Toolstation Western League Div One

Malmesbury Vics 4 Bishops Lydeard 2

INJURIES, suspensions, holidays and a T20 cricket final played havoc with manager Kev Bridgeman’s plans to field a settled Malmesbury Vics side against Bishops Lydeard.

But they managed to fashion a third win on the trot despite going down to 10 men in the closing stages, with the loss of Tim Bond to a second yellow card.

The Vics went close in the second minute when the keeper was dispossessed by Jamie Packer and the ball fell to Shane Bumphrey whose effort was cleared off the line. Bishops broke forward in the 15th minute and Jake Quick chipped the ball over Joe Snell in the home goal to put the visitors in front.

Packer levelled the scores in the 34th minute with a fine individual goal; his run into the box took him past four defenders and his fierce shot hit the back of the net.

Bishops regained the advantage four minutes later when a misplaced header by Vics captain Krystian Hext allowed Charlie Wilson to touch home for the lead which they held until the break.

Ten minutes into the second half the busy Bumphrey equalised with a bicycle kick into the bottom corner, from an Andy Baker cross.

Moments later Bumphrey turned provider when his cross was met by Packer who finished well to give The Vics the lead for the first time.

Packer was then denied his hat-trick by a smart save from Nathan Whatley.

Bumphrey also went close to adding a second himself when his shot came back off the post.

The scoring was completed 10 minutes from the final whistle when George Peare rose highest to meet a Lee Fernandez corner and powered his header home.

Bishops Lydeard rallied briefly and home keeper Snell was required to make a couple of smart saves in the closing stages.

Second-placed Vics are at home again on Saturday when they entertain Hengrove Athletic who have won two of their opening three games. Kick off 3pm.

Malmesbury Vics: Joe Snell, Jake Fortune, Andy Baker, Krystian Hext, Jonathan Clarke, George Peare, Jamie Packer, Sam Jenner, Shane Bumphrey, Tim Bond, Lee Fernandez.

Subs: Tyler Quinnell, Lewis King, Matty Holdaway.

MoM: Jamie Packer.