ALAN Griffin marked his Malmesbury Victoria debut with a match-saving goal against Melksham Town Reserves in the Premier Division.

The big target man, who left Southern League Premier Division Chippenham Town just after Christmas, headed home the all-important leveller in difficult conditions at the Flying Monk Ground.

Vics boss Wayne Kibble is delighted with how the veteran striker has fitted in at the club following his departure from the Bluebirds.

“When you have someone like Griff in your dressing then you are going to listen,” Kibble said.

“While he was waiting for his knee operation earlier in the season he was down here helping me with the coaching.

“He had a few offers to go elsewhere, but he is a Vics boy, he spends a lot of time down here and goes out with a lot of the lads.

“They all respect what he has done in the game so we are delighted that we have got him on board.”

Despite the heavy conditions, Griffin, who has yet to fully recover from the knee injury that has seen him turn his back on Southern League football, managed to get through the full 90 minutes.

“I was a little dubious how fit he would be,” Kibble explained. “But fair play to him he has come in and done a fantastic job.

“It was pretty tough out there on Saturday and Griff managed to get through the full 90 which is very pleasing.”

The share of the spoils keeps Malmesbury in the hunt for the Wiltshire League title as they look to bounce back from their resignation from the Hellenic League last term and near-extinction.

League leaders Ludgershall lost 2-0 to Trowbridge Town but still hold a 10-point lead over Vics. However Kibble’s side have four games in hand on them and the Vics boss retains hope of catching the table-toppers.

“To be honest it was a good result for both teams,” the Vics chief said. “With Ludgershall dropping points it keeps it all very open up there.

“The boys have worked incredibly hard this season so it would be good if we can push on and get some rewards.”

Elsewhere, Supermarine Sport returned home from Wootton Bassett Town development with a 4-0 success, while Marlborough Town were held to a 2-2 draw with Sarum Youth and Shrewton United defeat Vale of Pewsey 4-2.