VILLAGE Inn successfully put their off-field uncertainties to one side on Saturday as they beat struggling Lower Stratton 2-0 in the Swindon & District League Premier Division.

After a closely contested first half, Village Inn shifted formation, adding a third striker, and it paid off with two late goals to claim their third win in just their seventh game of the season.

Chris Nash got the opener, tapping in from close range after good work from Craig Alexander,and centre back Vincent Elliott sealed the win after being put through on goal from a defensive corner.

Sam Bailey, who has taken on matchday duties for Village Inn, said: “We very nearly folded a few weeks ago but we decided to keep going. We are scratching around for 11 most weeks but we will get to the end of the season.

“I think our average age is 35 now but it’s as much about getting out and being social as football. We started as a mates' team a few years ago and every year, we have gone 'one more year' but this might be a swansong.

“We want to keep going but need more players. We’ll get to the end of the season and see how we get on.”

Saturday was just Village’s third game in 2016 and they will have to squeeze seven fixtures into April but Bailey says his team are up for the challenge.

“I think it will be good to play regularly,” he said.

“Part of our problem has been having regular games but the legs are getting a bit tired – it takes longer to recover Saturday to Tuesday, which is a challenge.”

Elsewhere in the Swindon and District League, it was the tale of two penalties in a tight affair at the top of the league as second placed Avtar Construction were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Shield & Dagger.

Blaine Fitzgerald slotted his spot-kick past the Shield & Dagger goalkeeper in the 48th minute but Avtar were pegged back when Jonathon Coole equalised, also from 12 yards.

Avtar Construction remain eight points behind Tawny Owl at the top of the league.

Meanwhile, a brace from Christian Bailey helped Spectrum pick up their fourth win of the season by beating DJC Marlborough 4-2 and a Jamie Sheppard hat-trick, combined with a double from Jack Allan, saw undefeated Tawny Owl thrash Old Town United 8-1.

In Division One, a brace from Ryan Baxter helped North Swindon WMC to a 3-2 win over Bassett Bulldogs and Chisledon secured a 1-0 away victory at Sport 4 Pinehurst thanks to Daniel Vaughan’s goal.

Ramsbury beat Core Construction 4-1 while Swindon Centurions were held 1-1 by Morris Street.