A 2-0 VICTORY  for Goatacre CC at home over Chippenham West End, coupled with a surprise 4-1 defeat for White Horse FC at relegation battlers GRFC, means that Sam Parish cricketers have been crowned champions of Division Two.

Goatacre, who for a number of seasons have been the bridesmaids in the division, were made to work really hard for the victory that eventually earned them the title.

As in the previous meeting of the sides that the cricketers’ won 2-1 their was a real threat to their promotion hopes from the West End who actually had the chance to open the scoring in the first half, but, like in teh first match, Matt Payne missed from the penalty spot.

The second half saw Goatacre take the lead when they were awarded somewhat of a fortunate penalty of their own which Ed Wilkins calmly tucked away to make it 1-0.

A second from Wilkins, who pounced on a defensive error and took the ball around the keeper before tapping home his 15th of the season, wrapped up the cricketers’ most important win of their 20 match campaign.

GRFC 4 White Horse FC 1

 

THE form book was well and truly ripped up in Sutton Benger, as GRFC produced a stunning display to end the title hopes of in-form White Horse FC.

Their 4-1 victory also breathes new life into the relegation dogfight they find themselves in with Miller Sports.

With a full squad available for the first time in many weeks Tam Laidlaw’s young side went toe to toe with the side seven places above them in the table from the first whistle, before eventually running riot and claiming a richly deserved two points.

The two early chances Dale Rowland had for the visitors that failed to trouble keeper Rob Jefferies were to sum up a frustrating day for the striker, as both sides struggled early on to master the strong wind.

However, as the game grew older the guests found themselves gaining in confidence, with Harry Myles and Charlie Austin pulling the strings in front of an organised defence.

Jordan Tarrant had the first real sighter at goal for the home side in the 25th minute, shooting narrowly over from 25 yards, but seven minutes later he was celebrating the real thing, having been picked out by Austin he took the ball down with composure and blasted into Rich Hunt’s net with real venom.

Normally so good at responding to such set backs the Horse uncharacteristically wobbled and three minutes later were hit with another killer blow when Connor Laidlaw raced on to a long punt forward and finished with aplomb.

Despite a more positive response from the Westbury side that saw Tom Crawford and Dave Appleyard denied by goal line clearances, GRFC went into the interval with their well earned 2-0 lead intact.

It may have been two clinical strikes that had got them into a winning position, but Tam Laidlaw’s side had their defence and goalkeeper to thank early in the second period for maintaining their advantage, as the Horse piled on the pressure, having set up camp in their opponents half.

As they bombarded Jeffries’ goal however, they left themselves exposed to the counterattack and Myles nearly extended his side’s lead in the 53rd minute when his effort hit the post after he had rounded Hunt.

With the next goal appearing to be the crucial one Rowland was again denied by Jeffries and almost immediately GRFC were up the other end, Danny Clarkson clearing a Robbie Burton effort off the line.

The resulting corner was to produce the all important goal however, as Myles picked out Austin whose header flew into the net and put the home side 3-0 in front with 24 minutes remaining.

As was the case in the first half it was to be quick fire back-to-back goals for the hosts as Burton was set free by Connor Laidlaw just two minutes later, the reliable striker making no mistake, netting his 30th goal of the season in all competitions.

White Horse battled on bravely, but in their hearts they knew they had blown their chance of the title.

Rowland was denied by the cross bar with eight minutes left on the clock and when Chris Stiles finally managed to beat Jefferies four minutes later no celebration ensued as he and his side recognised it was no more than a meaningless consolation.

Miller Sports 0 Staverton 2

HAVING been crowned Division Four and Three champions in the last two campaigns, a win for Goatacre over Chippenham West End meant that Aaron Latchem was unable to guide his Staverton side to a third successive title.

However, their 2-0 win at Miller Sports and a loss for White Horse keeps them in the mix for the runners-up spot.

After neither side were unable to unlock their opponents defence in the first half, Staverton’s top scorer Jason Povey bagged his 27th goal of the season to give the villagers the lead and their victory was confirmed when player-manager Latchem made it 2-0 with a rare goal.

The manager will be pleased that his side got through what was a tricky game especially as Miller went close on a few occasions in the first half to breaking the deadlock.

CHIPPENHAM SUNDAY LEAGUE ROUNDUP, STATS AND PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @gazsport and @WTSport