10th May 2003 Trowbridge Town 3 Chisledon Castrol 0

Trowbridge finished an exiting season with a win over bottom club Chisledon Castrol. The home side were never in trouble but to their credit, Chiseldon did try to attack unlike many visitors who have simply tried to gain a point and failed. An early chance fell to Bakali following food work on the right by Adam Nunn and a cross by Gavin Eyre.  In the 20^th minute, Mike Little headed a long kick from Adam Sheppard into the path of Adam Nunn who then saw his shot across goal strike an upright. The breakthrough came after 33 minutes. Dave Percival produced an excellent cross towards Gavin Eyre but the luckless Gareth Parry saw his attempt at heading the ball away sail over his own goalkeeper and into the net.  Mike Little then went close a couple of times before half time. The second goal came after 64 minutes, an unmarked Simon Kitchen scoring from the edge of the six yard box ,  receiving the pass from Percival.  In the last few minutes, Andy Bloodworth had a shot saved and  Ricky Hulbert headed wide before Percival finished well after beating two defenders to complete the scoring.

3rd May 2003 Trowbridge Town 2 Aldbourne 0

Trowbridge completed a hat-trick of 2-0 victories within 5 days following their midweek victories against Wroughton & Bradford.  The home side dominated this match from start to finish. An early header from Gavin Eyre being blocked by the goal-keeper and the same player shooting across goal and just wide after 15 minutes. Five minutes later, Jack Heard created an opportunity for himself by sheer perseverance on the edge of the area but his left foot shot went straight at the ‘keeper. Daniel Barnes then met a corner with a header towards goal but it was cleared of the line with the goalkeeper beaten. The lead came on 26 minutes, Adam Nunn flicked a corner by Gavin Eyre towards goal and Dave Percival was on-hand to direct the ball into the net from close range.  Trowbridge made sure of the points, six minutes into the second half. A good cross by Jack Heard picked out Waleed Bakali on the left and after letting the ball run past him; he cut back inside and hit a super curler into the top corner from about 25 yards.

26th April 2003  Shrewton United 5 Trowbridge Town 2 (Corsham Print Sen Cup Final)

In footballing terms, Trowbridge contributed as much if not more than Shrewton. However, the Shrewton strike, force lead by top marksman Dean Foot, signified just why they are worthy league and cup winners. Trowbridge started well but were behind after just seven minutes. Foot producing an overhead kick from just inside the area that was worthy of a cup final.  Trowbridge responded well, Dave Percival crossing the ball to Adam Nunn in the 10^th minute but his shot failed to trouble Adam Burwell, the Shrewton goalkeeper.  Trowbridge fell further behind in the 22^nd minute, Foot again the scorer this time a little fortunate. His shot was enough to beat Adam Sheppard but looked as if it would be cleared by Lee Wilson, unfortunately he failed to do so and the ball crept into the net.  Jack Heard controlled the ball well in the 28^th minute and hit a good half- volley from 30 yards but the ball just dipped over the crossbar.  Both teams produced more chances before the break and although Trowbridge tailed 2-0 at half time they had deserved better luck. The game opened up further in the second half. Trowbridge pulling a goal back after 52 minutes. A collision between the Shrewton goalkeeper and a defender allowing Dave Percival possession and he made no mistake. Jack Heard always looked dangerous up front for Trowbridge but the Shrewton defence coped well with the final ball into the box and with Trowridge pushing forward the inevitable happened. Sean Collins received a pass from the right and with one touch to control and a shot to finish, Shrewton were now 3-1 ahead.  Trowbridge were back in the game after 77 minutes. Substitute Andy Bloodworth fed the ball through to Waleed Bakali, and the best Trowbridge cross of the day was met with a bullet header by Jack Heard to make it 3-2. Shrewton then stepped up a gear and Dean Foot completed his hat trick with a typically confident finish after Trowbridge lost possession in midfield.  Just to make sure, Anton Brownless made it five with a good shot with 2 minutes remaining.

23th April 2003  Melksham Town 2 Trowbridge Town 1 (AET, 1-1 at 90 mins)

Wiltshire Senior Cup Final

Neil Kirkpatrick’s brave young side found the experience of Screwfix League Melksham just beyond them in this nail biting final. Trowbridge started brightly and were in front after just two minutes. A long ball bounced over defender Nigel Tripp and Dave Percival nipped in to slot the ball confidently past goalkeeper Darren Chitty.  Trowbridge looked livelier in the first half with Melksham content to counter-attack.  Matty Bown just failing to get to the ball inside the area in the seventh minute following a long throw and Trowbridge cleared.  In the 20^th minute Trowbridge had a strong claim for a penalty turned down. Jack Heard deflecting an Adam Nunn free kick towards goal and when Chitty palmed the ball away, Tim Waylen appeared to be fouled just as he gained possession.  After 36 minutes, Dave Percival did well on the right wing to keep the ball in play and Gavin Eyre gained possession and crossed for Jack Heard to test Chitty with a sharp effort.  Shortly afterwards, Ricky Hulbert replaced Heard following an injury.  With four minutes of the first half remaining, Waleed Bakali handled the ball just outside the penalty area to one side and the resultant free kick created an opportunity for Melksham, which hit a post.  In the second half, Melksham pressed hard for an equaliser and claimed their reward after 65 minutes. The ball was crossed from near the corner flag and Rob Lardner scored from close range. Trowbridge defended well to earn extra time with Melskham looking the more likely to score. The winning goal came in the first minute of extra time. Another break on the right found Gordon Smith and he picked his spot well to beat Adam Sheppard. Nigel Tripp headed wide for Melksham just before the end of the first period of extra time. Trowbridge fought to the end but couldn't really trouble a confident Melksham defence and in the end experience won over enthusiasm

