A MOMENT of magic from Steve Avenell won a typically fraught derby encounter between his Shrivenham side and former club Purton.

There was very little to choose between the title chasing hosts and the mid-table visitors all afternoon if anything, underdogs Purton shaded the Hellenic One West contest.

But Shrivenham's greater need for the points was evident after half-time.

After Michael O'Sullivan and Russ Byrne had both rattled the Purton woodwork, Avenell struck with a tremendous drive into the top corner from the edge of the box against his former employers.

Brinn Keetch almost conjured a late equaliser but his effort struck a post as Shrivvy held on.

"This was a really disappointing contest from my point of view," said winning manager Alan Dyton.

"I was quite confident before the game but as it went on we did not really appear to care whether we won or lost.

"Purton have recovered well from the position they were in at the start of the season but we should be performing better against sides lower in the table.

"I just have to be grateful for the three points."

Elsewhere in Division One West, Malmesbury were desperately unlucky not to get a result after a much-improved showing at Easington.

Despite dominating for long spells, Graham Learmonth's men slipped to a 2-1 defeat.

The Vics were unlucky not to take the lead when Alan Webb broke into the box and shot past the keeper only to see his effort cleared off the line, and Anthony Packer's follow-up was also scrambled away.

Against the run of play the home side took the lead when a cross found Adam Daley unmarked in the box and he headed home.

The Vics then somehow found themselves 2-0 down when Steve Norman's fierce shot from outside the box beat the unsighted Stuart Pound.

Malmesbury got some reward for their endeavour when a Matt Wilkins pass found Webb in the box and he was brought down.

Substitute Dan Lardner emphatically converted the penalty but it turned out to be the last kick of the game.

Cirencester United were beaten 4-0 at home by promotion-seeking Tytherington.

Gary Cripps' penalty have the away side an interval lead.

Tytherington's James Patterson was then sent off but rather than take advantage, Ciren fell apart.

Potts made it 2-0 with another spot-kick and later completed his hat-trick with Paul Howse also on target after Ciren were reduced to nine men themselves.