Dan Lardner who scored one of Corsham Town Res goals in their 3-1 cup win at Shrewton
(Picture courtesy of John Cuthberston)
The two big games of the day were in the quarter finals of the Fountain Trophies Cup. In an incident packed encounter at Shrewton it is visitors Corsham Town Reserves who progress to the semi-finals following a 3-1 win. It did not start well for them though as they had their goalkeeper Joe King sent off in the very first minute. Shrewton took advantage with Craig Lewis putting them 1-0 up but were unable to extend their lead and they were pegged back just before half time, Emilo Mudrak equalising for visitors Corsham. Despite the one man disadvantage it was Corsham who then went in front after the restart, Dan Lardner netting with is 16th goal of the season. They then further extended their lead, Ryan Withers heading powerfully into the net from a corner to make it 3-1 to Corsham. Shrewton then thought they had got themselves back into the game with a second goal through Steven Holvey, but the officials concluded the ball had not crossed the line. Shrewton’s players and management reacted angrily to the decision the upshot of which was that they had two players and their manager sent off and another player sin binned. With the numerical advantage now with Corsham the visitors saw out the rest of the game to progress to the last four, 3-1 the final score. After the day’s incident packed encounter, it should be noted that the two sides are set to meet each other again next week in the league.
Ryan Withers who scored the third for Corsham Town Res in their 3-1 win at Shrewton
A second reserve side join Corsham Town Reserves in the last four as Melksham Town Reserves finally ended Wroughton’s unbeaten run which had stretched to 17 games in all competitions ahead of their quarter final tie at the InfiLED. Melksham have been in good form of late, with just one defeat in their last 13 games. That form continued in the first half in their encounter with Wroughton as they raced into a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Harvey Flippance, his 23rd of the season at Senior level, Josh Brigham and George Bendle. Whilst Wroughton had the better of things after the break they did not do enough to undo the damage done in the first 45 minutes as Melksham ran out 4-2 winners. Their fourth goal came courtesy of Cullen Wylie, Craig Bowden and Jamie McClaughlin with the Wroughton goals.
Back in the league Kintbury Rangers have had a bit of a wobble in recent weeks but they returned to winning ways with a 3-1 away win at Trowbridge Town. On target for Kintbury as they climbed above Melksham Town Reserves, their promotion rivals, into third place were Josh Davis, Fabio Pinto and Mark James. Tom Caldicott replied for Trowbridge with his second of the season.
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development had the chance to move into the top six but after three straight wins they were unable to make it four as they were out fought by a Marlborough Town side who won consecutive matches for the first time this season. Marlborough triumphed 2-1 thanks to two goals from their leading scorer Jake Farrell. Royal Wootton Bassett Town’s own leading scorer Charlie McCuish replied for the visitors, but they were unable to find that elusive equaliser as they left Elcot Lane with nothing to show for their afternoon’s endeavours. For Marlborough Town the win saw them climb above Malmesbury Victoria Development into 12th spot.
Another side climbing a place in the league table were Stratton Juniors who moved above Frome Collegians into 10th place following a hard fought 1-0 win away at Pewsey Vale. Scott Garrett, Stratton’s leading scorer, was on target for the visitors as he moved onto seven for the season ensuring Stratton completed a league double over Pewsey.
The scheduled game between Purton and Ludgershall Sports was postponed due to the condition of the pitch at the Red House.