19th April 2003  Trowbridge Town 1 Cricklade Town 0

Strong winds spoilt this match but Trowbridge had the edge and deserved the win. Trowbridge attacked with the wind behind them in the first half and Cricklade found it difficult to clear their lines. Dave Percival did well after ten minutes,  feeding the ball out to Gavin Eyre on the right wing but when the cross came in Waleed Bakali shot over the bar. A couple of minutes later, a corner from Adam Nunn found it's way to Bakali, and his ball into the area was flick-headed towards goal by Lee Hayward. The Cricklade goalkeeper cleared the ball off the line with his feet. Percival gave Trowbridge the lead in the 25th minute. He ran onto a long ball into the penalty area and smashed the ball home. In the second half, Cricklade failed to use the wind to their advantage and Trowbridge still created more chances. Balkai heading just wide after 61 minutes following an Adam Nunn cross. Chances also fell to Percival and Ricky Hulbert, both missing the target. Cricklade nearly grabbed a point in the 89th minute with a rare attack that Adam Sheppard saved with his legs. Adam Nunn then struck the underside of the crossbar in the dying seconds.

17th April 2003 Malmesbury Victoria Reserves 0 Trowbridge Town 0

Trowbridge fielded a much changed lineup due to unavailability and rested players. It took a while to settle and Malmesbury  had a couple of early attacks. These were dealt with comfortably and it was then all Trowbridge for the remainder of the match. Ricky Hulbert nearly gave Trowbridge the lead after 10 minutes. Having gained possession he ran into the penalty area and pushed the ball past the goalkeeper but the ball also went wide of the post. Just before the half time whistle, Lee Hayward did really well, beating  a couple of players, unfortunately his final shot was poor and went straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. The second half saw Trowbridge attacking constantly but not really testing the Malmesbury 'keeper. Waleed Bakali & Gavin Eyre came on as substitutes during the half, which gave Trowbridge width on both sides. Unfortunately despite all the possession, shots went wide of the target and two points were dropped.

15th April 2003 Biddestone FC 1 Trowbridge Town 3

Trowbridge took maximum points from Biddestone with an excellent first half performance.  They attacked from the start and Gavin Eyre struck a good shot against the crossbar after a break on the right involving Chris Styles.  Two minutes later following a short corner, Waleed Bakali scored to make it 1-0 with a scorcher into the top right corner from about 25 yards. Trowbridge increased their lead to two by way of an Adam Nunn penalty after Styles had beaten a defender and was subsequently brought down in the area.  Dave Percival made it 3-0 with a good half volley from inside the penalty area. Biddeatone failed to create any worthwhile chances in the first half while Gavin Eyre went close for again for Trowbridge before the half time whistle. Biddestone changed the game in the second half introducing a more physical approach and attacked in the early stages. Trowbridge still looked the more likely side to score though, Mike Little hitting a first time shot into the goalkeeper’s arms with about seven minutes remaining. Biddestone claimed a consolation goal courtesy of a good strike by Mark Pierce with about three minutes remaining.

12th April 2003 Trowbridge Town 0 Marlborough Town 0

A much-improved Marlborough side visited Trowbridge and took away a point in a fairly uneventful goalless draw. The first real chance came in the 28^th minute when Jack Heard allowed a Ricky Hulbert cross to reach Adam Nunn. The first time hit shot going past the right hand post.  A few minutes later, Waleed Bakali did well with a bouncing ball but his hooked effort went over the bar.  Daniel Barnes then went close with a header that went just over following a corner from Adam Nunn.  Marlborough sat back and looked for the draw in the second half and frustrated the Trowbridge forwards. When they did break through the chances went begging. Adam Nunn, Gordon Saunderson and Chris Styles all missing the target. Marlborough nearly stole the points with five minutes remaining catching Trowbridge on the break.  Mike Little lost possession in front of goal but was then relieved to see the Marlborough forward poke the ball wide of the post.  Dave Percival set up a chance for Adam Nunn in the dying seconds but again the shot went over the crossbar to end the game goalless.

8th April 2003 Melksham Town Reserves 0 Trowbridge Town 2

Trowbridge gained three points tonight with a solid performance at Melksham.  The were if front after just 4 minutes. A free kick from Andy Bloodworth from at least 25 yards found the net when the Melksham goalkeeper failed to grasp the ball above his head. Ricky Hulbert headed a chance over the bar following a free kick shortly afterwards. In the second half, Trowbridge created a number of opportunities to increase their lead, Luke Smith striking the crossbar after 67 minutes with a fierce shot on the half volley.  Ten minutes later it was 2-0, Dave Percival scoring from the penalty spot after being fouled in the area and at the same time Melksham now found themselves down to ten men. . Booker Woodford then had the ball in the net after some good play by Jack Heard and a cross by Percival but it was ruled out for offside. With three minutes the go, Luke Smith was also ruled offside after striking  a half volley over the goalkeeper following a cross from the right. Melksham then found themselves down to nine men just before the final whistle.

5th April 2003 Trowbridge Town 0 Warminster Town 0 (Trowbridge won 8-7 on pens)

Trowbridge scraped through to their second cup final in four days by virtue of a dramatic penalty shoot out. The match itself had been very evenly contested with the defences of both sides taking the honours.  Luke Smith being singled out as man-of-the-match in the Trowbridge defence. The home side forced a couple of early corners and created a good chance in the 15th minute. Lee Wilson with a good cross from the right went over Shuttlewood, the Warminster goalkeeper but Dave Percival’s header went wide.  Waleed Bakali also had Shuttlewood struggling with a shot/cross a little later but the experienced ‘keeper pushed the ball over for a corner and then reproduced this action when the corner was taken.  The first clear-cut chance for Warminster came early in the second half. Trowbridge lost possession with Adam Sheppard out of position but he somehow managed to get a hand to a well-struck volley and push the ball away for a corner. Trowbridge were creating more opportunities in the second half but the Warminster defence looked very confident and extra time looked inevitable.  It was during the second period of extra time when a goal looked likely. With about six minutes remaining Matty Carpenter struck the underside of the Trowbridge crossbar and then Ricky Hulbert saw his shot do the same at the other end. Both goalkeepers saved one of the statuary five penalties so it was sudden death. Neither side missed until the ninth try at which point Warminster missed and Lee Wilson stepped up to send Trowbridge through.

