MALMESBURY Victoria showed all of their battling qualities to move well and truly into the title race with a 5-2 triumph at Wroughton – their fourth win on the bounce.

Wayne Kibble’s side capitalised on a goalless draw between league leaders Ludgershall Sports and second-placed Melksham Town Reserves to cut the gap at the top to five points with two games in hand.

Malmesbury did not have it all their own way at Weir Field, however, and were a goal and a man down at half-time following a red card for Sam Parker for his retaliation to a challenge.

The visitors were simply inspired after the break, however, and Ed Wilkins helped himself to a hat-trick and Sam Jenner bagged a brace as they turned the game on its head.

“Going down to ten threw a bit of a spanner in the works but to come back from that at a place like Wroughton is a tremendous effort,” said boss Kibble, who was unable to attend the match.

“It sounded like we had a bit of a mountain to climb at half-time but to show the kind of spirit they did is just fantastic.

“We have shown it a few times already this year and I can’t fault the players’ effort in that regard. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

Kibble has now set his sights on a fifth straight success this weekend when they entertain Corsham Town Reserves – who lost 3-0 at Trowbridge Wanderers – to keep up the pressure on the leaders.

“We still have a couple of games to catch up the difference,” said Kibble.

“Our aim at the start of November was to collect as many points as possible before Christmas. If we can win again against Corsham we’ll have got maximum points in that time.

“And we still have to play the top three sides, so it’s in our hands.”

Supermarine Sports were also involved in a goal-laden encounter but came out on the wrong side of a 5-3 scoreline on their trip to Wilts Calne Town.

Third-placed Devizes Town Reserves are now just two points off top spot following a narrow 2-1 success away at Sarum Youth.

Trowbridge Town showed no signs of rustiness as they made light of more than a month without a game to run out impressive 3-1 winners at FC Chippenham Youth.

Bottom side Westbury United Reserves were beaten 3-1 when they travelled to Shrewton United, Vale of Pewsey were 3-2 winners at Marlborough Town and Southbrook eased to a 4-0 success when they hosted Wootton Bassett Town Dev.