MALMESBURY Victoria were unable to get their new life in the Toolstation League off to a positive start as they were beaten at Roman Glass St George on Saturday.

Kev Bridgeman’s side, who are back in step 10 football after gaining promotion from the Wiltshire League last term, made the trip to Bristol for their seasonopener but were beaten 3-1.

The Vics were punished for a below-par first half, falling behind early on as when goalkeeper Josh Langley parried a corner kick and the hosts' Jason Burt turned the ball home from close range.

Then five minutes before the break, the Glass’ Rhys O’Donovan got in behind the Malmesbury defence and lobbed home over the head of Langley to make it 2-0.

The visitors improved in the second period and halved the deficit as Lee Fernandez’s corner was fired home at the back post by Hext but any chances of a Malmesbury comeback were snuffed out five minutes from time when Josh Hughes was sent off for a professional foul.

From the resultant free-kick, Adam Snook fired home to wrap up all three points for the Glass.