2nd April 2003 Calne Town 1 Trowbridge Town 3

Trowbridge earned a place in the Wiltshire Senior Cup final with a gritty performance against Western League opposition. Calne looked like the senior side during the first ten minutes but were unable to create a clear opportunity. Trowbridge seemed happy to counter-attack and Gordon Saunderson had an attempt intercepted by the Calne goal-keeper after 10 minutes, doing well to gain possession on the right.  Calne should have taken the lead after 15 minutes but with only Sheppard to beat a shot was pulled wide of the right hand post. The highlight of the first half was a back-heeled flick pass from Jack Heard down the right wing into the path of Waleed Bakali, but when Bakali cut inside his shot went over the bar. Having looked comfortable in the first half Calne found themselves in a different game in the second and Trowbridge took the lead after 51 minutes. Dave Percival slotting the ball into an empty net after his first effort rebounded from the keeper. This opened the game up and as Calne pushed forward it allowed Trowbridge to attack Calne with pace on both wings. In the 65th minute a good break on the left by Bakali set up a chance for Jack Heard via Dave Percival. Heard's superb first touch and shot was excellently saved by the Calne goalkeeper. From the resultant corner, the goalkeeper saved well again, pushing the ball for another corner. Trowbridge doubled their lead in the 70th minute. Bakali broke well on the left and picked out an unmarked Gavin Eyre on the right wing and he took his chance well with a low shot into the corner of the net. Calne pulled a goal back after 77 minutes. Glen Armstrong showing good skill inside the penalty area to pull the ball back and shoot past Adam Sheppard. Trowbridge now found themselves under immense pressure as Calne looked to force extra time but some stout defending and good goalkeeping kept their lead intact. Sheppard doing particularly well with a headed chance to push the ball over for a corner. With time running out, Calne threw everything at Trowbridge. This inevitably left gaps at the back and Dave Percival exploited the space well to run at the defence and hit a low cross for substitute Chris Styles to score a decisive third. 

29th March 2003 Trowbridge Town 3 Devizes Town Reserves 1

A superior second half performance was enough for Trowbridge to claim the points after a very uneventful first half. Trowbridge were forced to play manager Neil Kirkpatrick in goal due to unavailability of players. Devizes took the lead after 30 minutes; the ball bounced over two defenders into the path of Marcus Woollen and he struck a shot across goal, which beat Kirkpatrick and went just inside the post.  The most exciting moment of the first half was a fierce shot towards his own goal by a Devizes defender that the goalkeeper did well to save. Trowbridge were level before the break. Gavin Eyre doing well to retain possession and run into the area and score with a shot across goal that was a little fortunate to reach its target.  Devizes hit the crossbar in the early stages of the second half and Neil Kirkpatrick also did well to prevent a possible own goal in the 62^nd minute.  Trowbridge then stepped up a gear and took the lead after 71 minutes. An Adam Nunn free kick from near the half way line was guided past the ‘keeper by Gordon Saunderson.  Two minutes later, Sauderson nearly scored again but the Devizes ‘keeper saved from point blank range. Trowbridge made sure of the win with a late goal following a long ball from Lee Wilson that Dave Percival fed across to Jack Heard to score from close range.

22nd March 2003 Stratton Crosslink 1 Trowbridge Town 0

For the second week running, Trowbridge were made to pay for missed opportunities. Stratton started well and attacked at the start but once Trowbridge settled they were the better side for most of the first half. The first real chance fell to Dave Mitchell in the eight minute but it was easily taken by the Stratton ‘keeper. Stratton were awarded a free kick that Adam Sheppard caught safely despite the windy conditions.  Sheppard threw the ball to Rick Hulbert and he quickly turned defence into attack with a long run down the right wing and a good cross into the centre. Unfortunately the cross was just inches too high for Mitchell in the penalty area.  The best move of the first half came shortly afterwards. Andy Bloodworth fed the ball to Mitchell in midfield and his quick turn beat one player and he created a chance for Dave Percival to shoot just over the bar. A further chance for Mitchell also went over the bar in the 30^th minute after some good work by Adam Nunn and Bloodworth.  Ricky Hulbert also headed over after 35 minutes to leave a first half goal- less. The second half was more evenly contested and Stratton took the lead after 55 minutes. A corner was headed back across goal and Alan Blake was first to the ball from close range.  Trowbridge then lost Dave Mitchell with a knee injury and Stratton seemed to take control of the game as Trowbridge reorganised. With three minutes remaining, Dave Percival gained possession on the left wing and beat a couple of defenders to get to the goal-line and cut a pass back for Adam Nunn to shoot towards goal. The ball scraped the outside of a post and went for a goal kick and Stratton held on for their three points.

15th March 2003 Devizes Town 1 Trowbridge Town 0 (Wilts Senior Cup)

The old adage "Football can be a cruel game" certainly applied in this Wilts Senior Cup quarterfinal tie. Trowbridge outshone their Western League opponents throughout but were left with nothing to show for their efforts. In the early stages, Gavin Eyre was fouled and an Adam Nunn free kick went wide. In the sixteenth minute, Dave Percival had a shot blocked by Warren Jackson, the Devizes goalkeeper and a defender then screwed the ball across his own goal for a corner. A good ball from Dave Mitchell after 30 minutes, picked out Waleed Bakali on the left but his shot was charged down and deflected into path of Dave Percival. He also saw his shot blocked by a defender. The highlight of the first half was a tremendous volley from 30 yards by Gordon Saunderson. It looked a goal all the way but Jackson dived full length to push the ball for a corner. The resultant corner by Gavin Eyre curled towards goal in the wind but again Jackson pushed the ball away. Adam Sheppard, the Trowbridge Town goalkeeper had been practically redundant during the first half. Trowbridge carried on where they left off in the second half, an opportunity for Dave Mitchell after 52 minutes being blocked by a defender. In the 58^th minute, Devizes created their first chance of the match but the shot went straight into the arms of Adam Sheppard.  After 66 minutes, Dave Percival did well, beating a couple of players, but his shot hit Jackson , three minutes later another chance was hooked towards goal but deflected agonisingly past the post. Devizes broke though on the right after 75 minutes and a pass picked out Justin Lisle with some space in front of goal. Sheppard dived to his right in vain as Lisle’s shot nestled in the corner of the net. Trowbridge continued to dominate but could not find an equaliser. There were two chances in the dying seconds, one shot was blocked and another was finger-tipped over by man-of-the-match, Warren Jackson, without whom, Trowbridge’s dream of a semi-final place would have been a reality.

