MALMESBURY Victoria boss Gareth Davies said that his side’s draw with New College was the worst his side had played since Christmas.

The Hellenic League Division One West clash had little riding on it with both club’s seasons petering out and neither side were able to provide that moment of quality to claim victory.

Arguably Malmesbury needed the three points more than their hosts, as mathematically they are not quite clear of the relegation zone yet.

Ryan Mason did put Vics into the lead against the run of play in the first half but the visitors were unable to hold on even as far as the break with New College pegging them back a couple of minutes later.

Malmesbury boss Davies was pleased to have earned another point against their near rivals having done so at the Flying Monk a few weeks ago but had little in way of praise for the game itself.

“It’s the worst we’ve played since Christmas. From our point of view we didn’t start well and didn’t retain the ball well. It’s a point, we’ve played not very well and earned a point,” said Davies.

“It was a scrappy game, I don’t think we ever got going.

“To be fair New College tried to play when they got the ball but it was not great.

“It was similar to when we played couple of weeks ago, not nice to watch but at the end of the day a point is a point.”

The goal that Malmesbury did score was at least something to treasure. Mason is not known for his heading ability but he connected perfectly after Chris Jackson had evaded three New College defenders in a run from his own half before crossing.

“That man (Mason) couldn’t head a bus queue and he scored a worldy of a header, it was a very good finish and goal.”

The Malmesbury boss couldn’t work out why his team were so flat, especially considering the fixture was a local derby.

“We have had a run of games recently but then we haven’t been training to keep them rested, I couldn’t say what it is (that accounted for his side’s flat performance).

“I would have thought they would have had the bit between the teeth with it being a derby, I’m disappointed as we have been playing well of late.”

Davies said there were few positives to be taken from the game for his side but Malmesbury’s defensive work was one of them.

“As a back four I thought we defended okay, we have been defending quite well recently, you know we’re not leaking goals like we were.”