8th May 2004  Trowbridge Town 3 Purton Reserves 1

Trowbridge claimed the Championship title with one game to spare with a 3-1 win over Purton Reserves. Purton nearly took the lead in the first minute, Adam Sheppard pushing a long range shot over the bar.  Straight from the resultant corner, Trowbridge gained possession through Luke Smith and his pass through the middle set up an opportunity for Dave Percival but the goalkeeper saved and a follow up shot was eventually cleared. The game settled after the bright start with Trowbridge looking the most likely and they took the lead on 15 minutes. Dave Mitchell slotting the ball past the goalkeeper following a cross on the left wing by Chris Gittings. The second half started as the first did with a chance for both sides. Two minutes in, Purton equalised through Paul Blanchard with a shot from inside the area that gave Sheppard no chance. Trowbridge were back in the lead shortly afterwards. Dave Percival knocked a harmless looking ball towards goal and Purton ‘keeper Luke Alford missed his kick completely allowing the ball to trickle over the line. Purton worked hard to try to get back into the game but the pace of the Trowbridge forwards always posed problems and Trowbridge went on to win comfortably when the referee allowed play to continue following a foul on Daniel Barnes. The ball was played through to Dave Percival who was fouled in the area and the same player stepped up to score a confident penalty.

6th May 2004 Trowbridge Town 1 Shrewton United Res? 1

Shrewton fielded at least 6 first team players in this match, which obviously meant much tougher opponents that when Trowbridge won 8-0 at Shrewton earlier in the season. Trowbridge were on the back foot in the opening minutes as Shrewton played the ball about well with most of the play coming through Jessie Walters. The best Trowbrideg attack of the first half came after 26 minutes.  Adam Shackell played a good ball down the right wing and Mike Little headed a cross by Dave Percival towards goal. The goalkeeper saved well and Ricky Trott brushed the top of the crossbar with the follow up. Shrewton took the lead through Darren Gale, heading home when play was allowed to continue even though it looked as if Adam Sheppard was fouled. In the second half, Trowbridge played much better and enjoyed a better percentage of the possession. Mike Little forced the goalkeeper to make a good save with a shot on the turn after 55 minutes. Two minutes later, Trowbridge levelled the scores. Dave Percival with a glancing header from a good cross by substitute Matt Minnis. Trowbridge searched for the winner with time running out and this left gaps at the back, which led to both sides having chances to win the match.  Both goalkeepers made fine saves and the final score of 1-1 was probably a fair result

1st May 2004 Corsham Print Senior Cup Final

Bradford Town 2 Trowbridge Town 1

Mike Little just about the head home the opening goal.

Despite Trowbridge taking an early lead, Bradford denied them a cup double, two strikes by Tom Pang doing the damage. The opening goal was scored after just seven minutes, Mike Little heading home a Gavin Eyre corner. Bradford worked hard to get themselves back into the game, Pang going close on 20 minutes with a shot just over the bar. Ten minutes later they were level. A cross from the right found Pang unmarked on the left and he confidently slotted the ball past Adam Sheppard. Trowbridge started the second half quite well with Gordon Saunderson going close but as time went on they began to look tired and Bradford started the look the more likely to score. Pang's second goal was worthy of a cup final. A superb volley into the right hand side of the net which gave Sheppard no chance. Trowbridge tried to get back into the game but always looked second best. They nearly earned extra time in the last minute when Nick Quinton made a point blank save to tip a header over the bar. Probably just one game too many for Trowbridge during this hectic spell of matches but congratulations to Bradford who deserved their win on the day.

28th April 2004 Malmesbury Victoria Reserves 0 Trowbridge Town 3

Trowbridge fielded 9 players from last nights cup final and still produced a good enough performance to beat Malmesbury and return to the top of the league. Jack Heard opened the scoring after 15 minutes, heading home a free kick taken by Ricky Trott on the left wing. Malmesbury went close in the 36th minute with a shot that went just over the bar. In the second half, Trowbridge looked very tired but hung on to their lead with some good defending. Just before the hour mark, Trowbridge had a goal disallowed and 7 minutes later the points were secured when Matt Minnis scored his first goal for the club with a low shot into the left corner. Just for good measure Minnis added a second in the final minute to take Trowbridge back to the top of the league.

