Wiltshire Premier League

SARUM Youth Seniors squandered a worthy two-goal lead as they settled for a second draw in a row when FC Chippenham Youth visited.

A 25-yarded strike from Sam Revel arrowed into the corner for Sarum’s opener and Mitch Alford doubled their lead shortly after the break, getting his first senior goal.

At 2-0, Sarum were coasting and, although having to defend resolutely at times, they looked good for their lead. But an error crept in from assistant manager Dan Cousins, who took over in goal from Chris Brown, who fumbled a free kick and the rebound was directed home.

The momentum was suddenly with the visitors and they carved out an equaliser.

Chances were created from either side but it stayed at 2-2 at Castle Meadows.

Boss Dave Rawkins reflected: “Another very pleasing performance from the boys.

“We have played the top two in the league in these last two games and not been beaten, which shows great progress, especially as they were games we could have won.

“We now have a run of games against teams below us so I expect the boys to pick up some wins but they have still got to play with this amount of effort and desire and not just expect it to happen.”

Shrewton United, two places above Sarum in the Wiltshire Premier League, succumbed to a 3-0 home defeat to Melksham.

The hosts had a penalty claim midway through the first half as a fierce Craig Lewis volley from six yards appeared to be stopped by a defender’s arm but no penalty was given.

An even affair saw no more chances until the 40th minute when a shot was well-saved by Joe Sheldrake in the Shrewton goal, only for the rebound to be fired goalwards and into the back of the net via a deflection.

After the break, the game remained even as both sides struggled to create anything of note before a 70th minute cross was met by a visiting head to make it 2-0. The home side responded well and Dean Foot was denied twice by impressive saves before he fired his best chance when he seemed likely to score. The points were sealed with five minutes remaining as Shrewton were punished for a lapse in concentration.

It’s the first round of the Wiltshire Senior Cup on Saturday. Shrewton are at home to Devizes Town and Sarum host Mere. Both kick off at 3pm.