JOVIAL Monk finally had reason to cheer at the weekend after claiming a first league victory of the season in Division One of the Swindon Sunday League.

Mike Lenard’s double, plus a goal from Brandon Fenwick, fired Shaun Smith’s side to a 3-0 success at home to Penhill United.

Monk have already won two cup games this season but had failed to register a single point in their previous 10 league games, so manager Smith was delighted to get off the mark.

Although they remain rooted to the foot of the table, they are now just two points behind Deers Leap immediately above them – although Monk have played six games more – and Smith hopes these points are not the last for his side this term.

“I’m very pleased. The hard work has finally paid off,” said Smith.

“We have had to rebuild this season as around half of our team left last summer. It’s been tough but in the last five or six weeks, I think we’ve really been improving so it’s nice to get our reward.

“It was a good game and we started really well – we were 3-0 up at half-time. It was just one of those where it came together, we had a game plan and it worked.

“Before the end of the season, we want another three points for starters. If we can win our next game, we will be off the bottom, although Deers Leap have got quite a few games in hand.

“All we can do is try to get as many more points as we can and see where we end up.

“I’m really fortunate. We have not had the greatest of seasons but I couldn’t be prouder of the players. Not once have they got downbeat or said they don’t want to play.

“This season has been a learning curve and whatever division we are in next season, it’s going to stand us in good stead for that.”

Elsewhere, AFC Gas were only able to move one point closer to leaders Greyhound after they shared a goalless draw away at FC Walcot.

In Division Two, DPR took advantage of a fixtureless weekend for table-toppers Rodbourne Real to move within five points of the leaders after thrashing Chilli Shak 6-0. Woodlands Edge cut down Cleeve Tech 7-1, while DH Fitness shared a 3-3 draw with Your Sport Swindon.

There was just one game in Division Three, where Croft Junior moved four points clear at the top after a 5-2 win over Eldene.

Nationwide had the best result in Division Four as they beat PSV Swindon 6-2. Swindon Athletic triumphed 6-3 at Chiseldon Sunday, while Rudis edged to a 3-2 success over Smart Movers.

Highworth Town Sunday thrashed Northern Lights 13-1 in Division Five, although Purton Red House still lead the way after seeing off Cricklade Park Rangers 5-0. Save on Tyres Athletic beat Swindon Rovers 4-1, while Paxton House United and Sevenfield United ended 2-2.