Aces FC produced the surprise result of the day as they came from behind to claim a 2-2 draw away at Semington Magpies who had started the day on top of the Gooding Accounts Ltd sponsored-Trowbridge & District Football League, Second Division table, but after dropping 2 points slipped down to second place behind new leaders Freshord United.
Semington Magpies FC 2 Aces FC 2
MAPGPIES HELD TO DRAW BY SMART ACES
In what was their first game of the season, Aces probably weren’t looking forward to their trip to Little Marsh a meeting with Neil Taylor’s table toppers Semington Magpies who went in the contest having taken 7 points from their opening 3 matches.
Last season’s Player of the Season, Junior Smart gave Aces the lead, however they were unable to hold on to their slender advantage as a fourth goal of the campaign from Jiordan Burrell-Mendis restored parity for the Magpies on 38 minutes.
When Magpies took the lead though Harry Trevor in the 56th minutes they must have thought that they were heading for a third straight win, however Aces and in particular Junior Smart had other ideas as he popped up for a second time to find the net and earn his team a deserved share of the points.
Calne Eagles FC 8 Staverton Rangers FC 1
McCONNACHIE HIT 4 AS EAGLES SOAR TO VICTORY
Calne Eagles who opened their account for the season with a 4-2 victory over Trowbridge Town Tigers last weekend looked determined to make up for lost time as Adam Moody’s side claimed back-to-back victories by beating Staverton Rangers 8-1.
For a second week running Evan McConnachie was the star of the show for Eagles as he followed up last week’s hat trick with a 4-timer. Adam Walsh gave Eagles a 15th minute lead, before McConnachie virtually killed the game off; the striker doubled Eagles lead in the 21st minute and then scored again on 32 and 35 minutes to claim a first half treble and this was after Dave Jenkins had put through his own net when he made it 3-0.
5-0 up at the break, Eagles quickly added a sixth and once again it was McConnachie who was on target when he netted with a minute of the restart. Adam Walsh was on target on 64 minutes to make it 7-0 with his second of the afternoon and statute substitute Brett Cullen completed the scoring for Eagles when he made it 8-0 in the 77th minute.
Dave Jenkins atoned for his for half mishap when he fired home Staverton’s late consolation 10 minutes from time.
Dilton Marsh Wanderers FC 2 Hilperton Greyhound FC 1
DILTON EDGE OUT GREYHOUND FOR NARROW WIN
A 2-1 defeat for Hilperton Greyhound away at Dilton Marsh Wanderers saw them suffer a first defeat of the season, however despite the loss they remain above their rivals in the standings.
In a match that had a number of flashpoints it was it was Dilton who took a first half lead on 11 minutes through Liam Lawes. Rob Clarke doubled Dilton’s advantage a few minutes later and with the floodgates threatening to open it was a surprise that it remained 2-0 at half time.
A coming together between Greyhound’s Cori Brewer and Dilton’s Tom Wheeler led to a brief stop in play and at one point the match was abandoned before the match referee and both teams decided to recommence the match and although Ellis Farion pulled a goal back for Greyhound on 66 minutes it was little more than a consolation as Dilton managed to hold on to secure the points on offer.
Freshford United FC 7 South Newton & Barford Hornets FC 1
VICTORY RETURNS FRESHFORD TO THE SUMMIT
After dropping from the number one spot last week following their defeat at the hands of Semington Magpies, Chris Birleson’s Freshford United reclaimed pole position after their rivals drew with Aces and they beat South Newton & Barford Hornets 7-1.
Tim Knight opened the scoring for Freshford. Reece Mortimer doubled the lead and Ryan Muirhead made it 3-0 before a hat trick either side of half time from Mark Magiure took it to 6-0.
Maguire who netted his first goal for the club a week ago added his first two goals before the break and took his tally for five in two games with the first of the second period.
Scott Conley replied for South Newton with a goal that was little more than a consolation as a second from Mortimer that took his tally for the campaign to 7 in four outings, completed the win for Freshford.
Holt FC 4 Bishops Cannings Reserves FC 2
ROBINS ASSISTS HOLT TO LATEST TRIUMPH
Bishops Cannings Reserves who picked up their first win of the season last weekend when they beat Staverton Rangers were unable to build on that success after a trip to Holt end in a 4-2 defeat.
Sam Robins may not have got his name on the score sheet for Holt, but his three assists played a major part in their triumph, Robins set Sam Kirby up, whose finish put them 1-0 ahead in the 34th minute with what was the only goal of the half.
For a long time, it looked as if Kirby’s first half effort was going to be the only goal of the game, however with 15 minutes remaining the game exploded into life with four further goals being scored.
Joe Bakali-Laughton benefitted from another Robins assist when he made it 2-0. With 13minutes remaining Andy Smith halved the deficit for Cannings. Holt regained their 2-goal advantage in the 79th minute, Archie Robertson setting up Jordan Lawrence who made it 3-2. Back cam Canning and on 81 minutes an own goal reduced the arrears the arrears.
Once again Holt regained control and the wrapped up the win, courtesy of substitute Billy Gunning who was on hand to turn the ball home to make it 4-2 from another assist from Holt’s player of the match Sam Robins.
The Stiffs FC 2 Trowbridge Town Tigers FC 1
TIGERS DOWN BY STEPHENSON’S LATE WINNER
Trowbridge Town Tigers who started the season with victories in their opening two matches, suffered a second straight loss after they were beaten 2-1 away at The Stiffs who returned to winning ways after their loss to Semington Magpies a fortnight ago.
After a goalless first half Albert Flores gave The Stiffs the lead the lead on 52 minutes with Charlie Mowat providing the assist.
Trowbridge Tigers got themselves back on level terms in the 72nd minute, Tommy Luckman setting up Aaron Hahnenfeld for the equaliser.
With the contest heading for a draw, The Stiffs, Aaron Stephenson left his defensive duties and ventured forward to bag what proved to be the winner of a thrilling contest.
Fixtures For Saturday 9th September 2023
Bishops Cannings Reserves v South Newton & Barford Hornets; Hilperton Greyhound v Freshford United; Holt FC v Calne Eagles; Staverton Rangers v Dilton Marsh Wanderers; The Stiffs v AcesFC. Matches Kick-Off @ 3.00pm unless stated otherwise.