27th April 2004 Wiltshire Senior Cup Final

Corsham Town 2Trowbridge Town 2 (a.e.t) (Trowbridge won 5-3 on pens)

24th April 2004 Trowbridge Town 3 Purton Reserves 2 (a.e.t)

Trowbridge reached the final of the Senior Cup with a nail-biting extra time win. Purton played their part in a tight encounter and Trowbridge had to come from behind twice to eventually prevail. Chris Gitttens started on the left wing and was involved from the start, producing a good cross which allowed Adam Shackell to set up a heading chance for Shaun Daniels but the ‘keeper saved comfortably. The first opportunity for Purton came after 20 minutes with a shot that went well wide of the right hand post. Trowbridge had Tom Berryman in goal because Adam Sheppard has an injured finger and he did very well to stop Purton scoring on the half hour, Gordon Saunderson clearing after Berryman had saved. Trowbridge went close on 38 minutes, a good run from Dave Percival on the left picked out Gavin Eyre in front of goal. His shot beat the goalkeeper but was cleared off the line. With only five minutes of the second half gone, Purton took the lead. The ball was headed across goal and Darren Brown reacted first to head home. Trowbridge were level straight from the restart. Gavin Eyre crossed from the right wing and Chris Gittens scored with a powerful header. Purton then thought they had been awarded a penalty for handball but after consultation with the assistant, the referee awarded a free kick to Trowbridge. Purton took the lead again, four minutes into extra time, Daniel Barnes putting the ball into his own net as he attempted to clear the ball. However, the lead was quickly cancelled out when Collier returned the favour by heading into his own net to make it 2-2. Trowbridge scored the winner in the last minute of the first half of extra time. A free kick taken by Gavin Eyre found Simon Kitchen at the back post and he laid the ball back for Mike Little to score from the edge of the six-yard box. Both teams can take credit for an exciting close encounter but special mention should go to 16 year old Adam Shackell who was superb throughout.

22nd April 2004 Trowbridge Town 1 Marlborough Town 0

Trowbridge dominated the first half of this match in a similar style to the visit to Melksham. They did everything but score. They hit the right hand post in the 6^th minute and pressed throughout the half but the final ball or the final bounce just wouldn’t come off chances came and went. Just before half time Trott struck a superb shot from 20 yards which beat the ‘keeper but hit the left hand post.  In the second half Trowbridge continued to attack but not with the same rhythm as the first. Marlborough defended very well and would have been happy with a point. The breakthrough finally came after 70 minutes when a shot from Dave Percival was punched out by the Marlborough goalkeeper. The ball went straight to Ricky Trott who made no mistake by heading over the ‘keeper and settled the nerves. Trowbridge survived a scare in the closing minutes when Marlborough were awarded a corner. The ball was headed towards goal and with Adam Sheppard beaten, the ball was headed off the line.

20th April 2004 Melksham Town Reserves 0 Trowbridge Town 0

Trowbridge gained just one point from their visit to Melksham but not for the want of trying.  Mike Little played up front in place of Dave Mitchell and went close to scoring twice in the first half. The first was after 30 minutes when he met a Ricky Trott cross with a glancing header that went just over the bar. Melksham were awarded a free kick in the 38^th minute that tested Adam Sheppard but he held on well at the second attempt after parrying the shot. Two minutes before the break, Trowbridge were awarded a free kick and when the ball fell to Mike Little his shot beat the ‘keeper but his shot rebounded from the right hand post and was cleared.  In the second half, Melksham forced one corner but other than that, Trowbridge attacked throughout the period and went close on numerous occasions. Ricky Trott headed wide in the 54^th minute. Dave Percival came on as substitute and forced the goalkeeper into a good save after 62 minutes, Mike Little again hit the post in the 64^th minute with a good turn and shot and the goalkeeper saved again from Ricky Trott in the 75^th minute. The chances still continued to come and go with Percival and Gavin Eyre both shooting wide. Trowbridge finally knew it just wasn’t their night when a clear handball in the penalty area was ignored by the referee in the last five minutes.

17th April 2004 AFC Stratton 2 Trowbridge Town 2

15th April 2004 Corsham Town Reserves 0 Trowbridge Town 1

Trowbridge came away with the points in this tense evening game. They started well but Corsham had the first shot at goal after 6 minutes that went just wide. Dave Mitchell received a throw-in just inside the area after 10 minutes. He turned, beat one player and shot from a tight angle but the goalkeeper saved with his legs. From the resultant corner, Daniel Barnes headed towards goal but his effort was cleared off the line with the ‘keeper beaten. Trowbridge continued to attack and were unlucky not to take the lead on 18 minutes. A good cross from the left by Ricky Trott was volleyed against the crossbar by Gavin Eyre. Corsham threatened on the break  and should have taken the lead after 30 minutes. The centre forward ran onto a through ball and chipped the ball over Adam Sheppard but the ball went just wide of the right post. In the second half Trowbridge failed to produce their accurate passing game and Corsham defended very well and competed for everything. In the 65^th minute, Corsham were awarded a free kick and took it very quickly. The ball struck the inside of the post and bounced straight into the arms of Adam Sheppard. The remainder of the game was very tense, Matt Minnis going just wide with a shot through a crowd of players after 70 minutes and worryingly Waleed Bakali had to leave the field with a shoulder injury.  Trowbridge claimed the points in the 80^th minute. Dave Mitchell was fouled inside the area just as he was preparing to cross the ball and Dave Percival tucked away the penalty nicely.

