Vics get the best of starts to a new soccer season (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Vics get the best of starts to a new soccer season

MALMESBURY Vics had the best of starts to a new Hellenic League season when beating visiting Kidlington by two goals to one in Saturday's keenly fought affair.

The game started at a quick pace and Kidlington soon had the first chance of the match when Matthew Tarry broke out of midfield, but put his shot wide of a post.

In the 12th minute, the Flying Monks side had to make a substitution. After Mike Langley injured his foot in a challenge, Andy Harris came on to make his debut for Malmesbury. In the 35th minute, Kris Beasley played a wonderful through ball to Andy Mitchell who forced the Kidlington goalkeeper to make a smart save.

Two minutes later, a long clearance by Graham Jones in the Malmesbury goal was flicked on by Andy Harris.

Andy Mitchell won the race with the Kidlington keeper before lobbing the ball over him and into an empty net.

For the rest of the half, the Vics continued to pressure with Andy Harris and Andy Mitchell both working well up front.

Just before half-time, Mitchell was again unlucky when the Kidlington custodian pulled off another neat save.

With Malmesbury still holding on to their 1-0 lead, the second half began in similar fashion to the first.

In the 65th minute, a clearance out of the home defence was brought under control by Andy Harris on his chest.

After a quick turn, he volleyed the ball into the top corner of the Kidlington net - surely a likely candidate for 'goal of the season'.

From the restart, the Oxfordshire outfit went up the other end and put the ball into the net, only to have it ruled out for offside.

Nonetheless, Kidlington got themselves back into the game. soon after. Good work down the left saw Steve Litten cross the ball into the middle and Luke Holden was on hand for a smart tap-in. A scuffle in the 88th minute resulted in a red card for Danny Mason.

Malmesbury Vic Res' visit to Bradford Town on .

This Saturday, Malmesbury Vics are home to Adderbury Park (3pm ko) and are set to entertain Winterbourne next Monday, August 25 (3pm ko).