MALMESBURY Victoria boss Kevin Bridgeman has not given up hope of retaining the title after his side jumped up to third in the table with a 4-0 win at Melksham Town Reserves.

Vics were runaway champions last season but have a big task ahead if they are to keep hold of the trophy this term.

Although they have two games in hand on current leaders Shrewton United, it is Trowbridge Town who looked best placed to win the crown in 2015-16.

Malmesbury and Trowbridge, who were 3-0 winners over Royal Wootton Bassett Town Reserves at the weekend, are level on 46 points, four behind Shrewton, but Trowbridge have six games in hand on the leaders and four on Malmesbury.

However, while there are still points to play for, Bridgeman will not give up hope of keeping the trophy at Malmesbury’s Flying Monk home.

“We’ve won our last four games and I have set the lads a target of trying to continue that over our final six games now,” said Bridgeman.

“If we can’t do that to stay unbeaten for the rest of the season, we will just see where that takes us.

“While Trowbridge have got games in hand, if we can put the points on the board and put the pressure on them, then you never know.

“We’re certainly looking to push on and retain the title and win the league and if not, try to finish as high as we can and try to get promoted to the Hellenic League next year.”

After an even opening, a red card for Melksham’s Leigh Rogers handed Malmesbury the initiative and Clint Walker’s header put them ahead at the break.

Ed Wilkins doubled the lead from the penalty spot on the hour but he was then given his marching orders for an off-the-ball incident.

The numbers were not even for long as Melksham went down to nine men when Ethan Cox was dismissed for a second bookable offence and a late double from Jack Duckers wrapped up the points for Vics.

Bridgeman added: “Melksham controlled possession for the first 25 minutes but when they had a man sent off, we came into the game and had a couple of half-chances.

“After that point they didn’t really cause us too many problems and then in the second half, playing with the extra man for the first 15 minutes really told.

“We dominated from start to finish in the second half. Once we got the second goal, we were pretty much in cruise control for the rest of the game.”

Elsewhere, Shrewton remain at the summit thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 win at home to Wroughton, while at the other end of the table, Wilts Calne Town inflicted a 4-0 defeat on bottom side Sarum Youth.

There was a five-star performance from Trowbridge Wanderers as they triumphed 5-1 at Vale of Pewsey, Corsham Town Reserves edged to a 3-2 success over Ludgershall Sports, while Devizes Town Reserves and Marlborough Town shared a 2-2 draw.