WOOTTON BASSETT find themselves flirting with relegation again after a 3-1 Hellenic Premier Division defeat at in-form Brackley.

Andy Baird proved to be the difference between the two sides, netting twice to leave Pete Yeardley's side fourth from bottom in the table.

The hosts, who have now won nine successive games to move up to second in the league, were 2-0 up by half-time.

Matty Bennett gave Bassett hope a minute into the second period but Baird netted his second to push Yeardley's men into the provisional drop zone.

With games against Highworth and North Leigh this week, Bassett could find themselves detached from the pack unless they find their scoring boots.

Yeardley said: "I'm not unduly worried because that's less than half of the season gone but we've got to start scoring goals.

"Matty's goal on Saturday was only our 13th of the season.

"I was impressed with our effort against Brackley but we just weren't as clinical as them."

Pewsey Vale are a place below Bassett after a 2-1 defeat by Hook Norton.

In the Division One West derby, Shrivenham cruised to a 3-0 home victory over Malmesbury Vics.

Malmesbury had enjoyed the best of the first 45 minutes and home keeper Chris Webb was called into action on several occasions.

But Alan Dyton's side improved after the break and Michael Silvanus opened the scoring with a fine solo effort.

Veteran Tom Jones then sealed victory with two penalties after Liam Thompson and Silvanus were fouled in the Malmesbury box.

"We were poor in the first half but eventually got our act together" said manager Dyton.

"Every side we come up against in this division work their socks off and we have to learn to do the same."

Purton remain top of the table by a point after an easy 4-0 triumph at Old Woodstock.

Alan Webb opened the scoring, Eurshall Fearon added two and Rich Saunders completed the comfortable win.

Boss Alan Clark said: That's as well as we've played in a month and we converted our chances for once."