Hellenic League: Two late goals gave the scoreline a flattering look as lowly Pewsey Vale came close to securing a surprise point at seventh placed Brackley Town.
The visitors paid the price for some wayward finishing and remain fourth from bottom of the Premier Division table with only five games remaining.
Pewsey were fortunate to survive in the fifth minute when Nick Neal's shot flew across the face of the goal and wide. Good work from Ross Anderson set up a shooting chance for Chris Ashurst at the other end, but he was unable to control the ball.
Andy Baird gave the hosts the lead in the tenth minute from a free kick. Neil Bartlett shot over after latching onto Anderson's pinpoint pass and Pewsey were unfortunate to go into the break a goal behind.
They continued to press forward after the break and Barry Flippance failed to find the finish after breaching the home defence.
Brackley punished them five minutes from the end when Neil Champelovier powered a shot past goalkeeper Dave Hunt. Neal hit the bar moments later before Champelovier grabbed his second goal.
Pewsey face a tough test against second place Carterton Town at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.
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