JODY Bevan grabbed the only goal as Cirencester secured a well-deserved 1-0 victory away at depleted Wimborne Town.

The Magpies released several players in the lead-up to the Division One South & West contest meaning the remaining bodies were forced to show versatility all afternoon, but despite a spirited display from the home side it was Brian Hughes’ team who took the points.

The Corinium side went into the contest with the best defensive record in the league and showed exactly why during the opening 10 minutes, while the attack penned Wimborne back and put them under constant pressure.

However, the hosts soon worked their way into the contest and, after stringing some good spells of pressure together, Ian Oliver sent a speculative effort wide of the post and Matt Gamble’s lob flew just over the top of the bar.

Cirencester had their chances too as both Steve Davies and Sean Wood blasted efforts over when well placed while Magpies defenders Adam Costello and Scott Arnold combined to keep Ciren’s top scorer, Lee Smith, quiet throughout a first half which eventually ended goalless.

After the break Davies was denied but home keeper Jason Harvell but the visitors soon had the lead as Jody Bevan managed to spin in the area and scuffed a shot towards goal which bobbled over the line for the veteran striker’s 251st career goal.

Chasing the game, Wimborne took control for the final 30 minutes but, despite camping in Ciren territory, were unable to trouble keeper Glyn Garner as the points returned to Gloucestershire.

Elsewhere in the Southern League on Saturday, both Chippenham Town and Swindon Supermarine saw their games postponed due to the bad weather.

The Bluebirds were due to take on Hemel Hempsted in the Premier Division while Dave Webb’s Marine were scheduled to be away to Tiverton Town in Division One South & West.