A RARE league defeat was a crucial one for Amesbury Town who went down 4-1 away to fellow promotion-chasers Tadley Calleva.

The win puts Tadley in control of Wessex Division One and Blues enter the Christmas period four points adrift of the leaders.

Things went to plan midweek when Tyler Brockway converted a penalty to give the visitors a half-time lead. But the second half didn’t pan out how Amesbury wanted and they fell behind after conceding twice.

In their bid to get back on level terms, Eddie Perrett was sent off for a second yellow card and Amesbury struggled to find a way back, conceding twice more.

Despite the Blues’ six-match winning run coming to an end, manager Gareth Horner is pleased with the first half of his side’s season.

He said: “The frustrating part was that our shape was great and we defended so well for 45 minutes and had three or four decent chances and deservedly went in 1-0 at half time.

“I’m disappointed, but the league wasn't lost or won so we will pick ourselves up.

“If I was told at the start of the year that we would have 27 points at Christmas I would have taken it!”

Amesbury go to Warminster Town on Saturday hoping to secure a place in the semi final of the Wiltshire Senior Cup.