Melksham Town put on a spirited performance in front of a bumper crowd on Saturday, as they welcomed League Two promotion hopefuls Swindon Town for a high-profile pre-season friendly.
Over 1,300 supporters turned out at the Meads of Melksham Community Stadium to watch an entertaining clash that ended 4–0 in favour of the visiting Swindon side.
Despite the scoreline, Melksham gave a strong account of themselves, holding their opponents for much of the game before conceding late goals in the second half.
Tom Nichols scored a 37th minute opener for Ian Holloway’s side. Jake Tabor scored twice in the second half, having come off the bench and Will Wright with a 91st minute goal added a fourth.
Swindon used the opportunity to rotate their full first-team squad, fielding entirely different line-ups in each half. Melksham also made wholesale changes, including giving valuable minutes to some of their youngest talents.
In a show of the club’s commitment to developing youth, Town finished the match with two 16-year-olds and a 15-year-old on the pitch – Leon Hardman and Brandon Davies, both 16, and Callum Kirkman, 15.
Manager Mark Collier was full of praise for his team’s efforts and remained upbeat about the preparations for the season ahead.
“Pre-season is all about fitness and team building,” he said. “The squad has a good mix of youth and experience. We’re three weeks away from our first competitive game of the season – morale is good, there’s a genuine sense of toughness already, and long may that continue as the new signings integrate.”
On Saturday, 19th July, Town now take on Southern League Premier Division South side Yate Town, at Lodge Road with a 3pm kick-off in a change to the previously scheduled game against Devizes Town.
This will be followed by a home tie against National League South side Weston-Super-Mare on Tuesday 22nd July, 7.45pm kick-off. They finished eighth last season, narrowly missing the National League South play-offs and will be a stern test for Town and the final chance for fans to see their team in action on home turf before the Southern League Division One South campaign starts.
The final pre-season friendly is then a trip to Slimbridge on Saturday 26th July, kick-off 3pm.
Pictures: Estelle Bowden, Starsphinx Photography
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