Malmesbury beats out of form Cricklade (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Malmesbury beats out of form Cricklade

Cricklade Town 0-3 Malmesbury Victoria

ALTHOUGH the score-line did not the reflect the balance of chances that both sides had in this local derby, Cricklade did not deserve to take anything from a game in which too many of their senior players failed to perform.

Their young visitors appeared hungrier, fitter and more determined to take maximum points from this encounter and deepen Cricklade's relegation fears.

This open and entertaining game saw Cricklade enjoy the better of the earlier exchanges, with Ben Carter and Ashley Edenborough both having good chances to give the home side the advantage.

It was ex-Cricklade player, Neil Fisher, who opened the scoring five minutes before half time when he latched onto a pass from Jon Smith.

Although looking suspiciously offside, he bore down on the Cricklade goal, before drilling the ball past Tom Fullalove to give the visitors a goal advantage at the break.

The second half saw Cricklade enjoy lots of possession but the front two of Carter and Martyn Swadden failed to make any impression on a resolute Malmesbury defence.

Sensing the game slipping away, Cricklade boss, Graham Jackson, brought on forward, Delroy Fallon.

As they chased the game, with 10 minutes remaining, Cricklade were hit on the break by a Smith cross that split their defence and was met by Fisher, who bundled the ball over the line to score his second of the afternoon.

In the dying seconds of the game, Malmesbury piled on Cricklade's agony when Webb received a through-ball and finished smartly past the despairing Fullalove.

Cricklade will have a chance to make amends on Saturday when they play in another local derby at home to Wooton Bassett: kick off 2pm.

Cricklade Town Reserves will be away to Old Woodstock Town Reserves: kick 0ff 2pm.

On Sunday, December 18 Malmesbury will hold a charity match for player manager, Andy Wicks, who was diagnosed with Kidney disease in September.

The 28-year-old striker had started the season well, with two goals in four games, before being taken ill.

Despite making cameo appearances since then, his condition has worsened and he is unable to work.

He is on the transplant list and will begin a regular course of dialysis this week.

On the pitch, things are looking up for his team after two consecutive wins and it is hoped the match will raise much needed funds to help Andy through his treatment and the Christmas period.

Two teams of Malmesbury players, past and present, will compete at the Flying Monk ground.

The game will kick off at 4pm and everyone's support will be welcome. Admission will cost £2.

There will be a disco in the clubhouse at 7.30, with admission also being £2.