New coaching team oversees Malmesbury Victoria’s 3-1 F.A. Vase victory
Malmesbury Victoria FC recorded a 3-1 win over Lydney Town in F.A. Vase competition on Saturday, a result that also provided an early competitive test for the club’s recently appointed first-team management.
The match, which remained goalless at the interval, saw Malmesbury find the breakthrough early in the second half before weathering pressure and then pulling clear. The visiting side had posed a threat in the first half and both teams struck the crossbar, but it was persistence and a degree of clinical finishing after the break that decided the tie.
- Final score: Malmesbury Victoria 3–1 Lydney Town
- Key performers: L.J. Bexon-Shaw (two goals), Omaree Cox (one goal), Jordan Murray (key assist), Harry Pickering (Man of the Match, in goal)
- Management: Daniel Badman (manager), Mark Simpkins (assistant), Alex Blake (assistant)
The new management trio brings a blend of recent non-league and youth coaching experience. Daniel Badman joined as manager from Wells City, where he had been assistant manager; Mark Simpkins arrives following five years with Royal Wootton Bassett FC’s development side; and Alex Blake is reported to be a youth development phase coach at Forest Green Rovers.
After a scoreless first 45 minutes in which both sides tested the woodwork, the deadlock was broken shortly after the restart. Jordan Murray’s tenacity kept a ball in play and he cut back to L.J. Bexon-Shaw, whose shot found the net. Lydney responded on 63 minutes to level the match, but Bexon-Shaw then converted a well-timed through-ball, taking advantage of the keeper having come out to narrow the angle. The third Malmesbury goal came after a defensive slip that Omaree Cox seized upon, finishing into an open goal to seal the win.
"He refused to give up on a ball which looked to be running out for a goal kick," according to the match report, describing Jordan Murray’s action that led to the opening goal.
Goalkeeper Harry Pickering — named Man of the Match in the report — had to be alert and athletic at times, particularly in the first half when Lydney tested the Malmesbury rearguard. The performance underlines the balance the side showed between steady defence and opportunistic attack after the break.
What this means for the club
For a club adapting to a new management structure, the result provides an encouraging start. The coaching appointments suggest an emphasis on mixing experienced non-league management with a youth development perspective, which could influence selection choices, training focus and squad building moving forward.
| Management | Previous role |
|---|---|
| Daniel Badman | Assistant manager, Wells City |
| Mark Simpkins | Development manager, Royal Wootton Bassett FC Development (5 years) |
| Alex Blake | Youth development phase coach, Forest Green Rovers |
The presence of coaches with a development focus may be particularly important as the club aims to consolidate its place in the Hellenic Premier League. That competition requires depth and stability; nurturing academy or younger players into reliable first-team options is often a cost-effective route to that stability.
From a supporter perspective, Saturday’s match offered tangible signs of progress: a composed recovery after surrendering the equaliser, finishing ability from Bexon-Shaw, and a composed closing goal by Cox. For the management team, it will be a lesson in match control and the need to maintain intensity for a full 90 minutes.
Malmesbury Victoria will look to build on this cup victory as they continue league commitments and further cup ties. The combination of experienced non-league coaching and youth development expertise now in place will shape expectations for the season ahead.
