Shrivenham boss Michael McNally was pleased to end a run of four games without a win as his side recorded a 1-0 success at home to Shortwood United Reserves.

Kias Bonner-Shea got the only goal of the game in the second half of a game that could have seen Shrivenham score a hat full.

Despite the win, the Barrington Park outfit remain rooted to the foot of the Hellenic League Division One West table but have closed the gap on New College Swindon and McNally is confident in a change of fortunes.

“Hopefully this might be a bit of a turning point,” said McNally.

“We haven’t moved up but between us and seventh place is seven points, which is nothing really.

“The conditions weren’t great with the weather but I thought we fully deserved the three points.

“It was the same story as the last four or five games, if we had taken our chances it could have been four or five.

“It was a good game and Shortwood are probably one of the best sides we have played.

“We dug in and as a whole team they rolled their sleeves up and fought for each other and that was the most pleasing thing for me.

“It was very comfortable but if that was six or seven months ago then we probably would have either drawn the game or lost it 2-1.”

After a goalless first half it was Jamie Prictor who thought he had given the hosts the lead only to have his effort ruled out by the linesman’s flag.

However, Shrivvy continued to put Shortwood on the back foot and got their rewards when Chris Rivers played in Bonner-Shea who cut inside and slotted it past the goalkeeper with 15 minutes to go.

Bonner-Shea had appeared for the reserves in the week building up to the game and McNally emphasised the importance of his young side developing.

“With a couple of them, Kias and another lad Joe Grant, it is trying to keep the youngsters involved,” added the Barrington Park boss.

“They want it all straight away but you have to explain that they need to have a few games in the reserves and they will get their chances in the first team.

“Kias is going to be some talent if he keeps his head screwed on and listens to the right people.

“Another lad Fraser Little has been absolutely outstanding this year. If I could give player of the season in November then it would go to this lad.

“He is only 17 and he has just been head and shoulders above everyone else.”