10th April 2004 Trowbridge Town 4 Chiseldon Castrol  0

With Dave Mitchell and Jack Heard both unavailable, Matt Minnis started up front for Trowbridge. He could not find the net himself but produced a thrilling performance in setting up two of the home sides four goals. Chisledon had no option but to defend throughout the game and did so very well in the first half. They stuck to their task, closed down space where they could and did the simple things well with some timely interceptions. Subsequently,  the first half finished goalless. Trowbridge took the lead three minutes into the second half, Walled Bakali with a good finish following a corner by Gavin Eyre. Trowbridge took control in midfield; Rick Trott won everything and mostly the game was played in the Chisledon half of the pitch. When Chisledon attacked the Trowbridge defence who were missing Gordon Saunderson coped well and Adam Sheppard, despite carrying an obvious injury handled comfortably. The second goal after 69 minutes, came from a long clearance by Luke Smith, Minnis received the ball on the half way line controlled it superbly and picked out Dave Percival on the left wing with a fine pass. Percival’s first shot was blocked by the ‘keeper but he reacted quickly to score. Minnis again provided the pass that enabled Percival to score the third in the 87th minute and then in the last minute substitute Adam Shackell made it four from close range.

6th April 2004 Bradford Town 1 Trowbridge Town 2

Trowbridge came away with the points in a tough encounter with neighbours Bradford. The home team strongly and shot wide in the first minute and looked the more likely to score in the early stages. However, it was the visitors that took lead after 9 minutes. Trowbridge were awarded a corner that was punched away by the goal-keeper, a shot came back in that was cleared off the line before Mike Little forced the ball over the line from close range.  Tom Pang equalised from the penalty spot three minutes later. Waleed Bakali harshly adjudged to have handled the ball as rebounded from his knee.  However, luck was evened out when Bradford appealed for a penalty after 18 minutes following a challenge inside the box. This time the referee waved play on. Bradford took the initiative and attacked Trowbridge on a number of occasions. One shot went over the bar following a free kick on the right and shortly afterwards Sheppard was beaten but the ball was cleared off the line.  Trowbridge lost Adam Nunn when he appeared to twist his ankle as he tackled back for the ball. Trowbridge also went close before the half time whistle. Waleed Bakali picked out Jack Heard with a pass down the right wing and Ricky Trott headed Jacks’ looping cross towards goal. This time it was Bradford’s turn to clear the ball off the line. Tom Pang then produced a fine curling effort in injury time, which was expertly tipped over by Adam Sheppard. Trowbridge looked the fitter side in the second half and went looking for the points. Their reward came five minutes from time. A free kick was headed onto the cross-bar by Simon Kitchen and Jack Heard forced the ball home to claim a vital win. Trowbridge deserved the win in the second half, but credit to Bradford for being the strongest opposition they have met for some time.

3rd April 2004 Trowbridge Town 2 Aldbourne 0

This was a very wind swept affair that made it difficult to play good football. Trowbridge, however, used it to their advantage far more effectively in the second half than Aldbourne had in the first. With the first half goalless an early second half goal was required and Dave Mitchell delivered within the first five minutes. Waleed Bakali sprung the offside trap, ran into the right side of the area and crossed for Mitchell to score with a first time low shot. The Trowbridge defence once again looked solid when called upon although Aldbourne rarely threatened. The score was nearly increased on the hour when Dave Percival ran down the right onto a through ball and kept the ball in play. His cross was swept towards goal by the wind and Robinson, the Aldbourne ‘keeper did well to keep the ball out. Trowbridge wrapped up the scoring in the 68^th minute. Bakali put pressure on the Aldbourne defence as they faced their own goal and this allowed Percival to gain possession and square the ball for substitute Jack Heard to strike a sweet shot from just inside the area.

