LATE goals proved decisive for league leaders Pershore Town last weekend as Danny Janes' side eventually found a way past play-off chasing Malmesbury Victoria. 

Malmesbury came into the contest as one of only two sides to beat Pershore in the Hellenic Division One this season and they again threatened to take points off The Plums when Kyle Witt cancelled out Danny Murphy's opener with just ten minutes to play. 

But an 85th-minute header from substitute Mark Magee put Pershore back in front before Petar Tonchev wrapped up the points with a delightful chip in stoppage time. 

Despite an underwhelming performance in rather difficult conditions, Janes' side remain six points clear at the top of the table with two games in hand and just eight league games left. 

"The win is huge for us and it's another three points to our tally," said Janes.

"I didn't think we were anywhere near our best on the day, I actually thought it's one of the poorest we have been.

"Full credit to Malmesbury, they caused problems and capitalised on minor errors. I'm sure on reflection they will be disappointed they didn't at least come away with a point.

"As frustrating as the performance was at times, the players showed unbelievable mental strength to go again after conceding the equaliser with ten minutes to go. They knew they weren't at their usual levels, but as a team they found a way.

"We have eight huge league games to go now. It is another game ticked off and now we can fully focus on an important week in three cup competitions."

Pershore will have another chance to lift a trophy on Tuesday night when they welcome Mangotsfield United to the Community Stadium in the second-leg of the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup Final.

The two sides could not be split last week in the 0-0 draw in Bristol so it is a winner takes all on Tuesday.

Pershore are going for a fourth cup title in two seasons having won three of them in the 2021/22 campaign.