ALAN Griffin suspects that tougher tests lie in the future for his Malmesbury Victoria side after they swept aside Sarum Youth 8-1 to keep pace with the leaders in the Corsham Print Wiltshire League Senior Division.

The Vics cruised to success in Wilton to cement their position as the division’s top scorers – despite being without a raft of players for the trip.

Chris Salt bagged a hat-trick, player-boss Griffin himself adding a couple as Josh Hughes, Joe Thornton and an own goal made up the tally for the visitors.

“It’s a strange league,’’ admitted Griffin. “You have three or four teams that are very strong and then some teams who are probably not quite so good.

“We struggled a bit to get a team (to face Sarum) because we have around five people who were suspended or away, so it was a bit of a scratch side. But we still have too much for them – they weren’t the best side we’ve faced.’’ “We’ve done well, but we know that there are likely to be difficult games to come, against the likes of Melksham Town (Reserves), Trowbridge (Town) and Shrewton, who are right up there.

“We had one hiccup (a defeat to Corsham Town Reserves) but I’m happy with how it’s gone. The lads have been decent.

“We’ve got a (FA) Vase game coming up in a few weeks (they host Farnham Town in second round qualifying on October 3) and that’s important to us, but it’s going well.”

Corsham Town Reserves are also in the mix after they cruised to a 4-0 win at Wroughton at the weekend.

After a goalless first half, Corsham came good in the second as Conor McCarron, Billy Cookson, Matt Purdy and Jon Bazley found the net, setting them up nicely for Wednesday night’s clash at unbeaten Shrewton, to whom they lost on the opening day of the season.

Boss Justin Flowers said: “We didn’t play our best football in the first half but we knew we could get the win if we played how we have been in the last few weeks.

“We’ve got a good, young side this year and they’ve been doing really well.’’ Trowbridge Town’s unbeaten start to the season continued unabated as they administered a 7-2 thrashing to Marlborough Town at their hosts’ Elcot Lane.

Jake Hiscocks and Ollie Webb both scored twice for the Bees, while Shaun Percival, James Vincent and Alex De Silva also found the net.

Melksham Town Reserves continue to lead the way, their 4-0 win at home to Ludgershall Sports maintaining a one-point advantage over Shrewton United, who were 3-2 victors over Trowbridge Wanderers Reserves.

Devizes Town Reserves moved into the top six as they clinched a 4-2 success at Royal Wootton Bassett Town Reserves. Jake Covey scored twice for the home side.

Wilts Calne Town’s search for a first league win of the season continues after they were humbled 6-0 by Chippenham Park Development.