MELKSHAM got back their winning form last weekend with a 2-0 victory at Buckland Athletic, and a performance, manager Darren Perrin says, was their best all season.
Second-half goals from Gary Higdon and Joe Stradling secured the away win, which saw Melksham tied in fourth place with Buckland and pushing for a top five finish, with four league games remaining.
With only a shot off the woodwork to show for a goalless first half, Melksham came out swinging in the second. A free kick taken by Gary Higdon crept under the Buckland goalkeeper’s body to put Town ahead, and Joe Stradling pounced on a loose pass before going on to secure victory with a second.
Despite some late attempts by the home side, Town kept a clean sheet and went home celebrating their third win in as many weeks.
Manager Darren Perrin said, “It was probably the best performance by the lads all season, they were outstanding. We expected it to be a tough game as Buckland beat us 4-0 at home earlier in the season but the lads were really up for it and came out fighting.
“I think they underestimated us and were probably quite shocked at how much we’ve improved since they played us last.
“You could tell that Buckland were on a low because of the news that they won’t be promoted but that doesn’t take away the fact that our lads were excellent and fully deserved to win.”
Melksham now turn their attention to the remaining games and the Wiltshire Senior Cup Final on 27th April against Salisbury.
Perrin said, “We’re really looking forward to the final, it’s going to be quite a day. Already I’m hearing that 1,000 people are expected to be there which is fantastic. Of course we are the underdogs and we are under no illusions of what we’re up against but you never know, we may just surprise you. There’s no pressure on us whatsoever so the lads are just looking forward to getting out there and playing a great game of football.”
