MELKSHAM Town Reserves took advantage of the postponement of nearest rivals’ Wroughton’s match to open up a four-point gap at the top of the Premier Division table with a narrow victory at Ludgershall Sports.

In one of only two league matches played on Saturday, the leaders edged home courtesy of a Will Stead penalty.

Wroughton’s attempts to keep pace were frustrated as their Weir Field contest against Westbury United Reserves was postponed.

Corsham Town Reserves climbed a place as they returned to winning ways with a 4-1 success away at Bassett Bulldogs.

Two goals from Matt Purdy and one each for Aaron Masson and Ali Mayoh wrapped up the result for the visitors, top scorer Jason Hudson with the consolation goal for the Bulldogs.

Malmesbury Victoria Development turned on the style under the floodlights at the Flying Monk Ground on Friday night as they hit high-flying rivals Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development for six.

The 6-2 success was set up in the first half after which the hosts were 4-1 ahead.

Dan Scull’s cross-shot gave the home side the advantage and David Biggs fired home the second soon after.

Bassett hauled themselves back into the contest as Harrison Gough nodded home from a corner but further strikes from Biggs and Scull left Victoria in control at the interval.

Gough’s second retained Bassett’s interest in the result but their fate was sealed as Scull’s long-range effort and a George Stone strike wrapped up Malmesbury’s triumph.

Cricklade Town booked their place in the last eight of the Fountain Trophies Senior KO Cup as they edged out last season’s runners up Shrewton thanks to Jamie Sheppard’s 10th goal of the season.

Cricklade will travel to Kintbury in the quarter-finals while holders Wroughton make the trip to Westbury United Reserves with Melksham Town Reserves or Ludgershall Sports hosting Pewsey Vale Development, while Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development or Bremhill are at home to Devizes Town Reserves.