AFC CORSHAM played their best football of the season so far in the Under 14s Blue Division as they overcame leaders Devizes Town 8-1 to avenge a home defeat earlier in the season.

Both teams took a while to settle but Corsham took the lead with an own goal after 20 minutes. This was followed quickly by a goal from Ernie Peibst, though Devizes quickly hit back with a goal from Joe Hutchinson.

A well-taken penalty from Sam Thomson on the stroke of half-time gave Corsham a 3-1 lead that reflected their dominance.

Corsham stepped up a gear or two in the second half. Tom Smith scored almost immediately, turning on the edge of the box and hitting a low left foot shot that the goalkeeper could only parry and the ball crept over the line.

That was the signal for a period of great passing and movement from the whole team, from the back through the midfield and including the forwards. Peibst got a second, Smith grabbed his second hat-trick in two weeks and Ajay Arithoppah scored the goal of the game, running onto a through ball from Smith before clipping it first time over the advancing goalkeeper's head.

The previously free-scoring Devizes attack was shackled by a hard-working and well-organised defence of Bradley Godridge, Sam Thomson, Lewis Somerville and Ollie Webb, who gave an impressive debut performance. Jordan Smith and Ben Bastock shared the burden in the second half with equal determination.

The midfield of Darrin Moss, Josh Cain, Michael Wing and Arithoppah, joined in the second half by Simon Burt, created numerous chances and enjoyed several passages of play that brought praise from the opposition as well as their own supporters.

To their credit, Devizes kept going and Ollie Emerson has to make two very sharp saves to build upon his very impressive debut in goal the previous week.