MELKSHAM Town FC are off to a good start to the new season with back-to-back wins in the Toolstation Premier League.
The team had its first league win when it beat Clevedon 2-0 on Saturday 8th August 2-0, then followed it up with a 4-2 victory over Longwell Green this Monday.
Melksham Town won the Toolstation Premier League last year for the first time in the club’s history but were denied promotion because of council delays over the building of their new ground. But it has made the club doubly determined this season.
Manager Darren Perrin said, “The club was disappointed not to get the promotion but we’re past that now, and there’s a lot to look forward to.
“Work has started on the new ground now which is really exciting and has given the team a major lift. We’re all motivated to stay strong and retain the title.
“We’ve had fantastic support, too, and it’s great to see local people get behind their club. The fans have been awesome and we couldn’t ask for more from them.”
“I’m not confident that we can win the league again – it will be incredibly difficult – but I will say that I would never write off these players. They’re a great bunch of lads who will give everything they possibly can for Melksham Town, and there are a lot of good times ahead for the club.”
Despite a rocky pre-season with two wins and two losses, the team has started the league well, winning both matches and scoring six goals.
Town’s most recent contest, at home against Longwell Green on Monday 10th August, saw them find the net three times despite a slow start.
The game was 1-1 after 45 minutes, with a goal from Dan Kovacs keeping them level.
The team then upped the tempo in the second half and saw a further three goals to seal the win; Kovacs scored his third in two games, then Ryan Bennett and Jack Morris added their names to the scoresheet.
Manager Darren Perrin said, “There was nothing between the two teams in the first half and we didn’t play particularly well, but it’s a credit to the players that they managed to up the tempo in the second half and win.
“We’re obviously delighted with the back-to-back wins. The team hasn’t hit its stride yet but nobody would expect that to happen this quickly.
“There’s no doubt the players will be feeling the pressure of being champions but we’ve all got to handle that; the games are only going to get harder. It says something about the squad that even when they’re not on form they can win like they did this week.”
Melksham Town FC’s next contest will be an FA Cup game at home against the Isle of Wight’s Cowes Sports. The teams will kick off at the Conigre at 3.30pm on Saturday 15th August.
League matches will then resume as usual with a game against Odd Down on Saturday 22nd August.
Follow Town’s season with our special Melksham Independent News match planner. Click here.