30th March 2004 Warminster Town 0 Trowbridge Town 3

Trowbridge gained their third 3-0 away league win in succession with the visit to a much improved Warminster. The first goal came from the penalty spot after 16 minutes, Adam Nunn being brought down just left of the six yard area, the same player duly converting the opportunity. For a while Trowbridge conceded possession in midfield although Warminster only tested Adam Sheppard once before Waleed Bakali went close with a header in the 35th minute. With only a minute of the second half gone. Trowbridge doubled their lead. Jack Heard ran on to a Dave Percival pass and slotted the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. Trowbridge always looked the more likely to score again, Matt Minnis joined the attack and Warminster struggled to cope with the pace although once again the home side did well to contain Trowbridge in midfield and enjoyed some possession without really threatening the Trowbridge goal. They did have one opportunity that went just wide when perhaps the shot should have hit the target but every time Trowbridge attacked they looked like adding to the score line. Matt Minnus was extremely unfortunate in the 84 minute when, having ran past fouror five players saw hi shot rebound from the post. The final goal came in the 85 minute, Minnus fed the ball through the Waleed Bakali who guided the ball into the net with a confident finished. The referee then sent the Warminster player off for a late tackle on Minnis but the goal was rightly given. I personally thought that this referee was the best I have ever seen in the Wiltshire League, makes a change to be able to compliment a referee. 

27th March 2004 Devizes Town Reserves 0 Trowbridge Town 3

Trowbridge kept their championship hopes alive with a comfortable win at Devizes. It was day to remember for Mike Little who was making his 100^th appearance and also the return of Jack Heard to the squad. The first real chance came after 30 minutes when a Waleed Bakali shot rebounded to Simon Kitchen whose fierce shot was cleared of the line by a defender. The breakthrough came in the last minute of the first half, another Bakali run earned a corner, which was slightly over hit. However, Dave Percival was on the far side to control and chip the ball back into the area where Daniel Barnes was waiting to head the ball into the net. Dave Mitchell nearly made it two before the half time whistle went, but his superb volley was stopped by an equally good save. In the second half, Trowbridge took total control with Devizes earning just one corner throughout. Trowbridge went close on three occasions just after the hour mark. Jack Heard shot just over, Kitchen had a shot well saved and Bakali hit the crossbar. This pressure finally paid of in the 66^th minute when Adam Nunn’s low shot from outside the penalty area brushed the post on it’s way in to make it 2-0.  A minute later Bakali made it three, smashing the ball into the roof of the net from close range after Jack Heard had driven the ball across the face of goal.

24th March 2004 Trowbridge Town 4 Pewsey Vale 2 (at Melksham Town FC)

Trowbridge have reached the final of the Wiltshire Senior Cup for the second year in succession with a fine win over Hellenic Premier Division side Pewsey Vale. Gavin Eyre opened the scoring after 12 minutes running on to a Dave Mitchell through ball and finishing well.  The lead was doubled after 20 minutes, Dave Percival beating three players before being up-ended in the penalty are and Adam Nunn slotted home the resultant penalty.  Pewsey responded with a couple of chances from dead ball situations, Adam Sheppard having to deal with a couple of in swinging corners.  They then pulled a goal back following a free kick that was headed back across goal. Sheppard with no chance as a forward headed home.  Waleed Bakali restored the two goal margin just before half time, rounding the goal-keeper and finishing well after receiving a pass from Dave Percival.  With only five minutes of the second half gone, Pewsey made it 3-2 when a shot towards goal was deflected past Sheppard. Any fears of a comeback were soon forgotten though as Dave Percival ran through in the 55^th minute to wrap up the scoring from just inside the penalty area. Trowbridge will meet Western League side Corsham in the final.

13th March 2004 Wroughton 0 Trowbridge Town 3

Trowbridge returned to winning ways with a result that could have easily shown a bigger margin. Wroughton were limited to only two shots on target in the whole match, neither of which really troubled Adam Shepperd in the Trowbridge goal. Dave Mitchell had the ball in the net after only 9 minutes following a through pass from Dave Percival but unfortunately Mitchell was correctly ruled offside. The first goal came from another Percival run on 16 minutes. Coming in from the left wing and threading the ball through for Waleed Bakali to steer the ball round the goalkeeper from just inside the penalty area. Shortly after the opening goal, Dave Mitchell went close on three occasions. The Wroughton goalkeeper saved the first two efforts and after 36 minutes a header went just wide. With only five minutes of the second half gone, Trowbridge were gifted a goal by the Wroughton goalkeeper, allowing a shot from Bakali to somehow roll over his body and cross the line, Gavin Eyre creating the opportunity this time with a pass from the right wing.  The third goal, a 25 yard strike by Mike Little wrapped up the scoring. Matt Minnus once again looked lively when coming on as substitute and went close with a shot across goal that went just wide after 75 minutes. Trowbridge continuted to attack right up to the final whistle but were unable to add to their score in a very one sided second half.

