Calne Town 0, Hallen 2

A SOMBRE atmosphere overshadowed Calne Town’s game against Hallen at Bremhill View on Saturday, after chairman Brian Hillier died of a stroke and brain haemorrhage two days earlier.

The Toolstation Premier League encounter, which Calne lost 2-0, went ahead with the blessing of Hillier’s son and Lilywhites assistant coach, Simon Hillier.

There was a minute’s silence before the game and players wore black armbands, while flags were flown at half mast.

Hallen stopper Steve Scannell made several good saves in the opening quarter of the game before the visitors went ahead on the half hour.

Tony Green played a slide-rule pass for Tony Beecham, and the striker was brought crashing down by the diving Lilywhites goalkeeper.

Beecham had to be substituted through injury, and the Calne stopper seemed lucky to avoid at least a yellow card for the reckless challenge.

Andy Cook fired home the penalty with his right foot to send the visitors 1-0 up.

The midfielder added his and Hallen’s second of the day just short of the hour.

Tony Davis rolled the ball to Cook, and he hit a thunderous strike into the top corner.

Scannell continued to keep Calne out with some fine shot-stopping, while at the other end substitute Kristen Douglas and Danny Copeland both went close to increasing the lead.

Hallen’s Mark Reid was fortunate not to concede a penalty late on as it looked like it would not be Calne’s day.

The match grew heated towards the end and Ben Fitch was sent off after the final whistle for a comments to a linesman.