PEWSEY Vale’s search for a maiden win this season continues after they lost 2-1 to Cirencester Town in the Hellenic League Division One Subsidiary Cup on Tuesday night.

The defeat follows a disappointing start to their Hellenic League Division One West season, which has seen them amass just two points from five contests.

Ryan Banks scored in an eventful game, which also saw Vale’s Wes Clark and Harvey Flippance sent off.

Despite the negative results, manager Ali Tuttle believes there are plenty of reasons to remain positive.

“Cirencester always have an advantage because when you go there, you go knowing you’re playing on a synthetic pitch,” said Tuttle.

“The referee was being assessed too and it was not a good advertisement for the game. That is how we treated it too. We have had a hard start to the season, to be fair.

“We have played five league games now but we have played some strong sides like Easington.

“We’ve played them home and away already. They’re expected to win the league without too much trouble.

“Unfortunately, we have had a few injuries and unavailability has been poor.

“We have a few cricket players in our team, so we had to wait until the end of August before we got those players back.

“As of next week, we are back to full strength and we are going to have a few selection problems.

“Because of that, we are looking forward to kicking off our season next week.

“Morale hasn’t been a problem even though we haven’t made the best start because we had a good season last year.

“It’s just unfortunate we have had all the top teams at the beginning of the season."

Malmesbury Victoria lost 3-0 to Clanfield (85) at the Flying Monk Ground in Division One West on Saturday, then drew 4-4 with Cheltenham Saracens in the Subsidiary Cup on Tuesday, Shane Bumphrey with a hat-trick and Antony Brown also netting.

Royal Wootton Bassett Town surrendered a first-half lead to draw 1-1 at Brackley Town Saints in the Premier Division on Saturday, Mark James on target.