FC BUSCOTS may have suffered a 3-2 defeat against fellow Division One promotion hopefuls Melksham Cosmos but, needing just three points from their two remaining games they still hold the upper hand in their battle with Cosmos to finish as runners-up to Potterne CFC.

A depleted Buscots side were missing many key players and manager Mark Camacho for the game that had they won, would have seen them kill off any hopes Cosmos had of finishing above them.

They made the worst possible start when they fell behind to a Dan Moore goal, but they rallied and that was the only strike that separated the sides at half time.

Buscots came out fighting in the second half and drew level through Rob Drown.

However they joy was shortlived as Joe Griffiths restored Cosmos' lead.

A third goal in four games for Jamie Hall got Buscots back on level terms but they were unable to hold out for a draw as with seven minutes remaining Alex Shaftoe popped up with the winner for Cosmos who need Buscots to suffer what would be a surprise loss to Talbot this Thursday and Christian Malford next Sunday for them to finish second, if they could beat Talbot in their final game.

Calne-based Talbot FC were deserved 3-0 winners over Christian Malford in their away game at Stanley Park.

Talbot dominated the first half but could only score a single goal when Paul Green converted in the seventh minute from a rebound after the Malford keeper could not hold on to a long-range shot.

Malford were however grateful to keeper Matt Hutchins, who made several excellent saves to deny Talbot a bigger winning margin.

After just three minutes of the second half Talbot's Dean Fry was brought down in the penalty area. He took the penalty himself, making no mistake with a low shot to give Talbot a 2-0 lead.

Although Malford got more into the game the Talbot keeper Andrew Law had little to do.

After 67 minutes substitute Aaron Clegg increased Talbot's lead to 3-0 with a neat lob over the advancing Malford keeper.

Again Talbot dominated the game and only some resolute defending kept the score as it was. The game ended with the score at 3-0 and was played in an excellent sporting spirit with referee Neil Hickton having a good game.

A last-gasp goal from Russell Decarteret saw Miller Sports A come out on top in what was a thrilling derby day duel with local rivals Sportzcoach Dragons United, who were looking to avenge their 4-1 loss from earlier in the season.

But like the first meeting they were second best as Miller on this occasion edged a seven-goal thriller, winning it 4-3.

Robert Biggs had the chance to give Miller the lead but saw his penalty saved by keeper Rickey King, however King could only knock the ball back to Biggs who made no mistake with his second chance as he tucked the rebound home to give his team the lead.

Sportzcoach got themselves back on level terms before half time, Dean Shaw restoring parity.

Miller were awarded a second penalty and this time Ashley Monaghan made no mistake from the spot as he put his team 2-1 ahead and a delightful lob from Monaghan made it 3-1.

Sportzcoach never gave up and a goal from Dan Sibley got them back in the contest before a second of the morning for Shaw looked as it they had rescued a point.

That was until keeper Ricky King failed to hold onto Decarteret’s last-minute strike, which gave Miller all three points and Decarteret his first goal for the club.