Cheddar missed out on top spot in the Toolstation Western League Division 1 when they were defeated by Calne.

CALNE TOWN 2

CHEDDAR 1

Cheddar missed the opportunity to return to the top of the Toolstation Western League Division 1 with this defeat at Calne Town.

The Cheesemen started positively, pegging back their Wiltshire based opponents in their own half for long spells and two good efforts by Sam Jones deserved better fate and both were cleared.

Two successive shots from brothers Adam and Sam Jones cannoned off the crossbar and three minutes later, Sam Jones hit the upright, before Chris Coombs went close after being set up by Callum Ham.

On the stroke of half-time, the hosts could have gone ahead following a corner, but Marcus Lovesey’s effort was headed off the line by Cheddar stalwart Sam King.

Following the break, Calne came out more determined and took the lead in the 58th minute when Dan Latimer’s shot gave Cheddar keeper Mike Dangerfield no chance. Five minutes later, Calne doubled their lead when Tom Boakes netted from close range.

The Cheesemen fought back defiantly and from a corner on the hour, Sam Jones again went agonisingly close before they pulled a goal back from the penalty-spot, after Jones had been hauled down and Ham made no mistake from the spot kick.

Manager Greenhalgh hopes his missing players are available on Saturday when they host lowly Portishead Town at Bowdens Park (3pm).

Cheddar’s assistant manager Sean Burroughs, said: “It would have been no surprise if we had been three goals up at half-time. We had six good scoring chances to Calne’s two; they took both of their chances and we didn’t.”

Elsewhere, the Cheesemen’s second string were beaten 3-1 on home soil by a good Burnham United side. Liam Jones scored for the Reserves, having been promoted from the third team and giving a good account of himself.

Cheddar’s A team played exceedingly well, winning 4-2 against Cleeve West Town, with goals coming from George Cressey, James Burke, Tom Postins and Dominic Underhill.

The Cheddar ladies side had the misfortunate to concede six goals without reply against a good Merriott side, who are looking to top the table.