‘One of Town’s best ever performances’ in cup win

Tuesday 15th Nov. – FA Vase 2nd Rnd Proper
Hartley Wintney 1-2 Melksham Town

Saturday 19th Nov. – Les Phillips Cup 1st Rnd
Melksham Town 2-0 Bishop Sutton

Saturday 26th Nov. – Toolstation Premier Lge
Melksham Town 3-3 Odd Down

MELKSHAM Town put in ‘one of their best ever’ performances in a hard-fought FA Vase win against Hartley Wintney last month, in a run that also saw a Les Phillips Cup victory over Bishop Sutton and a 3-3 thriller in the league against Odd Down.

Town’s unbeaten run continued recently with a FA Vase win over Combined Counties League leaders Hartley Wintney, in what manager Darren Perrin says was one of the best performances he’s ever seen from a Melksham side.

Town made the 75 mile trip to Hampshire as underdogs but came back winners despite going 1-0 down after just 11 minutes. They levelled before half time before sealing a famous win on 70 minutes.

Darren said, “To say I was pleased is an understatement. That game was in the top four performances I’ve ever seen as manager at Melksham. The lads were absolutely magnificent.

“It was a great team performance and something everyone can be proud of. Hartley Wintney are a top, top side and they chucked everything at us. Our boys showed character and determination in fighting back and got a foothold on the game, then finished with two great goals.

“We play the third round game against Bemerton Heath on Saturday. They’re a strong team, too, and will have the home advantage, but if we can beat them we will have matched the club record for getting this far in the competition.

“A win on Saturday would also earn us £1,000, which is a godsend for small clubs like us.”

Mike Perrott opened the scoring after 41 minutes with Sam Jordan hitting the winner with 20 minutes left.

Jordan also produced two goals in Town’s 2-0 home victory over Bishop Sutton which put them through to the Les Phillips Cup.

Sam opened the scoring after 17 minutes, making the most of a defensive error by the Somerset side. Then on 50 minutes Jordan missed a penalty awarded for handball, but made up for it two minutes later with his second goal.

“Sam has been fantastic in recent weeks,” Darren said. “He’s a great lad and a great goalscorer, but he is Weymouth’s player and they will want him back soon. He has enjoys playing with us, we enjoy having him, and we have a good relationship with Weymouth so we might see him back again in future. We’re making the most of him while we have him!”

Perrin gave credit to Bishop Sutton’s goalkeeper, who he said was ‘fabulous’ and kept the scoreline under control in what was a ‘routine win’ for Melksham. Bishop Sutton are currently ranked 21st out of 22 in the league below Town.

Last Saturday, 26th November, saw Town draw 3-3 with Odd Down at the Conigre.

Perrin said, “Odd Down was a tough game. It was the first time in perhaps three months I sensed some complacency before the game.

“We were lucky to go into half time on 2-2, but their third goal two minutes in the second half was a huge blow.

“We only managed the draw so were disappointed to drop two points at home, but pleased to keep our unbeaten run going for another week.

“I’ve said all season I want to finish higher than fifth – better than last year – and I think we’ll be ok. We’ve got a good chance.”

Melksham Town are 3rd in the Toolstation Premier League with 43 points from 19 games. They played Laverstock & Ford in the Wilts Senior Cup on Tuesday night, after Melksham News went to press.

They play Wessex League side Bemerton Heath Harlequins this Saturday in a FA Vase tie.