ALAN Griffin believes his Malmesbury Victoria side were beaten by the champions in waiting as they went down 2-0 at home to Trowbridge Town.

With Shrewton United in cup action, Malmesbury had the chance to climb to the top of the table but let that slip through their fingers at the Flying Monk Ground.

Instead, it is now Trowbridge who look in pole position to kick on and win the league after victory moved them level with Malmesbury in second and they are just a point behind Shrewton with three games in hand.

Griffin’s side conceded a goal in each half and the player-manager is now keen to refocus attentions on finishing as high as possible to secure promotion.

“We are disappointed but they are a decent team. They look very much like they will are going to go on and win the league,” said Griffin.

“They have got some good players, who should be playing at a higher level.

“On our da,y we can beat most teams but I would expect them to win it. They are well-organised and they have got to be the favourites.

“We have just got to try to win as many games as we can to try to get promotion.

“We are champions from last season and that makes it a little bit harder as everyone wants to beat us. But the players are doing well and we are still right up there.

“We matched them pretty well and I think we should be pleased with how we played.

“Our keeper made some saves to keep us in it but they scored just before half-time and we never really looked like getting back into it.”

Melksham Town Reserves remain in the title race after a 2-0 win at home to Chippenham Park Development, with Marlborough Town matching that score when they hosted Trowbridge Wanderers.

Ludgershall Sports edged a 3-2 thriller against Corsham Town Reserves, while Devizes Town Reserves beat their Royal Wootton Bassett Town counterparts 1-0.