Vics do well to hold league leaders Purton FC to a draw (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Vics do well to hold league leaders Purton FC to a draw

MALMESBURY Victoria did well to hold Hellenic Division One West leaders Purton to a goal-less draw in Saturday's well contested local derby at the Flying Monk ground.

Visiting Purton started the game at a fast pace and dominated the first half.

But the Malmesbury back four of Steve Baker, Mark Neal, Ryan Trowbridge and Jon Wilkins were absolutely superb, restricting their rivals to shots from outside the box.

Just before the interval, the Vics had the best chance of the half when Craig Tuck won the ball and passed to 16-year-old Dean Wilson.

Wilson took on and beat the Purton right-back before hitting a cross in for Lee Beavis to go very close with a header.

Starting the second half well, Vics forced Purton on the back foot.

Dean Wilson broke down the left and laid a good through ball to Colin Yates, and only a late challenge denied him a chance.

Mid-way through the second half, a long ball was knocked out of the Vics' half which Wilson brought under control.

But when challenged and brought down by a defender, the hosts expected a penalty but, instead, the referee awarded a free kick to Purton.

As the game wore on, Purton applied more pressure. Despite playing some nice football, they failed to produce a decent final ball that would seriously trouble their opponents' defence.

With a number of key players unavailable, a young Malmesbury line-up did well to get a point one against a quality Purton side.

This Saturday, the Vics are home to Cheltenham Saracens, 3pm ko.