They set off with real intent, playing some neat and crisp passing football to snatch the initiative on 15 minutes when Tom Anderson ran at the heart of the Wiltshire defence before slipping the ball to Cameron Kerr to finish past the advancing keeper.

The lead was doubled nine minutes later when Dave Pinner’s impressive work on the right flank posed problems for the Wiltshire defence, and although his shot was well saved by the keeper, Kerr was on hand to tap home for his second of the afternoon.

Gloucestershire continued to produce some delightful football but Wiltshire came into the game more towards half-time and just two minutes into the second period they reduced the arrears with a powerful header from a corner.

It was now game on but Gloucestershire restored their two-goal advantage four minutes later when Ellis Barnes’ powerful run at the Wiltshire defence enabled Kerr to find enough room in the penalty area to slot home and complete a fine hat-trick to claim the match ball.

Wiltshire tried to respond with some direct running at the heart of a home defence who stood firm and continued to prove dangerous themselves in regaining possession.

Gloucestershire now travel to Hamworthy to take on Dorset in their next outing on Sunday, November 30, before returning to home ‘soil’ for a date with current pacesetters Devon on Sunday, December 21 (both 2pm) for a Christmas cracker.