SHRIVENHAM bounced back to winning ways after a tough couple of weeks in Hellenic League Division One West with an impressive 3-0 victory away at Pewsey Vale.

Shrivvy had lost their previous two fixtures by an aggregate 9-0 scoreline, so manager Gareth Davies was desperate for a response at the Recreation Ground.

That was exactly what his troops delivered as Robbie Hendry and Tyler Sheppard put the visitors two goals to the good at half-time before Jamie Prictor completed the rout on the hour mark.

The victory sees Shrivvy climb above their hosts up into sixth in what is now an extremely tight table, with just four points separating third-placed North Leigh United from Pewsey down in ninth.

“We needed that after the last two games. We have been so disappointing so a win like that was exactly what was required,” said Davies.

“We brought a couple of players back in on Saturday and it seemed to do the trick. Sam Ockwell came in after being away on holiday and he will always make a massive difference, and Mani Roper and Jamie Prictor came in too and I think that just gave us a bit of a boost.

“It is what the players needed, I think. Their heads were down after two big wallopings so freshening it up a bit has just given them a taste for it again.

“It was one of the worst pitches I have seen, although obviously it was bad for Pewsey as well. To be fair to my players, they worked hard.

“We knew exactly what type of game we were going to get on that sort of pitch and out of the two sides, I think we probably played the conditions a little bit better and got our just rewards in the end.

“We took our chances when they came along and overall, it was a very good performance.”

Elsewhere, Royal Wootton Bassett Town made it back-to-back Premier Division wins as Harvey Scholes’ second-half strike secured Rich Hunter’s side a 1-0 success away at Ascot United.

Hunter said: “It was a really good game. Both sides were evenly matched for large portions of the game.

“We looked really solid at the back and Ascot didn’t ever look like they were going to break through. We contained them and then it was a matter of hitting them on the break and Harvey managed to take one of the chances.

“We created a few good chances before that but hadn’t managed to take one, but I think overall, we were worthy winners in the end.”

Leaders Highworth Town dropped points for just the fourth time in 23 league matches this term after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Binfield.

Callum Parsons fired the Worthians ahead at the break at The Elms only for Bradley Pagliaroli to peg them back on the hour mark, although Jeff Roberts’ troops remain eight points clear at the top of the table.

Fairford Town were without a fixture this weekend, while New College saw their proposed trip to Woodstock Town in Division One West postponed.