1st March 2003 Trowbridge Town 1 Shrewton United 1

Trowbridge took on table-toppers Shrewton and held onto their undefeated home record by taking part in a thrilling 1-1 draw. The home side found themselves under pressure at the start, Lee Wilson originally doing well but then slipping to let a Shrewton forward in to cross the ball to the near post. The chance however, went wide of the post. Trowbridge then settled and played some good football despite the heavy conditions. They attacked on both flanks and for a while looked in control. Shrewton however, had scored 111 goals in just 25 league matches before this match so the defence had to cope with very experienced attacking visitors.  Jessie Walters went close for Shrewton after 20 minutes with a toe-poked shot that went just wide. On the half-hour, Dave Percival somehow weaved his way through three Shrewton defenders and into the penalty area only for a fourth defender to just get a foot to the ball causing him to lose possession and Shrewton cleared. Before half time, Adam Sheppard was called into action twice, making good saves to prevent Shrewton taking the lead. The main event of the first half however, was controversial. The assistant referee flagged a Trowbridge forward offside but because he was not interfering with play the referee waved play on. Adam Nunn then gained possession when the goalkeeper fluffed his clearance. Adam found the back of the net but not before the referee blew his whistle and gave the original offside, thus robbing Trowbridge of a first half  lead.  The second half again saw some flowing football from both sides. Jessie Walters went close again after 56 minutes, Adam Sheppard just finger-tipping his shot, which was then cleared. The match was never dirty but Shrewton defender Luke Kearley was unfortunately sent off for a second yellow card offence and Trowbridge took the lead shortly afterwards. Gavin Eyre did well to keep the ball in play on the right and set up Dave Mitchell. Having his first shot saved, Mitchell made no mistake with the follow up after 60  minutes. Trowbridge held the lead until the dying minutes, prolific scorer Dean Foot taking his opportunity to share the points.

22nd February 2003 Trowbridge Town 4 Pewsey Vale Reserves 1

Trowbridge stormed into the semi-final of the league cup despite the fact that Pewsey fielded a side boosted by first team regulars. The first chance came after 8 minutes, Adam Nunn going close with a well struck free-kick. Trowbridge dominated the game, the next opportunity coming after 15 minutes. A long ball down the left was picked up by Dave Percival and his cross created an opportunity for Dave Mitchell, making his first team return. Mitchell created another opportunity for himself in the 26th minute after shaking off two defenders and striking a good shot that was saved by the goalkeeper. Pewsey then took the lead totally against the run of play, the luckless Waleed Bakali deflecting the ball into his own net. Four minutes later, Trowbridge were level. Dave Percival nipped in behind a defender at the back post to score with a tap in. Before the break, Trowbridge were in front. Bakali finding the net at the right end this time to give them a half time lead. Trowbridge continued to dominate in the second half and added to their lead in the 55th minute. A deflected free kick from Adam Nunn found an unmarked Dave Percival and he slotted the ball past the goalkeeper with confidence. In the 63rd minute, Percival went on a run and should really have passed to an unmarked Mitchell but with hat trick in mind managed to get a shot at goal which the Pewsey goalkeeper deflected onto the left hand post. Two minutes later, a corner from Gavin Eyre was headed towards goal by Mitchell but a defender headed clear with the goalkeeper beaten. Percival claimed his hat trick in the 66th minute. Lee Wilson doing very well to gain possession in midfield, he fed the ball out to Waleed Bakali on the left and his pass found Percival in the penalty area and he took his time before finishing. This was an excellent all round performance from Trowbridge outplaying Pewesy from start to finish.

15th February 2003 Marlborough Town 2 Trowbridge Town 3

Trowbridge gained maximum points away from home for the third time this season but they had to come from behind twice to do so. A vastly changed line-up due to county call-ups and unavailability looked very disjointed in the first half and found themselves under pressure from an enthusiastic Marlborough team. Having mounted a couple of attacks the home side took the lead after 11 minutes. A break down the right creating an opportunity for Steve Wyatt to score after an initial save from Adam Sheppard. Trowbridge were level after 25 minutes, Ricky Hulbert doing well to keep possession on the right and cross the ball for debutant Paul Ford to score from close range. Marlborough were back in front just 2 minutes later, Pete Ward the scorer when Trowbridge were caught on the break.  Three minutes in to the second half, Andy Bloodworth levelled the score at 2-2. Most people were expecting a cross from Andy but instead he finished well from a tight angle. Both teams were looking to win the game, neither defence was on top form and Marlborough created a few chances which they either wasted with wild shooting or when on target were dealt with comfortably by Adam Sheppard. One shot from all of thirty yards was finger-tipped round the post for a corner. Having weathered the storm Trowbridge looked the most likely in the last 10 minutes. Mathew Penman making his return was very creative on the right,  but it required brilliant individual skill from Dave Percival to take the points. Having gained possession on the left he beat a defender and smashed the ball into the roof of the net from an even tighter angle than Bloodworth's earler goal.  

