Brown Bomber

An early season 5-1 defeat dealt a hammer blow to Malmesbury's under 15 title hopes, but they bounced back to settle the score in a thriller at the Red Bull.

And they did so the hard way, coming from behind on two occasions.

Highworth went ahead when a Jaz Singh throw down the right touchline found Lorien Bardwell.

The Highworth centre forward broke down the line and crossed the ball for Alex Parker to slot the ball home.

Malmesbury fought back and earned themselves a corner a couple of minutes later, but it was headed wide.

The Malmesbury equaliser followed a Highworth goal-kick.

Malmesbury's powerful midfield trio won the ball in the air and targetman James Brown was first to the ball placing it wide of the advancing Ben Goodey.

Both sides had chances to score again with Bardwell shooting over the bar and Ryan King wide of the post.

The second half saw Malmesbury mount an all-out attack on the Highworth goal. In the first minute of the restart they hit a post and a minute later they went close again when they were first to the ball following a Highworth goal-kick.

Three minutes later, Singh got in the way of a powerful shot, sending the ball wide for another Malmesbury corner.

King then put the visitors back in front after 57 minutes.

Picking the ball up in the Malmesbury half, he deftly dribbled his way into the penalty area and let fly with a stunning strike that gave the Malmesbury keeper no chance.

Bardwell had a chance to extend the Highworth lead but shot wide before the home side hit back again.

Daniel Done was first to the ball over the top of the Highworth defence and although his first strike was well saved by Ben Goodey, the bounce was kind to the Malmesbury striker and despite the attentions of Jonathan Taylour, he was able to put the ball into the back of the net.

Both sides pressed forward for the decisive goal.

Bardwell headed over the bar from a well-placed Luke Adams free-kick on 70 minutes but the winning goal came on 76 minutes with another surging Malmesbury move down the right wing.

James Brown jinked round one Highworth defender and then sent a delightful swerving shot into the back of the Highworth net to give the home team all three points.

In the under 14 Division, Kingsdown were 3-1 winners at Beeches.

Danny Keene put the visitors 1-0 up at the break, with man of the match Lee Hanlon dominant in midfield.

Beeches enjoyed a good spell at the start of the second period, but Kingsdown keeper Damon Maisey produced two great saves to maintain the lead.

That advantage was doubled through Liam Moyles and Liam Stovell added a third before Beeches netted a late consolation.

Scott Barnes scored twice, including one from the penalty spot, as Brunel Boys were beaten 5-2 by Cirencester in the under 13 division.