The Stiffs were the big winners in week one of the Gooding Accounts Ltd sponsored-Trowbridge & District Football League season. The Second Division side, for many years the whipping boys of the league, turned the table on league newcomers South Newton & Barford Hornets who suffered a baptism of fire as they suffered a 10-0 rout, with debutant Alfie McNally stealing the show, scoring 4 and having a hand in 2 of the other 6 goals.
The Stiffs FC 10 South Newton & Barford Hornets FC 0
DEBUT TO REMEMBER FOR STIFFS AFLIE MCNALLY
The Stiffs who have Scott Ball as head coach and had enjoyed a stellar pre-season, which included victories over Frome Town under 18’s, Staverton Rangers and first division outfit Bromham FC who they beat 6-1, will be hoping that their opening day 10-0 home success over league newcomers South Newton & Barford Hornets will be a taster of things to come.
Jake Davies opened the scoring on 9 minutes, Aaron Stephenson (15 minutes), Alfie McNally netted his first of the contest in the 21st minutes and a 41st minute strike from Steve Lewin put the host 4-0 up at the break.
Alfie McNally added his second and the Stiffs fifth on 55 minutes, 2 minutes later Charlie Mowat got on the score sheet before McNally fired home his hat trick goal in the 62nd minute. David Russam (73) and Dan Alberry took the score to 9-0 before McNally completed a Player of the match performance with his fourth and Stiffs 10th of the contest.
Freshford United FC 7 Bishops Cannings Reserves FC 1
NEW SIGNING RECCE MORTIMER STARS FOR FRESHFORD
Having snapped up youngster Reece Mortimer from Division Two rivals Aces FC, Freshford United manager Chris Birleson will be more than happy with what he witnessed from the youngsters debut as he bagged a hat trick in his team’s 7-1 triumph over Bishops Cannings Reserves.
Matt Bond scored the opening two goals for Freshford, Olly Tolcher added a third before Reece Mortimer closed out the opening 45 minutes with a double of his own to put Birleson’s side 5-0 up.
A penalty for Reece Mortimer saw him complete his 3-timer. Oliver Lee-Whiteoak pulled a goal back for Bishops Cannings on 84 minutes, but it wasn’t the final goal of the afternoon as Alex Ladner fire home late on to complete the scoring with Freshord’s seventh on the game.
Hilperton Greyhound FC 2 Staverton Rangers FC 0
BREWER & FRANCIS FIRE GREYHOUND TO VICTORY
Ahead of their game at home to Staverton Rangers, Hilperton Greyhound had everything crossed that the visitors to Whaadon Lane would called the game off as the hosts had lost numerous players to a stag do. However Hilperton needn’t have worried as their scratch team which included Darren Brewer and even a cameo appearance for Jason Hughes saw them battle their way to a 2-0 success.
Darren Brewer’s first goal since December 2018 saw the hosts open the scoring on 12 minutes. Gavin Francis who played the majority of last season in goal but is now playing outfield doubled the advantage in the 31st minute, which in turn earned Hilperton Greyhound a third straight win over their opponents.
Holt FC 0 Trowbridge Town Tigers FC 2
TIGERS ROAR TO VICTORY AT HOLT
There was no fairytale return to the league for Holt FC and manager Nigel Tripp who despite taking charge of a number of local sides including Calne, Melksham, Bradford, Devizes and Corsham Town along with a spell at Westbury United couldn’t work his magic with the villagers who suffered an opening day 2-0 defeat to Trowbridge Town Tigers.
Will Bayley and Lee Mattravis scored the goals for the Tigers who were 2-0 up at half time.
Semington Magpies FC 2 Dilton Marsh Wanderers FC 2
KEEPERS SHINE AS POINTS SHARED AT LITTLEMARSH
Semington Magpies and opponents to Littlemarsh, Dilton Marsh Wanderers were indebted to their goal keepers, Ben Fox for the Magpies and Leo Whitehead for Wanderers as they each had a fantastic game that saw the points shared following a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Wanderers who had to twice come from behind to earn their point, fell behind to a Harry Thorne goal, which was cancelled out by Dale Rowland. A second goal from Thorne saw the Magpies reclaim the lead, but with half time approaching Lewis Wheeler restored parity for Dilton.
After the break, both teams hunted down a winner, but thanks to the heroics of both Fox and Whitehead the match finished in stalemate.
Fixtures For Saturday 19th August 2023
Freshford United v Dilton Marsh Wanderers; Hilperton Greyhound v Bishops Canning Reserves; South Newton & Barford Hornets Trowbridge Town Tigers; Staverton Rangers v Holt, The Stiffs v Semington FC. Matches Kick-Off @ 3.00pm unless stated otherwise.