TWO match postponements left Melksham Town gameless this month and although they have slipped down to tenth place in the league, assistant manager Luke Ballinger, says their play-off hopes are far from over.
And this Saturday they have the perfect chance to ruffle a few feathers as league leaders Blackfield and Langley visit Oakfields.
Due to snowfall that weekend, Melksham’s fixture on Saturday 2nd February against Bideford AFC was called off. The following match against Cinderford FC on Saturday 9th February was also called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
Luke Ballinger, assistant manager said, “The postponements have been disappointing, we obviously want to play every weekend but we have got in a few training sessions, and have a friendly on Wednesday this week, so have a chance for a run around before we play again this weekend.
“Our aim is to head in to Saturday looking for the three points. We have our new signing from Chippenham, Matt Smith, on the teamsheet who brings something to the team that we don’t currently have and that’s scoring from the midfield area. Hopefully he will help us get back into a routine of wins.
“This Saturday we have a fixture against Blackfield and Langley who are a really strong team and currently lie top of the table. It is a tough fixture, but the boys are looking forward to it and hope to test ourselves and come away with the win. They are a beatable team, but they are having a good season. We’ve beaten them once before this season and our last game against them was unfortunate where we missed a penalty, but this is where we want to be, in amongst the top teams in the league.
Melksham Town currently sit in 10th position in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One, with a few games in hand.
“The club is having a successful season so far. We had a slight blip over Christmas with a few losses, but have started to get back into the swing of things with a few wins recently.
“From the outside looking in, it’s good to stay up in the league. We have a good squad that could easily see us in the top 5/6 or even in the playoff spots. We have the players to achieve this.
“If you look at all 15 teams in the league, they all have the capability to make it to those play off spots. It’s all down to a few good games, which boosts you to the top, but you can easily have a few bad games and see yourselves towards the bottom, that’s how close the league is.
“As always, we want to thank everyone for the support and hope that you all can make it down to the infiLED arena on Saturday to cheer us on.”
• Town face Blackfield and Langley at the infiLED arena on Saturday 16th February, KO 3pm.
