Porter off the mark for Devizes

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Monday 19th Jan 2004.

DEVIZES pulled away from the bottom three in the Screwfix Premier Division with an impressive 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Bridport at Nursteed Road.

Player-boss Dave Hopkins' fifth-minute free-kick was headed past his own keeper by Dave Newlands.

On-loan Justin Porter was then thwarted twice by the visiting goalkeeper before opening his Devizes account by converting Nathan Perkins' pass in the 37th minute.

Melksham take the place of their local rivals in the bottom three, despite a creditable 0-0 draw at home to Barnstaple.

Melksham keeper Gareth Evans was the hero, producing a series of fine saves from Kevin Squire.

Nigel Tripp's team could have taken all three points as Gary Banks and Kevin Kayll missed the target from close range, but defeat would have been an injustice on the superior visitors.

Calne suffered a disappointing defeat in the First Division, slumping to a 2-0 loss at home to Street.

Mark Francis and Richard Smith scored to leave the Bremhill View boys languishing in mid-table.

THE Screwfix League boast a strong showing in the last 16 of the FA Vase after a trio of sides triumphed in the fourth round at the weekend.

Premier Division leaders Bideford were 4-2 winners at Billingham and will be joined by Keynsham and Bitton in today's draw who defeated St Neots and Lymington respectively.

North Leigh, the Hellenic League's final representatives, were beaten 1-0 by Andover after extra time.

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