FC North Wiltshire were only able to name 11 players in their match day squad for the second week running due to a late pull out and Dan Kelly injuring himself in the pre match warm up. This led to a hasty change of formation for the hosts as well as a reshuffle of personnel from the planned starting line up against Trowbridge Rangers (Sunday). With at least 5 first team regulars still missing North Wilts were however bolstered by the return from illness of Dan Jackson at centre back who skippered the side in the absence of regular captain Luke Denham and last weeks stand in James Bamford and Jackson was a happy man as North Wilts coasted to a 6-1 win.
The opening exchanges were fairly even with chances a rarity but midway through the half Simon Gray found the back of the Rangers net with a slightly toe poked effort from within the penalty area to put North Wilts ahead. Gray was involved again for North Wilts second goal as his fine run and low cross from the right was converted by Dan Deacon from six yards.
North Wilts led 2-0 at half time against Crossblades last week and then self destructed to trail 2-3 before two late goals rescued the 2 points, so the half time team talk centered around keeping focused after the break.
North Wilts third goal was a carbon copy of the second as Simon Gray sent in a low cross from the right which Dan Deacon tapped home. Not to be outdone by Deacon, Simon Gray then bagged his second of the game showing his lightning pace to finish well having been put through on goal.
Gray and Deacon were both hunting a hat trick and Deacon thought he had his but his shot from the edge of the area hit the far post only to fall to Derek Reed who, making his first ever competitive start, had followed the ball in and smashed it into the net for the home side's fifth of the game.
Elliott Hinton scored Rangers consolation as North Wilts failed to deal with a free kick into the area which he glanced home to make the score 5-1.
Deacon had another chance for his treble when he was put clean through one on one with the Rangers keeper but he failed to get a shot away and the ball was gathered up. Simon Gray completed the scoring with his hat trick goal, beating several players with his twisting and turning run and fine shot. Gray had been full of running all game, was involved in 5 of the team's 6 goals and deservedly picked up the man of the match award from his team mates at the pub after the game. The whole North Wilts team though deserve credit for their effort and commitment as everyone's tired legs had to complete the full 90 minutes to ensure a third league win on the bounce.
![Back once again for the renegade master[s]](https://assets.teamstats.net/img-mg-600-30/cards/football-result-9.jpg)