6th March 2004 Trowbridge Town 2 Westbury United Reserves 2

21st February 2004 Biddestone FC 2 Trowbridge Town 0

Trowbridge failed to reach their usual high standards in this match and Biddestone capitalised on this to become only the second team to defeat them this season.  On a bitterly cold afternoon, Trowbridge started brightly enough but found a stubborn Biddestone defence difficult to break down. Mike Little went close after ten minutes after some good work by Ricky Trott and continued to attack but found themselves a goal behind after 30 minutes. Steve Healey chased a long ball from midfield and finished from inside the penalty area. Ten minutes later Biddestone were awarded a free kick which rebounded from the crossbar and Tim Tasker was on hand to tap the ball home and make it 2-0. A shocked Trowbridge Town, tried their best to fight back in the early part of the second half but they clearly missed the Dave Mitchell’s ability to hold the ball upfront and despite their efforts, failed to force a save from the Biddestone goalkeeper. To make matters worse, Adam Nunn was sent off for kicking an opponent after 60 minutes. Neil Kirkpatrick brought on Matt Minnus for his first team debut and he was welcomed onto the field by a very nasty tackle. However, he survived to show enough promise for the future. The last 10 minutes was probably the best spell for Trowbridge. A good run down the right wing and a cross by Minnus was met by Mike Little but the linesman ruled that his close range effort had not crossed the line.  Adam Shackell then hit a good shot on the turn which the Biddestone ‘keeper did well to save but time ran out and Biddestone gained the points which they deserved on the day, mainly due to some very stout defending when it mattered most.

14th February 2004 Trowbridge Town 2 Bradford Town 0 (Wilts Senior Cup)

24th January 2004 Trowbridge Town 3 Wroughton 0

13th January 2004 Devizes Town 1 Trowbridge Town 2

 Trowbridge shocked Western League Premier Division Devizes Town in this exciting wind-swept Witshire Senior Cup tie. With a strong wind in their favour, Trowbridge attacked straight from the kick off, a cross from Gavin Eyre headed just wide by Dave Mitchell. The first goal came after 7 minutes. Trowbridge goalkeeper Adam Sheppard with a drop kick that travelled the length of the pitch, Jez Hare misjudged the bounce and Sheppard became an unexpected goalscorer. The lead was doubled just one minute later, Ricky Trott gaining possession in midfield and striking a low shot from 30 yards. Devizes got back into the game 5 minutes before the break, Dave Hopkins heading home a corner. In the second half Devizes pushed forward and looked the better side, looking for the equaliser. A good chance was missed on the hour when a forward ran onto a long clearance but the shot was just wide of the right hand post. Sheppard also pushed a shot for a corner in the 72nd minute. Despite this pressure, Trowbridge looked dangerous on the break, attacking on both wings through Ricky Hulbert and Gavin Eyre. Having defended their lead well, Trowbridge nearly increased their lead with two chances in the last ten minutes. Dave Mitchell crossed for Ricky Hulbert to head toward goal but Hare made a brilliant stop to force a corner. Shortly afterwards, Hulbert was unlucky again when he hit a post from close range after a good ball in from Andy Bloodworth. This was David and Goliath cup football at it's best and a fine win for Wiltshire League, Trowbridge.

10th January 2004 Trowbridge Town 3 Shrewton United Reserves 0

Trowbridge moved confidently into the semi-final of the league cup. Shrewton defended well at times but were always on the back foot and it was only a matter of time before the opening goal.  The Shrewton goalkeeper made two good stops within the first six minutes, one from Percival and one from Gavin Eyre.  The breakthrough came after 36 minutes, Percival crossing from the left edge of the penalty area and Gavin Eyre heading home from six yards. A minute later Percival nearly made it two with a good run but the goalkeeper saved well again.  The second half saw Trowbridge continue to attack with the odd counter from Shrewton that was dealt with comfortably. The Trowbridge defence have now achieved five clean sheets in a row.  Waleed Bakali & Ricky Trott both had chances to increase the score-line. Bakali being thwarted by the advancing goalkeeper and Trott heading just over the crossbar. A good move started on the left by Andy Bloodworth led to the second goal after 63 minutes. Dave Percival providing the final cross that Waleed Bakali finished from close range. Ten minutes later the Shrewton goalkeeper failed to grasp a Gavin Eyre corner and substitute Adam Shackell was at the far post to bundle the ball over the line and make it 3-0. Even defender Lee Wilson found himself in an attacking position in the last two minutes. Ricky Trott creating the opportunity but the shot from Wilson went wide of the left hand post.

