THERE was no upset in the Hellenic League derby at Malmesbury as high-flying visitors Shrivenham won 3-0.

But they were made to work hard for their reward and the relegation-threatened hosts held the Division One West title chasers at the break.

Shrivvy failed to break Malmesbury's resistance in the first 45 minutes as they were matched in all departments by the revitalised hosts.

Alex Green rattled the crossbar and Jon Peters also headed against the woodwork for the favourites but Malmesbury had the chances of the half, with Andy Waller volleying just wide.

But increasing pressure after the interval eventually told. Green's header with half an hour remaining broke the deadlock.

Steve Avenall nodded home the second and new signing Graeme Little lit up the game with a tremendous 25 yard volley on his debut to complete the scoring.

Leaders Trowbridge only drew at Winterbourne so Shrivenham are now just a point behind with a game in hand.

Shrivenham boss Alan Dyton said: "The poor surface made us change our style of play and although we had a lot of possession we were never really playing well. Once we scored the tension lifted and we looked better."

Fellow championship contenders Kidlington proved too strong for Purton, winning 4-2 at the Red House.

The hosts were behind within five minutes but hit back immediately when Bryan Halestrap netted from the penalty spot.

Kidlington regained the lead before half-time and then extended their advantage early in the second half.

Brinn Keetch put Purton back in it with 15 minutes left but a late fourth condemned Chris Pethick's team to defeat.

Like Shrivenham in Division One, Highworth are masters of their own destiny in the race for the Premier crown.

John Fisher's troops cantered to a 3-0 win at Ardley to stay top, three points ahead of Didcot.

An early own goal and two Sean Terry strikes meant the hard work was done by half-time.

Fairford stay eighth in the top flight after slipping to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Milton.

Lee Clark's late goal was not enough to rescue a point for the visitors.