Easington 0 Malmesbury 1

Malmesbury Victoria boss Andy Wicks labelled their 1-0 victory away at Easington Sports as their best victory of the season.

Easington had lost just two league games all season before Saturday's game and Malmesbury went into the match with eight first team players missing.

They had four injuries, two suspensions, an absentee due to the birth of a child and a player away for the weekend.

The Vics took the lead early on through Harrison Archer before the hosts grew into the game and put Malmesbury under pressure.

Wicks' men stood firm and against the odds came away with a massive three points.

The Vics boss was delighted with the result and ranked it higher than any other this season.

"it was the best result of the year," said Wicks.

"We had eight first team players not there and we turned them over.

"The young lads came in and helped so I'm chuffed to bits because we were so deflated with so many players out.

"We scored early and they were just camped in our half for the rest of game but the boys defended for their lives and we came away and nicked the points."

It was Malmesbury's first league game since the ninth of February having exited two cup competitions over the last couple of weeks.

They remain in fifth place in the Hellenic League Division One West but are only five points adrift of league leaders Cheltenham Saracens.

Wicks is still targeting a top four finish but admits he is confident they can finish higher.

"It's in our hands," he said.

"If we win all our games we'll be right up there.

"If we finish in the top four I'll be happy but there's no reason why we can't finish higher.

"We're trying not to get too excited but we'll see if anyone slips up."

Malmesbury's next game isn't until Saturday, March 16 when they take on Kidlington Development at the Flying Monk Ground.

Wicks is expecting to have a full complement of players and feels he's going to have tough decisions to make regarding selection.

"We'll have a bit of a headache," he commented.

"We'll have an abundance of players back, the suspensions will be over and everyone will be fit.

"Andy Baker will be our only long term injury absentee."