3rd January 2004 Trowbridge Town 8 Pewsey Vale Reserves 0

Trowbridge returned to action after a four-week break and produced their second 8-0 victory in succession and their third of the season.  Pewsey offered little resistance as the home side attacked from the start and the first goal came after only 4 minutes. Ricky Trott ran onto a through ball on the left and fed the ball through to Adam Nunn, Dave Mitchell providing the finish when Nunn crossed into the six-yard area.  Roles were reversed after 22 minutes, Dave Mitchell sprung the offside trap and set up Adam Nunn to make it 2-0. Trowbridge continued to create chance after chance and made it 3-0 on the half-hour. A miss-hit pass found Dave Percival and in typical Percival style, he ran through and rounded the keeper to finish. The score was increased to 4-0 just before half time, Dave Mitchell with a shot that went in off the post.  The second half was even more one sided than the first with every attack looking likely to produce a goal. Dave Mitchell was brought down in the penalty area in the first minute of the second half. However, there was no need for a penalty decision from the referee because Waleed Baklai was on hand to score from close range.  Pewsey produced just one shot on goal which came to nothing before Trowbridge made it 6-0. A good ball in from Sean Daniels was taken by Dave Mitchell on his chest. As the ball dropped, Gavin Eyre was on hand to finish from close range.  One minute later, Dave Mitchell completed his well-deserved hat trick and made it 7-0 from close range after a good run by Gavin Eyre.  Two minutes from time Andy Bloodworth saved the best till last. The ball rebounded to him on the edge of the penalty area and he beat one player to loop a shot into the top left corner and complete the rout.

6th December 2003 Shrewton United Reserves 0 Trowbridge Town 8

Prior to this match, Shrewton had conceded fewer league goals than any other team apart from Trowbridge and Manager Neil Kirkpatrick was expecting a tight game. His team however, had other ideas and had already created two good chances before taking the lead after just twelve minutes. Ricky Trott opening his account with a great header from an Adam Nunn corner.  Ten minutes later Adam Nunn made it two with a shot inside the near post after some good work by Dave Mitchell. Just before half time, Dave Percival made it three after robbing a defender of possession and finishing well. Shrewton collapsed in the second half as the confident Trowbridge team pushed forward. Ricky Trott was brought down in the area after 56 minutes and Adam Nunn tucked the penalty away nicely to make it four.  Shortly afterwards, Nunn himself was brought down by the goalkeeper and he repeated his penalty kick to complete his hat-trick to make it five-nil. In the 63^rd minute, Waleed Bakali sprung the offside trap and looked as if he may have lost his chance to score as he tried to round the goalkeeper. However, his shot across goal was helped over the line by defender to make it 6-0. Trowbridge made some substitutions and Guy Rowley made the most of his opportunity. A quickly taken throw-in by Dave Mitchell found Adam Nunn and Guy Rowley headed his cross firmly home. With 10 minutes to go, Rowley scored again, this time a solo effort, running past a defender and confidently slotting the ball home. With such an emphatic win it’s easy to overlook the defence but when called upon they were just as impressive as the forwards.

22nd November 2003 Trowbridge Town 2 Biddestone FC 0

Trowbridge increased their lead at the top of the table to 4 points with a second win against Biddestone in as many weeks. Top scorer Dave Percival gave Town the lead after 6 minutes with a good finish following a cross from the left wing. Gavin Eyre made it two after 18 minutes. Controlling the ball with one touch and striking a low shot into the net from just inside the penalty area.  In the early stages of the second half there were chances for both sides. First Adam Nunn shot straight at Kevin Read and then Craig Guthrie did well to keep his concentration as a bouncing ball went past everyone and he dived to catch the ball with his right hand.  The best move of the second half started with Mike Little bringing the ball forward from his own half and passing the ball down the right to Dave Percival. Unfortunately when Percival crossed for Waleed Bakali he was just offside. Biddestone fought well at times although never looked like creating enough opportunities to worry Trowbridge. They did have a shot cleared off the line with 5 minutes remaining but overall this was a comfortable victory for the league leaders.

