Ashton & Backwell were narrowly defeated at home to Malmesbury Victoria, with four players being sent off in the last three minutes.

Ashton & Backwell 1

Malmesbury Victoria 2

The return of Thomas, Crouch and McCormack saw a change to the Ashton & Backwell formation with a switch to a 3-5-2.

Early chances fell to Skidmore and Sam Thomas, while at the other end Coombes made a fine save. Malmesbury opened the scoring after a goalmouth scramble from a corner.

Two minutes later the Wiltshire side could have doubled their score, but for a great save from Coombes. A shot from Devoy skimmed the bar and Skidmore went close again, before the hosts equalised through Skidmore after good work by McCormack.

After the break, Allen and Devoy went close for Ashton, but a defensive lapse saw Coombes bring down a striker for a penalty, which was converted.

The Stags made a series of substitutions to change their shape and to try and get an equaliser. Their task should have been made easier when Jenkins was sent off with twenty minutes left for a second yellow card.

McCormack and Skidmore both had shots saved and Allen and Walker ran the Vics’ defence ragged, Walker moving into the box, drawing a goal-saving tackle from Brown.

What had been a feisty contest then exploded, McCormack, Skidmore Crouch and Dunton all being sent off in the last three minutes of added time.