WARMINSTER Town manager Andy Crabtree is smiling at last after his team ended a nine-match losing run by gaining the result of the day in Saturday's Screwfix Direct League programme.

His team bounced back from their 8-0 hammering at Street the previous week to stun high-flying Larkhall Athletic with a 1-0 away win.

It was also the first time this season Warminster had kept a clean sheet.

Manager Crabtree said: "We did really well. We set our stall out and defended well.

"It is funny how it goes, really. We just played as a team and, after last week, had a point to prove. The Street game was embarrassing and the players have responded well.

"There were some good individual performances and we stood up and were counted. It was our first clean sheet of the season and I was pleased for our goalkeeper Lloyd Chamberlain.

"He's been good all season and it has not been his fault we have defended poorly. On Saturday we did something about it."

Former Corsham Town manager and current Larkhall chief Chris Jefferies had publicly criticised Warminster after the two sides met at Weymouth Street in September.

Said Crabtree: "Their manager Chris Jefferies said we looked a poor side last time we played them, so it was really nice to get one over on him."

Larkhall pressed early on having a couple of chances, a diving header that went just wide and then a shot across the six-yard box and wide of the far post.

Warminster's winning goal came in the 14th minute when Jason Guy ran onto a through ball from midfield, ran past a defender and slotted the ball calmly past Julian Crouch in the Larkhall goal.

Larkhall had further attacks that were thwarted by resolute defending or were off target. At the other end Guy's cross saw a shot blocked at the far post as Simon Reaney closed in on goal.

In the second half Warminster's defence had to soak up heavy pressure from Larkhall as they tried to get an equaliser.

Warminster's chances of securing their second win in a row tomorrow look slim at best. They face a daunting Les Phillips Cup first round clash at Premier Division side Elmore, who went down to a 1-0 defeat at Westbury on Saturday.

Said Crabtree: "They will be looking to take it out on someone and I just hope it isn't us."