15th November 2003 Trowbridge Town 3 Biddestone FC 0 (Wilts Senior Cup)

Trowbridge moved comfortably through to the next round of the Wilts Senior Cup with an excellent all-round performance against their closest league rivals, Biddestone. There were not many chances during the first half. Mitchell went just wide with a volley following a corner early on but both sides were unable to create a clear opening until the 40^th minute. A shot on the turn from Walled Bakali was not held by the Biddestone goalkeeper and Dave Percival showed lightening speed to tuck the ball home from the rebound. In the second half, Biddestone struggled to cope with the all round pace of Trowbridge although they almost equalised after 50 mintes. A quickly taken free kick just outside the area caught the Trowbridge defence off guard and Craig Guthrie did well to save in a one-on-one situation.  Trowbridge then took control and gained a series of corners one of which saw Mike Little beat the goalkeeper only for a defender to clear off the line. After this there was only one team likely to score and when Dave Mitchell battled to keep possession on the right wing, the referee played a good advantage allowing him to cross for Percival to smash home his second of the match in the 56^th minute Mike Little wrapped the game up after 61 minutes with a 30 yard free-kick that the Biddestone ‘keeper could only help into the net. Every single Trowbridge player deserves full credit for a superb team result.

8th November 2003 Trowbridge Town 3 Melksham Town Reserves 1

Trowbridge Town found themselves a goal behind after just five minutes in an exciting first half but fought back well to win comfortably. Ricky Trott gave away a free kick just to the left of the penalty area and when the ball was played into a crowded penalty area there was some confusion before the referee consulted a linesman to confirm that the ball had crossed the line. Trowbridge started to take control and Walled Bakali went close on 15 minutes. Bakali was involved again after 19 minutes to produce the equaliser. His determination gained possession on the left wing and Dave Percival was on the end of a good cross to steer the ball past the Melksham goalkeeper. Two minutes later the league leaders were in front, Percival and Bakali battling for possession on the left wing again. This time Percival gained possession, ran past one defender into the penalty area and beat the goalkeeper with a shot inside the near post. Just before half time Dave Mitchell was brought down inside the area and Percival had the opportunity to claim his second hat-trick in successive weeks but the goalkeeper made a good stop and pushed the penalty for a corner. The second half did not provide the same entertainment level in the early stages but Trowbridge always looked comfortable and added to their lead on 75 minutes. A cross from Adam Nunn was headed towards goal by Dave Mitchell and with the goalkeeper already beaten Ricky Trott finished from close range to make sure.

NB: Last goal since awarded to Dave Mitchell

1st November 2003 Trowbridge Town 8 Malmesbury Victoria Reserves 0

25th October 2003 Trowbridge Town 0 AFC Stratton 1

Trowbridge finally lost their unbeaten run in their thirteenth competitive match of the season, to a very well organised Stratton side.  The visitors nearly took the lead in the first minute; Adam Sheppard being forced to make a save with his legs.  Trowbridge found it difficult with the wind in their faces and had to wait until a 24^th minute error by the Stratton defence for their first opportunity. Dave Mitchell intercepted a back pass and fed the ball to Dave Percival but the ‘keeper just got back in time to deflect Percival’s shot for a corner.  Dave Mitchell met the corner but his overhead kick went just wide. Trowbridge welcomed the half time whistle with the hope that the wind might assist them in the second half but it was Stratton who nearly scored in the first minute again.  Jerry Wright saw his effort go wide for Stratton and the away side looked more likely to break the deadlock. Wright again went close with a shot that rebounded from the right hand post straight into the arms of Adam Sheppard. The breakthrough came on the hour, Rob Broadbanks gaining possession just outside the penalty area. His run took him into a goalscoring opportunity and despite a touch from Adam Sheppard the finish was good enough to give Stratton a deserved lead.  Trowbridge were much better after this setback but the stern Stratton defence and a solid goalkeeping performance kept the home side out.  Waleed Bakali and Dave Percival both had shots saved by the goalkeeper and the last ten minutes produced a number of corners as Stratton fought to hold onto their lead. Substitute, Lee Wilson managed to beat the goalkeeper in the dying minutes but there were two defenders on the line, one of which headed the ball away for a corner. Trowbridge may well have grabbed a point but it wasn’t to be and Stratton went away as the first team to beat Trowbridge this season and three hard earned points.

18th October 2003 Cricklade Town 0 Trowbridge Town 1

Cricklade nearly took the lead in the first minute of this match but Trowbridge survived and went on to achieve a fine away victory. They also had a chance after 3 minutes. A poorly taken free kick rebounded to a forward and his shot just went wide of the post. The match then became frantic and at times over-physical but the referee showed a card to a Cricklade player and the game settled down. Trowbridge began to play football and Percival shot just over the bar in the 9th minute. Shortly afterwards a Dave Mitchell shot deflected over the goal-keeper and a Cricklade defender rescued the home side to head the ball over for a corner. From this, a further corner was earned, this time the goalkeeper himself making a good save. Cricklade caught Trowbridge on the break after 27 minutes and Sheppard did well to fingertip a shot for a corner. In the second half Trowbridge showed a lot of character to overcome the physical side of Cricklade's game and attacked constantly limiting the home side to just a few ventures towards the Trowbridge goalmouth.  Mitchell went close on the hour with a shot into the side netting and three minutes later they got the reward that they deserved. Walled Bakali battled through on the left wing and was brought down by two players. The resultant free kick was floated towards goal and Andy Bloodworth glanced a header over the goalkeeper and into the net.  A fine win and 3 points gained from a very difficult away encounter.

