PEWSEY put in a good battling performance against high-flying Slimbridge but this defeat left them second from bottom in the table.

Steve Wootton's side held out for 40 minutes before conceding two goals right on half-time.

They improved in the second half and had chances to score but in the end it was not to be. Wootton said: "They are a good side and the league table doesn't lie. We were not under any illusions about that.

"In the first half they had most of the play and we rode our luck a little bit with balls coming across our six-yard box.

"We held out for 40 minutes but then they scored with a good free-kick and a dubious penalty."

He continued: "In the second half defended deeper and it worked in favour our favour because we were able to get Matty and Craig away more.

"Right near the end Craig almost went round but keeper he got foot to the ball. Then Matty went past the keeper but knocked it wide.

"We didn't deserve to get anything from the game but we nearly drew and I was certainly not disappointed with the effort shown."

Pewsey put in a good battling team performance but it was not enough to give them a share of the points.

Vale soaked up a lot of Slimbridge pressure during the first 30 minutes and their defence admirably managed to keep the Slimbridge attackers at bay.

But the deadlock was broke in the 39th minute when Julian Freeman met a cross from the right side at the far post to head home.

Pewsey then fell further behind from a penalty converted by Craig Cole in the 44th minute.

Vale improved after the break and in the 50th minute Craig Wall saw his shot go just over the crossbar.

At the other end Slimbridge's John Cant had a shot turned away by Pewsey goalkeeper Lee Wilson.

In the 68th minute Pewsey brought on Paul Fisher for Micky Goodwin and five minutes later Kevin Motague replaced Andy Brien.

Both sides had their chances and another good chance for Vale came late on when Wall made a good run but had his shot turned away for a corner.

Matty Messenger also went close but the home side held out and took the all-important three points.

On Saturday Pewsey entertain North Leigh. Tom Ritchie is unavailable but Barry Flippance, Martyn Churchward and Darren Tapper could all return.