Southern League Division 1 South

Cirencester Town 4 Larkhall Athletic 0

CIRENCESTER enhanced their play-off aspirations with an emphatic victory over third- place Larkhall Athletic, writes Dave Pyzer.

John Brough’s Town are now two points shy off the play-offs, but have a game in hand over Melksham on 47 points and travel to Mangotsfield tonight (Tuesday).

The game was marred by an Achilles injury to Tommy Anderson, who was forced off at the break.

From the get-go Cirencester had strong claims for a penalty when Anderson was grounded.

Ciren nosed ahead when Tom Warren headed past his own keeper on 15 minutes. Jack Freeman’s sumptuous free-kick made it 2-0 to the Centurions.

As Larkhall responded, ‘keeper Lewis Clayton pushed a firm strike from Brad Norris over and following the corner kick he pulled off a couple more saves to deny the visitors strong rally.

The game became more even and as the interval approached, Larkhall pressed in search of a goal, but the home defence stood firm.

After the break, Larkhall continued to press and Cirencester countered with no end product until the game entered the final 15 minutes when Levi Irving converted a corner kick with a sublime, glancing header into the top right corner.

Six minutes later Mike Pook darted forward to head another corner kick home at the near right post.

Despite plenty of effort Larkhall were unable to break through a resolute home defence and Cirencester claimed three very important points.

CIRENCESTER TOWN: Lewis Clayton, Nick Hancock, Jordan Morris, Michael Pook (C) (James Mortimer-Jones 83), Josh Nelmes, Will Wellon, Tommy Anderson (Lewis Thompson 46), Joe Turley, Ross Gabriel (Will Tunnicliff 80), Jack Freeman, Levi Irving.

Unused subs- Bradley Gray, Scott Rose (GK).

Cirencester travel to Mangotsfield tonight.