Malmesbury Victoria picked up the Wiltshire Senior Cup for the first time in the club's history when they defeated Pewsey Vale 1-0 in an exciting final at Melksham.

The Vics were the underdogs against the Hellenic League Division One runners up, but battled gamely and fully deserved their victory over Don Rogers' Pewsey side.

Vics' manager John Norris, in his first season at the helm, said: "It was a great night for the club. I thought the lads played well and deserved their success.

"It has been a tough season, and winning five out of our last six league games gave us a big lift for the final."

The Vics had slightly the better of the first 45 minutes, and took the lead midway through the half with a great strike from Stuart Greatwood. He started the move in mid-field with a pass down the left to Will Helliwell who ran on to cross for Greatwood to score with a

superb header.

Handbags were at the ready a couple of minutes before the break, as around a dozen players were involved in a goal-mouth scuffle, but sanity was soon restored and the Vics went in a goal to the good at the break.

In the second half, Pewsey pushed forward looking for an equaliser, but Gio Spirti and Chris Mintern defended well, and snuffed out the possibility of any clear-cut chances, with Vics keeper Graham Jones not put under any undue pressure.

Pewsey boss Don Rogers said: "Malmesbury fully deserved their victory. We didn't look like we were playing in a final; it was a well-below performance from Pewsey."

Vics skipper Graham Jones received the cup from Richard Gardner, chairman of the Wilts County FA.