8th February 2003 Corsham Town Reserves 2 Trowbridge Town 0

Forget about "Murder on The Orient Express", Trowbridge manager Neil Kirkpatrick needs Hercule Poirot to solve a bigger mystery. How can a team be undefeated at home, conceding only three goals all season, have such a terrible away record?  In the opening minutes Mike Little crossed the ball into the area following some good play down the right, but there was nobody to finish the job off. Another chance was created after 11 minutes, Adam Nunn shooting wide. Having been pegged back for most of the time, Corsham would have taken the lead after 20 minutes but for an excellent save by Adam Sheppard. The ball ricocheted to the centre forward and he did well to beat a defender and get his shot on target. Eight minutes later, they were in front. The ball was crossed from the left and a very good header from Tom Weeks gave Sheppard no chance. Six minutes into the second half, Corsham doubled their lead. A clumsy tackle just outside the penalty area led to a free kick and James West picked a spot in the corner with a low shot past the Trowbridge wall. Trowbridge became frustrated by Corsham, who seemed to be able to deal with any attack that Trowbridge tried to mount. In the 63rd minute, Gordon Saunderson headed over with a diving header following a corner from Ricky Hulbert, 8 minutes later, Dave Percival put a shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. With ten minutes remaining, Booker Woodford did well on the left and crossed the ball for Ricky Hulbert to hit a spectacular volley toward goal. Unfortunately, the shot went straight at the Corsham goalkeeper who had been solid throughout. Credit should go to Corsham for rock solid defending, meanwhile Trowbridge will hope for a better result on their travels when they visit Marlborough this coming weekend.

1st February 2003 Trowbridge Town 4 Purton Res 1

 Trowbridge resumed their league campaign with a comprehensive win against Purton. A decent sized crowd waited only 5 minutes for the first goal. Tim Waylen and Gavin Eyre combining on the right wing to create a chance that Dave Percival tucked away nicely just inside the left hand post. The lead was doubled after 10 minutes from a similar situation. The ball rebounded from a Purton defender into the path of Gavin Eyre and he took a couple of strides before striking a good low shot past the goalkeeper. Shortly afterwards, Gavin Eyre struck a shot through a crowd of players that was saved by the goalkeeper, Dave Percival also had a shot turned round for a corner after running on to a through ball after 16 minutes. Purton, having rarely troubled Trowbridge in the first 45 minutes fared a little better during the early part pf the second half but not before the home side added a third. A bad mistake by a Purton defender passed the ball across his own goal to an unmarked Dave Percival, he then rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball past a helpless defender. Purton claimed their goal on the hour when a Trowbridge defender headed the ball back towards goal and a forward nipped in to beat Adam Sheppard. Purton only had one further opportunity, dealt with by Tim Waylen to concede a corner. Mike Little did well after 66 minutes, after receiving a cross from Dave Percival, he took the ball past the goalkeeper and crossed but a defender was back in time to clear. Brent Murden made his Trowbridge return  as substitute and wrapped up the scoring in the 82nd minute. A pin point pass into the area by Waleed Bakali to where Murden was pointing, created the opportunity for Brent to slot the ball confidently into the net.

14th January 2003 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 0 Trowbridge Town 3 (Wilts Sen Cup)

Trowbridge finally went back into action with their first competitive match since November 30th. The wait was worth it though as Trowbridge turned on the style to progress in the Wilts Senior Cup, against Wessex League opposition.  A bright start saw Bemerton catch Trowbridge on the break a couple of times with forwards finding space on the right, one of these chances went high over the cross-bar from the edge of the area and second chance after seven minutes produced an excellent save by Sheppard, pushing the ball round the left hand  post for a corner. Trowbridge started to build attacks quickly, moving the ball well from defence, through the the midfield and subsequently feeding the ball out to both wings where the pace of Percival & Eyre caused problems for Bemerton. In the tenth minute, Little was fouled and Eyre hit the left hand post with a clever free-kick from about 25 yards. There were further chances but an enjoyable first half finished goalless. Early in the second half, Little flicked a header against the post from a corner and Trowbridge began to take control of the game. A good effort from Nunn in the 55th minute went straight into the arms of the goalkeeper and then a minute later Percival was tripped in the area and a penalty was awarded. Percival's first attempt was saved by the goalkeeper but the Assistant Referee saw that the 'keeper had moved forward and Percival scored with the re-take. Shortly afterwards, Eyre curled a shot just over the bar after a good move down the right. Bemerton pushed up looking for the equaliser but the Trowbridge defence looked tighter than the first half, Barnes, Saunderson & Wilson all playing with confidence. In the 73^rd minute, Nunn scored the second goal; a shot from just outside the area flew into the corner through a crowd of players. With eight minutes remaining, Trowbridge wrapped up the scoring. Bloodworth, having come on for Bakali, striking a good shot from just inside the area. The ball hitting the same part of the netting that Nunn had found earlier. This was an excellent performance from Trowbridge. It was just what they needed after long lay-off. Everybody playing their part in a good team performance.

30th November 2002 Trowbridge Town 0 Westbury United Reserves 0

Due to County call-ups, Trowbridge were without Adam Nunn, Waleed Bakali & Gavin Eyre for this local derby. Chris Tricker returned up front and Asst Manager, Andy Bloodworth made his return to first team football. The weather was very dull and unfortunately for long periods, so was the match. In the 7th minute, Tricker did well on the right and a low cross towards the near post earned a corner from which Tim Waylen headed the ball onto the top of the crossbar. Seven minutes later it was Westbury who went close with a shot just wide of the left post. Westbury had another opportunity shortly afterwards, a good shot from 25 yards was heading for the top left corner but Adam Sheppard did excellently to turn the ball over the bar for a corner. The best move of the first half started in midfield when Dave Percival gained possession in midfield and threaded a good pass down the right for 16 year old Ricky Hulbert. Ricky created an opportunity for Chris Tricker from just outside the penalty area but Tricker's shot went over the bar. Goal attempts in the second half were rare and it began to look as if the game would end goal-less. Westbury had the better of the second half for long periods with one good shot going just wide, but it was Trowbridge who nearly stole the points in the latter stages. First Waylen headed over from a Percival corner, then with five minutes remaining a good through ball set up Ricky Hulbert just inside the penalty area but he just failed to shoot quickly enough and a defender was back to block.

