MELKSHAM Town FC are off to a flying start in their Toolstation Premier League campaign, but must keep working hard to weather the storm ahead of them, says manager Darren Perrin.
Melksham won their third game in a row on Saturday, beating tough Devon side Buckland Athletic 3-1 thanks to another hat-trick from striker Luke Ballinger.
Town ended the first half 1-0 up at Homer’s Heath after Ballinger’s first goal in the 25th minute. The Melksham striker put another away in the 60th, making it 2-0 before Buckland joined them on the score sheet with a strike from new signing Richard Groves.
Ballinger then scored his third goal in the 82nd minute, completing his second hat-trick and eighth goal in just three games.
Prior to Saturday, Town had beaten Bitton 6-0 and Chipping Sodbury 3-0 the week before; the team have scored 12 goals in three games and let in only one. As of Tuesday morning they were unbeaten so far this season and were top of the table after four games.
The matches have kicked off a two month run of away games while the new stadium is finished at Woolmore Farm. There are nine more away games to go and manager Perrin says the team must stay focussed.
Darren told Melksham News, “I’m delighted with the response from the players. Last time I was on record I was angry with our FA Cup loss to Portsmouth but I’ve got nothing but praise for what the guys have done since then.
“We were all shaken up by that game and they’ve been brilliant since. It is tough playing on the road all the time but we’re trying not to use it as an excuse. Everyone knows what’s waiting for us in October and we’re so excited to get going at the new stadium.
“Travelling twice a week is going to take its toll eventually, I’m under no illusions about that. But if we can stay focussed, keep working hard and picking up the points I’m confident we can stay up there with the top teams in the league.
“I’d like to be in the top six in October when we move to Woolmore Farm, then I’m hoping we can make the new ground something like a fortress and really get going.
“It’s looking unbelievable; every time we visit the stadium it looks more amazing.
“We’re all excited about the move, but I am a bit concerned that the facilities will be so good that visiting teams will step up their game, too; it might be the case that every match looks like a cup final!
“I know it’s cliche but we’re only as good as our last game. I won’t allow us to take our eyes off the next game; there are still nearly 40 games and over 100 points to play for.
“We’re not going to make any bold claims now. People can judge Melksham at the end of the season. I’d like to better our performance last year; anything else is a bonus.”
Melksham Town finished fifth in the league last year.
Their next fixture is this Saturday, 27th August, away at Bristol Manor Farm. Kick off 3pm.
