THE Wanderers kept up the pace on the surrounding title-chasers with a hard-fought 5-3 win over a determined Chalke Valley side at their new Nomansland-based home.

The home side got off to a flyer, Steph Tinkler's corner found Michael Pratt 20 yards out and his fierce volley beat a flock of players to open the scoring on 10 minutes.

Within minutes, Valley were level, following a save by keeper Graham Kitley, the ball fell to Valley’s number nine whose unstoppable strike evened things up.

Then another Tinkler cross was converted by Tim Fewins to restore the advantage.

Playing some neat free flowing football, the home side looked in control and should have extended their lead but were left frustrated in front of goal.

However, the visitors were soon back on level terms, following a strike from the edge of the box.

Despite the amount of territory and possession the Wanderers were enjoying, things soon went from bad to worse. Doyle's home-bound header fell short and Seb Dawes rounded Kitley to give Valley a 2-3 lead two minutes before the interval.

After being awarded an indirect free kick for bad sportsmanship, Adam Jones cleverly found Fewins who nodded in from close range for his second to make it 3-3 on the stroke of half time.

The hosts took the game by the scruff of the neck early on and when Nick Newman was tripped, Tinkler made no mistake from the spot on 49 minutes.

The lead was soon extended, the impressive Jones was found on the far side and he made no mistake with a fine finish.

Wanderers manager Liam McConnell said after the match: “The first half, despite the scoreline, was some of the best football I have seen us play, it was a bizarre team talk.

“I couldn't fault the lads despite conceding three goals. In the end we got what we deserved and credit to Chalke Valley, they are a very tough side who should be higher up the table.”

When asked about his side’s move to Nomansland from Victoria Park, McConnell added: "It's simple, there were far too many games being played on our old pitch and it left the surface in a really bad state. I contacted Mike at Nomansland whose side withdrew from the league and he had no hesitation to re-home us.

“We're very thankful to them for giving us the opportunity to play here.”

Elsewhere in the division, South Newton beat Cedars FC 1-0 and Stockton & Codford destroyed Devizes Inn 7-1.