23rd November 2002 Shrewton United 2 Trowbridge Town 0

Shrewton, the Current league champions, proved to be too strong for Trowbridge but manager, Neil Kirkpatrick should be proud of his young side. The home side nearly took the lead after just four minutes, the shot being cleared after rebounding from a post. Another opportunity went begging for Shrewton after 12 minutes when a player shot wide. Two minutes later Dave Percival went on an amazing run down e right wing and having beaten a couple of players, cut inside another to shoot towards goal. Unfortunately, for Percival the ball stuck a defender and went over the crossbar for a corner. The resultant corner was only cleared as far as Adam Nunn whose good effort from 20 yards just crept over the bar. Despite these chances for Trowbridge, Shrewton always looked in charge of the game and took the lead through Sean Collins, the ball being fed to him from the left. Adam Nunn then caused the Shrewton goalkeeper to fumble with a low free-kick but is was the Trowbridge defence that worked the hardest, to keep out the lively Shrewton forwards for the remainder of the first half. When they did create a scoring opportunity, Adam Sheppard, the Trowbridge goalkeeper made some fine stops to keep the half-time score at 1-0. Early in the second half, Shrewton increased their lead to two. Mickey Ball finishing well with a shot that went in off the post after receiving a pass from Collins. The remainder of the second half saw Trowbridge battling hard but often the final ball just didn’t come off as they tried to break down an experienced Shrewton defence. Meanwhile, the home side could have added to their total on a number of occasions but for some good defending and good goal-keeping by Adam Sheppard

9th November 2002 Trowbridge Town 2 Devizes Town Reserves 1 (League Cup)

Trowbridge had to show some character to get the better of a strong Devizes Reserve team in this league cup tie. In the early stages, Devizes produced a couple of opportunities from high crosses, one of which was headed over the bar. Trowbridge however, soon settled after this and were to become the better side in the first half. Some good play down the right wing produced a heading opportunity for Chris Tricker but he just failed to get to the ball and a similar cross from Dave Percival shortly afterwards was intercepted by a defender. Devizes found themselves under a lot of pressure from Percival and Gavin Eyre. Both payers showing  pace down the right wing that was exhilarating to watch. Waleed Bakali was on the end of one these crosses after 10 minutes but he just failed to control the ball and it spun away for a goal kick. Devizes fought back and a good shot on target was stopped by Adam Sheppard, diving to his right to save with one hand. In the 18th minute, a good through ball from Adam Nunn created an opportunity for Simon Kitchen and he was brought down by a defender with the goalkeeper beaten. Surprisingly the referee only showed a yellow card when most spectators were expecting red. Dave Percival confidently slotted home the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Fifteen minutes later the lead was doubled, Percival cut inside a defender and crossed for Bakali to control well and make no mistake from about 10 yards. In the 34th minute, Devizes pulled a goal back. Simon Drewitt with a confident strike from the edge of the area, after beating a defender. Having had the larger share of possession in the first half, Trowbridge were made to work hard in the second. Devizes again had chances in the early stages, one shot going across the face of the goal. Trowbridge defended well to keep Devizes at bay, often with midfield players back to help. Adam Nunn nearly made it three with a fine effort from 25 yards after 67 minutes, his shot just creeping over the crossbar. In the later stages, Booker Woodford had a good opportunity to wrap the game up after some good work by substitute, Ricky Hulbert. Unfortunately his effort went over the bar from close range. The final whistle however, came shortly afterwards and Trowdridge had earned their place in the next round with a resilient performance.

26th October 2002 Trowbridge Town 1 Stratton Crosslink 0

19th October 2002 Cricklade Town 2 Trowbridge Town 1

Trowbridge were made to pay for missed first half chances and stumbled to a disappointing away defeat. Dave Percival gave Trowbridge the lead in the 6th minute. A ball was played out to the left wing and with acres of space, ran on to slot the ball confidently past the Cricklade goalkeeper. Just two minutes later, Percival found himself in an almost identical situation but with slightly less time to spare. On this occasion his shot went straight at the goalkeeper. Percival was involved again after 14 minutes, setting up Steve Wickens with a square pass just outside the area. Wickens rushed his effort and the shot was high over the bar. Wickens went closer on 22 minutes when a shot across goal beat the goalkeeper but also the left hand post. Percival picked out Wickens again a couple of minutes later but his effort went wide. Cricklade managed just one real effort in the first half, after 38 minutes when a shot flew across goal and went wide. The second half was very different. Cricklade were much stronger at the back and Trowbridge lost their way in all areas of the field. Trowbridge found themselves under a lot of pressure and Lee Wilson twice cleared off the line with Sheppard beaten.  The equaliser was scored by Mickey Solan from the penalty spot after 70 minutes. Gordon Saunderson adjudged to have fouled Dave Parker in the area. Cricklade snatched the points with about six miniutes remaining, Phil Corcoran heading the ball home following a corner. 

12th October 2002 Trowbridge Town 4 Pewsey Vale Reserves 1

Dave Mitchell returned from suspension to lead the Trowbridge attack and nearly opened the scoring from the penalty spot after just five minutes. The shot was turned round the post by the goalkeeper to prevent him but this did not stop Town producing a fine display of attacking football for the whole 90 minutes. Pewsey sat back and tried to contain Trowbridge but the tactic failed miserably with pace and quick thinking shining through. The effervescent Waleed Bakali opened the scoring after 12 minutes when he sprung the offside trap on the left wing and then kept his composure to slot the ball past the goalkeeper. The chance being created by a long ball from Adam Nunn. Dave Mitchell then had a couple of half chances before making no mistake on 36 minutes when the ball broke to him following a corner. The third goal came in the 42nd minute when Tim Waylen headed home firmly from another corner by Adam Nunn. Pewsey rarely attacked but managed to grab a goal back in the dying minutes of the first half. A free kick from the left was glanced past goalkeeper Guthrie. The second half was much the same with Trowbridge passing the ball confidently. A good move on the hour nearly added to the scoreline. Mitchell started the move in midfield, found Tim Waylen with a square ball, Tim found Bakali on the left who's cross went to Dave Percival. Unfortunately, Percival fluffed his shot. He was not be denied however, and wrapped up the scoring after 65 minutes. Adam Nunn crossed for Dave Mitchell and the ball ran loose for Percival to shoot low into the corner of the net. This match was entertainment from start to finish.

