M4 Karting Cirencester League Div One

Malmesbury Vics Res 5 Poulton 4

MALMESBURY almost threw away the points when two red cards helped Poulton rally from 5-1 down to almost snatch a draw.

The Vics started the brighter of the two sides, and grabbed the lead in the 15th minute through Jack Duckers after good work by Danny Cook.

Poulton equalised six minutes later when Rob Paget headed home at the far post from a corner.

Andy Wicks restored Vics' lead on the half-hour when his corner was misjudged by the Poulton keeper and ended up in the net.

The home side extended their advantage when Josh Hughes rose highest to head home a Wicks free kick before the break.

At half-time Poulton lost the influential Luke Richards through injury and the Vics added to their lead on the hour when 16-year-old Lewis Thomas picked up the ball, went past one player, and unleashed an unstoppable shot from 35 yards – his first senior goal.

Three minutes later Robbie Pitman was on hand to give the home side a four-goal cushion in what appeared to be an infallible display.

However, Vics full back Danny Cook saved a goalbound effort with his hand and was dismissed, with Steve Andrews scoring the resulting spot kick in the 80th minute.

Poulton laid siege to the home goal and Andrews scored again three minutes later to make it 5-3.

With the Vics rocking, Chris Andrews was also sent off for his second yellow card and Tom Carpenter bagged Poulton fourth goal in the 88th minute to set up a tense finale.

But try as they might another opening failed to arrive and Malmesbury ran down the clock to claim all three points.

Vics MoM: Josh Hughes.