Headington Amateurs 3 Malmesbury Vics 1 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Headington Amateurs 3 Malmesbury Vics 1

9:36am Thursday 23rd March 2006 in Football By Gazette Sport Reporter

Hellenic Division One West

PERFORMANCES are the key between now and the end of the season for Malmesbury according to manager Gary Skidmore.

The Vics are comfortably clear of the relegation zone, but have lost their last four.

The Malmesbury boss said he was satisfied with the display against high-flying Headington, but he wanted to see that carried on.

"It's all about performances now," he said. "We actually played well and, although we're not quite there, that was better.

"In fairness, in our last two games we've lost to sides battling for the top two positions. There's definitely a spark missing from our play. It's hard to put your finger on it, but Saturday was much better."

Skidmore said the current dip in form would give him an excellent insight into what his young side is really like.

"Nine of the 14 in our squad were teenagers," he said. "With a young team you've got to have patience.

"I'll probably learn more about my players now than I did during our winning spell. You're looking for the strong-minded players now."

Against a strong wind, Malmesbury started brightly, with John Smith missing two early chances.

However, Ben Baldwin cut inside and fired into the corner to give the home side the lead soon after.

Minutes later, Jamie Mundy rounded Martin Woodhouse before rolling the ball into the empty net.

An early second half penalty allowed Smith to cut the deficit in half, and Matt Wilkins should have levelled the scores, but he headed over from six yards.

Matthew Phillips then added a third for the hosts late on to seal the points. Malmesbury host Cricklade Town on Saturday, with midfielder Max Sparrow back from holiday.

Skidmore expects to have Will Halliwell available after suspension, despite Biddestone, who he signed papers with earlier in the season, saying they expect him to join them for the run in.