DAVE Turner did not lose his sense of humour despite Wootton Bassett’s 2-0 defeat in their top of the table clash with Brimscombe & Thrupp.

The Rylands Way chief could not fault any of his players as first-half goals from Mike Beckingham and Lee Pritchard gave the away side victory in the Division One West clash.

Beckingham put Brimscombe in front when he flicked the ball over his head and cracked a wonder-strike into the net from range, and Pritchard stepped inside his man to drive home the second.

Turner joked afterwards: “It’s only our second defeat in 12, so we’re not pressing the panic button just yet.

“For me there was nothing between the sides and their manager said the same. It seemed like it was going to take something like their first goal to separate us, and it was one of the best I’ve seen this season.

“It was their day but my players were an absolute credit. I don’t like losing but I thoroughly enjoyed it other than that.

“Although the lads were disappointed, they were generally in good spirits and are looking forward to the next game.”

Elsewhere in the division, Cricklade won a 6-3 blockbuster at home to Clanfield.

Jack Allan gave the Stones Lane side the lead after four minutes and no less than eight goals followed in the second half.

First Nicholas Christodoulou levelled nine minutes after the break and Gareth Davies immediately restored the Cricklade advantage.

Antony Hogg and Clanfield’s Ben Williams then scored within seconds of each other as the score shifted to 3-2, before Christodoulou levelled the match.

However, moments later Allan made it 4-3 and a brace inside the last 20 minutes from Ben Carter ensured victory for Cricklade.

Fairford missed a penalty as they lost 2-0 to Carterton following Lewis Brownhill’s two late efforts, while Leigh Brown’s goal was in vain for Purton as they were defeated 3-1 at Hook Norton.

Rock-bottom Malmesbury twice came from behind to grab their first point of the season at Letcombe.

Alex Bruce struck home a first-half penalty but Max Sparrow equalised on 57 minutes.

David Richardson put the Oxfordshire hosts ahead once more soon after but with six minutes remaining, Kevin Reape levelled.

New College’s woes continued with a 4-1 loss at Old Woodstock, after Nathan Blackford had given the students an early lead.