Wiltshire Premier League

Malmesbury Vics 2 Trowbridge Wanderers 1

MALMESBURY VICS overcame a tough hurdle in their quest for the Wilts Premier title when deservedly edging past a well organised Trowbridge side who had been unbeaten in 11 games.

The Vics are in fourth place in the table – one place below Trowbridge – but have between four and five games in hand of the teams above them and are just six points adrift of leaders Melksham Town Reserves.

It was the hosts who pressed from the start and Alan Griffin was thwarted by the visitors' keeper in the 19th minute, following a great pass by Ewen Kenny.

Two minutes later, a flowing move between Sam Jenner and Ed Wilkins, carved out an opportunity for Allan Webb and again the keeper got down well to push it round the post. From the resulting corner, Webb's effort was cleared off the line.

Vics captain 'Ant' Brown tried his luck from 25 yards, but the powerful shot struck a defender and flew wide.

Trowbridge at this stage offered little in attack, but worked hard in defence.

Malmesbury deservedly grabbed the lead in the 37th minute, when a rash challenge on Wilkins brought a penalty, which was expertly dispatched by Griffin.

The Wanderers did manage to square the game in the 42nd minute with their first real threat on goal. Following a corner on the left, Jimmy Dennison rose highest to firmly head the ball into the net.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first, with the home side attacking and the visitors relying on the occasional breakaway.

Krystian Hext went close with a rasping drive and the keeper recovered well to save from Will Picter follow-up.

Brown headed just over at the far post and a Wilkins shot was smothered as Trowbridge came under tremendous pressure.

The Vics managed to break the deadlock with five minutes remaining when a great move from their own area, involving five players, ended with Wilkins sweeping the ball home to the delight of the home supporters.

Vics MoM: Sam Jenner.