Corsham Print Wilts Senior League

Malmesbury Vics 9 Andover New Street Swifts 1

MALMESBURY VICS’ new player-manager Alan Griffin scored five of his team’s nine goals in the drubbing of the league’s new boys from Andover but was still not too happy with the overall display.

“We didn’t play very well as a unit,” said Griffin. “We were slow to get our game together, and only played well in fits and starts. We’ll have to improve against the stronger sides.”

Andover struggled throughout the game; although they did manage to grab the lead against the run of play in the seventh minute.

They broke quickly after soaking up some fierce pressure and with the defence in disarray, their striker stroked the ball past Joe Snell in the Vics' goal.

Malmesbury then pressed forward, creating four good chances in as many minutes. Clever work by Chris Salt in the 14th minute helped to square the game. After going past two players, he pulled the ball back from the byline for Griffin who made no mistake.

Four minutes later, young Tyler Quinnell unleashed a shot from outside the box which crashed into the back of the net.

Another run by Salt in the 33rd minute again opened up the visitors’ defence for Griffin to grab his second. Further goals from Griffin, to complete his hat-trick, in the 38th minute, Paul Bains, (40th), Griffin (43rd) and a rare strike from Danny Cook (45th) made itcompleted a 7-1 at half-time scoreline.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first, with the home side pushing their opponents back for long periods, and with a little more composure they could have won by a cricket score.

Griffin had two goals disallowed before grabbing his fifth of the game in the 63rd minute and Sam Jenner wrapped it up just before the end with a cross that eluded everyone before finishing in the back of the net.

The Vics, who were without some players finishing their cricket commitments, will certainly improve and again be a threat in this division. Malmesbury MoM: Tyler Quinnell.

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