11th October 2003 Trowbridge Town 2 Devizes Town Reserves 1

Trowbridge were handed a dream start when a pass back to the Devizes goalkeeper was kicked straight to Dave Mitchell and he calmly scored within the first minute. An equally bizarre event gave Trowbridge a second goal after 14 minutes. Shear perseverance from both Dave Mitchell and Adam Nunn forced the ball forward and when the goalkeeper attempted to kick the ball clear it rebounded from a defender’s back into the net. Trowbridge continued to have the more possession but failed to produce the sort of football they have in recent matches and went in with a far from impressive 2-0 lead at half time.  The first part of the second half was similar but the introduction in midfield of new signing Ricky Trott and young forward Guy Rowley seemed to brighten things up a bit.  In the 65^th minute Dave Mitchell went close with a superb half volley that went just over and two minutes later a good effort from Ricky Trott from 30 yards also went just over the crossbar. When Devizes attacked the Trowbridge defence stood firm with Mike Little and Gordon Sanderson both playing well. Waleed Bakali nearly scored a third for Trowbridge after 83 minutes when his effort from a difficult angle rolled along the crossbar and was subsequently cleared. Guy Rowley also shot over the bar with a good effort and another Dave Mitchell attempt went just wide before Devizes pulled a goal back. Ironically, this occurred following Trowbridge’s best spell, Ricky Mansell scoring from close range.

NB The first goal has since been credited to Adam Nunn

4th October 2003 Trowbridge Town 5 Warminster Town 0

27th September 2003  Marlborough Town 1 Trowbridge Town 4

13th September 2003  Trowbridge Town 1 Westbury United Reserves 0 A E T

6th September 2003 Westbury United Reserves 0 Trowbridge Town 3

Trowbridge maintained top spot in the league with their first ever win at Meadow Lane. The first half was a very tight affair, both sides denying their opponents the space to play entertaining football. Each side only really created one chance. The best opportunity shortly before half-time when Dave Percival should have done better in front of goal having been set up by Dave Mitchell. The second half looked more likely to produce a result, both sides enjoying better possession. The game came to life in the 78^th minute. Shaun Daniels gained possession on the right hand side near the centre line and played a good ball through to Dave Percival. Having taken the ball past one defender, Percival then crossed for Dave Mitchell to finish with a first time shot into the bottom left corner of the net. The lead was increased 5 minutes later. Percival ran onto a through ball from Adam Nunn and cleverly flicked the ball past the Westbury goalkeeper. In the final minute of the match, Gavin Eyre, just back from injury, won the ball from the goalkeeper on the left edge of the penalty area and the ball rebounded for Dave Pervcival to shoot across goal towards an empty net. The shot may have gone just wide but Waleed Bakali was there to make sure of a 3-0 victory.

30th August 2003 Chisledon Castrol 0 Trowbridge Town 1

14th August 2003 Trowbridge Town 5 Corsham Town Reserves 1

9th August 2003 Aldbourne 0 Trowbridge Town 3

Trowbridge Town began their league campaign in style with an emphatic away win at Aldbourne. The early stages were evenly contested, Aldbourne with the first real chance after 19 minutes. Adam Sheppard denied the forward with a brave block at the front of the penalty area. Trowbridge then took control of the game, the breakthrough coming after 26 minutes. A cross from Waleed Bakali found Adam Nunn unmarked on the left and his fiercely struck half volley across goal deflected into the net. Nunn went close again after 33 minutes, this time being thwarted by Robinson the Aldbourne goalkeeper.  Good interplay between Simon Kitchen and Dave Percival on the right then produced a chance, which Dave Mitchell finished tidily but he was unfortunately ruled offside.  Aldbourne continued to try to play offside but Simon Kitchen timed a perfect run to gain possession and finish well to make it 2-0 at halftime. The second half was delayed slightly when the referee realised he had left the match ball in the dressing room, but when it did start, Trowbridge were totally in control Mike Little making it 3-0 after 66 minutes. He met an Adan Nunn free kick with a powerful header past the goalkeeper.  Andy Bloodworth thought he had scored the 4^th late in the game with a good run from just inside the Aldbourne half but the linesman had flagged him fractionally offside.