5th October 2002 Purton Reserves 0 Trowbridge Town 2

Trowbridge took maximum points from their visit to Purton but the win looked doubtful during most of the first half as they failed to produce the entertaining football that the travelling fans have come to expect this season Purton should have been leading at half time but they failed to take their chances, the first of which came after only five minutes when a shot went over the bar. Another chance 6 minutes later was also headed over. A good move down the right in the 14th minute produced the first chance for Trowbridge, a scoring opportunity for Bakali, but his goal-bound shot was pushed for a corner by the goalkeeper. Purton then missed a golden opportunity when another shot went over the bar with Guthrie caught out of position. Trowbridge were giving possession away far too easily but there were chances at both ends, the most memorable being a tame shot from Tim Waylen that was fumbled by the goalkeeper and the ball struck the crossbar. Purton had two more opportunities after this to take the lead but were punished by Simon Kitchen, capitalising on a mistake by the Purton goalkeeper to slot the ball home and give Trowbridge an undeserved half time lead. Trowbridge doubled their lead quickly after the restart, Bakali lobbing well into an empty net after the Purton goalkeeper had advanced too quickly. Purton should have pulled a goal back in the 54th minute but the ball was deflected onto the crossbar and a shot on the rebound was cleared of the line. In the 75th minute, substitute Steve Wickens fed the ball through to Adam Nunn, who's shot struck the Purton crossbar. The same player also had a shot blocked in injury time. Trowbridge deserved the points in the second half but were fortunate to survive the first. A final mention must go to the referee who displayed a sense of humour when he showed a red card to a dog that ran on the pitch during the first half.

1st October 2002 Warminster Town 1 Trowbridge Town 0

Warminster snatched victory in the dying minutes of this floodlit encounter. The home side showed their intent by attacking early on and produced an opportunity after just five minutes. The header being easily dealt with by Guthrie, the Trowbridge goalkeeper. Trowbridge then went close when a through ball found Percival but he lifted his shot just over the bar. The ball skipped of the wet surface and the rest of the half was played at a fast pace with chances being created at both ends. Gavin Eyre's free kick was just over after 15 minutes and and a break on  the left by Warminster produced a fierce shot that was just pushed round the post for a corner. One of the best chances came after 35 minutes. Excellent work by Bakali set up a chance for Percival but his shot went straight into the arms of Shuttlewood, the Warminster goalkeeper. The second half was much the same with both sides creating opportunities. Trowbridge dominating for some spells and Warminster then doing the same and putting on pressure. Warminster should have taken the lead in the 57 minute but an unmarked forward failed to take his chance. Just when a draw looked to be the outcome, Warminster took all three points when a forward ran onto a ball through the centre and slotted the ball home for victory. 

21st September 2002 Trowbridge Town 3 Malmesbury Victoria Reserves 0

Trowbridge Town dominated this match from start to finish but some good defending by Malmesbury frustrated the home side for long periods of the first half. In fact, the visitors nearly took a shock lead after 25 minutes. A mistake by Guthrie the Trowbridge goalkeeper, provided the opportunity but he recovered very quickly to block the shot. Adam Nunn managed a shot on target shortly afterwards but the goalkeeper was not really troubled. The second half began much the same with Trowbridge camped in the Malmesbury half of the pitch and the supporters began to wonder if the goal that they deserved would ever arrive. Everything changed in the 60th minute, Waleed Bakali ran on to a through ball down the left hand side and confidently slotted the ball home to give Trowbridge the lead. Two minutes later the lead was doubled, Gavin Eyre with a terrific shot from the edge of the area found the top left corner giving the goalkeeper no chance whatsoever. Dave Percival nearly added a third shortly afterwards and then Mathew Penman struck the crossbar with a free-kick from distance. Substitute, Mark Conner completed the scoring with a well placed shot after some good work by Adam Nunn. Malmesbury managed one good opportunity in the second half but a good save by Guthrie ensured another clean sheet.

14th September 2002 Trowbridge Town 2 Biddestone FC 0

A fine first half performance by Trowbridge was enough to gain all three points and record a second successive 2-0 home victory. Dave Percival gave Trowbridge the lead after just seven minutes. Tim Waylen provided a pass down the left wing and Percival went on a sizzling run that took him past three defenders before striking a fine shot from the edge of the area  Trowbridge nearly added a second midway through the half, the ball was fed through to Steve Wickens after a tussle for possession in midfield. However, the unfortunate Wickens saw his shot rebound from the left hand post with the goalkeeper well beaten. The second goal came five minutes before the break, Adam Nunn knocked a ball forward and Dave Percival took advantage of a hesitant Biddestone defender to nip in and cleverly lob the ball over the goalkeeper. The second half could not match the entertainment of the first half. There were few chances although Biddestone did have one good opportunity to pull a goal back in the 58th minute, with a shot that went just wide. Shortly afterwards,  Tim Waylen beat the offside trap but could not quite get the ball under control enough to produce a scoring opportunity. The game however, was already won and Craig Guthrie, the Trowbridge 'keeper kept his second clean sheet in a row.

