-4-2 against Bromham and the first half was atrocious and we couldn’t keep the ball so I changed it at half time then and went to three at the back and it was a total change.

“So I thought I would give it a go this week from the start and it paid off.

“We gave a debut to Josh Gregory and he was absolutely brilliant at the back.

“I think a lot of people have been very surprised with how well we are doing.

“Our fan base has got a lot bigger, we have got a lot more people watching us, which is good for our club, and I can’t grumble in my first season doing the job.

“They had a good end of the season last year and I think they have continued their momentum into this season.

“It helps having a goal scorer like Dez Bryan who we can rely on every week – he got three assists on Saturday.

“We’re just taking each game as it comes and we have got a tough month ahead of us and we’ll try to get people to worry about us rather than them.”

Shrewton remain top but were pushed all the way at the weekend as they recorded a 3-2 win at Royal Wootton Bassett Town Reserves, while second-placed Wroughton beat Malmesbury Victoria Development by the same scoreline.

Cricklade Town fell to a 4-2 defeat away to Ludgershall Sport, with Beversbrook also recording the same result in their win away to Pewsey Vale Development.

Bromham edged out Devizes Town Reserves 4-3 at home, while Melksham Town Reserves were narrow 2-1 victors against Wilts Calne Town.