LEWIS McCarron’s second-half strike saw Chippenham Park claim the Tuesday night bragging rights over near neighbours Malmesbury Victoria, who surrendered top spot in the First Division table as a result.

Goals from Sam Parker and Shane Bumphrey had kept Vics at the head of the pack last Saturday in a 2-0 win at Ashton & Backwell United, although they have since been leapfrogged by Keynsham Town following the defeat in midweek.

The victory for Park comes on the back of two straight defeats, including a 6-3 loss at Wellington last Saturday, and has them back within six points of top spot.

Park boss Nick Maggs said: “It was a good win, especially on the back of a couple of defeats. We knew we needed to turn it around and if it wasn’t against Malmesbury, then we’d have to try to do it on Saturday.

“I was confident and all the players were confident too. I have seen Malmesbury play a few times and I thought I knew where their strengths and weaknesses were.

“The gameplan was executed really well so it’s very pleasing. Everyone at the club was very pleased to get a win over a side that were top of the league.”

Park were forced to come from behind at Hardenhuish Park as Parker gave Vics an early lead, although Dan Price’s header levelled things up at the break.

McCarron then fired the home side ahead after the restart and Maggs’ men held on despite Gary Lock’s late sending off.

“We started better than them but in their first real attack, their winger got behind our full-back and took his chance well,” added Maggs.

“Up until that point, they hadn’t really threatened us, but sometimes that happens and you think it’s just going to be one of those days.

“It was a good response and we got back level at half-time and then we got in front in the second half.

“In the last 20 minutes or so, we shut up shop and were happy with a 2-1 win. It was a case of seeing it out and we did that quite well.”

Elsewhere, Calne Town were crushed 4-0 at new leaders Keynsham on Tuesday, although Stu Windsor’s strike had earlier given them a 1-0 success at Bishops Lydeard last Saturday.

Corsham Town romped to a 3-0 win at home to Cheddar at the weekend, while Devizes Town edged out their Welton Rovers visitors 2-1.

The duo were scheduled to be at home to Oldland Abbotonians and away at Hengrove Athletic respectively on Wednesday night.