7th September 2002 Trowbridge Town 2 Warminster Town 0

Warminster Town may be looking for a quick return to the Western League but they could not match the enthusiasm shown by a young Trowbridge Town side defending their unbeaten home record. The early part of the first half saw very little goalmouth action until a SteveWickens shot on 15 minutes that was off target. Ten minutes later the deadlock was nearly broken when a looping shot shot from Mark Conner was just kept out by Shuttlewood the Warminster goalkeeper. The first half lead came after 35 minutes. Some good play found Dave Percival or the right wing and Simon Kitchen met his cross to score from close range. Trowbridge created an early chance in the second half when an excellent cross from Gavin Eyre was glanced towards goal by Steve Wickens. Shuttlewood was equal to it though and saved well. Warminster then had their best spell of the match and they put pressure on the home defence as they looked for the equaliser. Their best chance was after 75 minutes when a fierce shot struck the crossbar following a corner kick. After this let off, Trowbridge took control again, first Tim Waylen just failed to control the ball after beating the offside trap, then substitute Booker Woodford failed with a shot that went straight at Shutlewood when it looked as if he might have done better. He was however, not to be denied of his first goal for the first team. Some excellent work by Percival produced another fine save from Shuttlewood but Woodford pounced on the loose ball the slot the ball home for a deserved victory.

3rd September 2002 Westbury United Reserves 1 Trowbridge Town 0

Trowbridge were made to pay for missing first half opportunities as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Westbury. Without suspended Mitchell and unavailable Haldane, they lacked the killer instinct that was shown in the second half on Saturday. Steve Wickens almost opened the scoring after 22 minutes but he was under pressure from a defender and his shot was blocked by the goal-keeper. On the half hour a cross rather than a shot struck the Westbury crossbar and the rebound fell to Mike Little. Unfortunately, Little wasted the opportunity. The only chance for in the first half for Westbury came late in the half but the ball was cleared and Trowbridge broke quickly. Many supporters thought Trowbridge had scored but the shot from Mark Connors hit the side netting to leave the first half goal-less. The only goal of the game came after 49 minutes, the ball seemed to rebound into the net after a goalmouth scramble. This goal gave Westbury the confidence to compete for every ball and they enjoyed far more possession than earlier for large spells of the second half.  There were a few chances for Trowbridge, Steve Wickens ran onto a through ball in the 55th minute but the goalkeeper saved well with his legs. Westbury nearly added a second with 5 minutes remaining but for a good stop by Chris Vaughan the Trowbridge goalkeeper. The final chance for Trowbridge came in injury time, a deflected free kick was just about kept out by the goalkeeper to give Westbury the victory that their second half performance coupled with those missed chances by Trowbridge, just about deserved.

31st August 2002 Trowbridge Town 4 Corsham Town Reserves 0

First half action as the Corsham 'keeper catches well to foil a Trowbridge attack.

A good second half performance produced a large winning margin for Trowbridge. Just what they needed to keep up with the leaders in the Wiltshire Premier League. Corsham nearly took the lead after seven minutes, a chested lay-off led to a looping shot that hit the crossbar. The rebound produced an even better chance but Sheppard saved superbly to keep the sheet clean. The opening goal came after 14 minutes in somewhat bizarre fashion.  A free kick was floated in by Adam Nunn and Tim Waylen just failed to get his head to the ball. This unintentional dummy caught everyone unawares and the ball found it's way into the net. Towards the end of the first half, Trowbridge nearly increased their lead, Mitchell shooting just wide after a good turn. In the second half, the home side dominated the game and increased their lead after just five minutes. After winning the ball in a midfield encounter the ball was knocked forward to Mitchell and this time he made no mistake, slotting the ball home after beating a defender. Corsham nearly pulled a goal back after 20 minutes, they were awarded a free kick and the cross was headed against a post and subsequently cleared off the line. In the 70th minute, Lee Wilson did well to break from defence and set up an opportunity for Dave Mitchell who, having rounded the keeper saw his shot cleared off the line by a defender. The resultant corner, taken by Gavin Eyre, produced the third goal. A firm header from Lewis Haldane which gave the Corsham goalkeeper no chance from six yards.  Haldane became provider for the last goal when he crossed the ball from the left wing. Substitute Steve Wickens controlled the ball well and fired the ball into the roof of the net to score the goal of the match from 20 yards. A comfortable win for Trowbridge although credit to Corsham who found the woodwork twice.

10th August 2002 Chiseldon Castrol 1 Trowbridge Town 2

Trowbridge were without many of their first team regulars when the Wiltshire Premier League kicked it's season off early.  However, the faithful Town followers were far from let down by their replacements. They all played with confidence and attacked newly named Chiseldon Castrol in the early stages. Despite this it was the home side that took the lead. They had looked a little dangerous on the break and it was from one these breaks that they were awarded a free kick. As the ball went into the penalty area from the free kick, a Trowbridge defender was guilty of pushing and the resultant penalty was converted by Dominick Hammond.  The lead lasted only five minutes. Tim Waylen did very well down the left wing and passed to Waleed Bakali. A good cross from Bakali was met by Simon Kitchen to score with a fine volley.  The second half was like an exhibition match at times as the young Trowbridge forwards teased the home side's defense with speed, skill and agility. Dave Percival always looked dangerous as he fought for every ball and it was he who grabbed the winner. Having beaten one defender, Percival closed in on goal, looked as if he would cross the ball but instead beat the goalkeeper inside the near post from a tight angle. Tim Waylen almost increased the lead shortly after but his header was cleared away by a defender. Chisledon were unable to match the pace of the young Trowbridge forwards but nearly equalised on the counter attack in the 70th minute. Adam Sheppard denied Chiseldon with a finger-tip save to push the ball over the crossbar. There were further chances from Trowbridge to increase their total but the Chiseldon 'keeper saved well. One a close range effort from Bakali and another in the last few minutes. A superbly struck shot from Gavin Eyre that was pushed onto the crossbar and out of play for yet another corner.

Apologies to Simon Kitchen and Dave Percival. I had a problem with my digital camera so am unable to display the photograph that I thought I had taken at the end of the match. (Sorry Lads!)