DARREN Perrin’s Melksham Town side remained top of the Toolstation League Premier Division after their 3-1 defeat of Buckland Athletic, having played a game more than their nearest rivals.

A Luke Ballinger hat-trick was enough to secure all three points for the visitors on Saturday as they moved a point clear of Bristol Manor Farm and Willand Rovers.

The striker, who has now netted eight times in his last three league outings, opened the scoring in the 25th minute before adding to his tally 15 minutes after the break.

The hosts pulled a goal back through Richard Groves with 10 minutes to go but it took less than two minutes for Ballinger, who played as a right-back last season, to reply and secure the victory.

Meanwhile, a brace from Karim Rendall saw Bradford Town secure a 3-3 draw at Bridport as they continue to find their feet under new manager Danny Greaves.

Rendall had given the visitors the lead in the 26th minute when he headed home from a corner before Kris Hastings pegged them back within 10 minutes, getting on the end of a free-kick to head home from close range.

Chris Peck put Bradford back in front less than a minute later with another headed goal and they held onto their advantage heading into the break.

However, Bridport regrouped, making two substitutions at the break, and responded within a minute of the re-start through Tom Blair, who beat Jamie Bartlett from 25 yards out.

Mark Salter then struck for the hosts in the 68th minute, only for Rendall to get his second of the game with a spectacular volley five minutes later and claim a share of the spoils.

In the First Division, Malmesbury Victoria continued their impressive start to life in the First Division after coming out on top against Bishops Lydeard on Saturday.

The victory came despite the home side being down to 10 men following Tim Bond’s dismissal for two bookable offences.

Goals from Shane Bumphrey, George Paeare and two from Jamie Packer sealed the 4-2 win and means that Kevin Bridgeman’s team are now second in the table.

Nick Maggs’ Chippenham Park side are just a place behind after coming out on the right end of an eight-goal thriller as they won 5-3 at Ashton & Backwell United.

A Jordan Matthews strike was enough to secure a 1-1 draw for Devizes Town at home to Bishop Sutton.

Calne Town fell to a 2-1 defeat away to Welton Rovers, their third defeat of the campaign already.

Bradley Whittock put the hosts ahead in the 15th minute before Calne equalised with 20 minutes remaining.

Penzi Kakoma secured the victory for Rovers in the 90th minute when the ball dropped to him on the edge of the 18-yard box and he rifled his shot low into the net.

While a hat-trick from Chris Coombs saw Warminster fall to a disappointing 4-0 defeat away to Cheddar.