First defeat in eight games as fightback falls just short

Saturday 3rd January – Southern League Division One South

Melksham Town 1–2 Larkhall Athletic

Melksham Town were left frustrated after a narrow 2–1 defeat to Larkhall Athletic, despite a spirited performance that saw the home side compete strongly throughout and push their visitors right to the final whistle.

It was Town’s first defeat in eight games since the appointment of new boss Stuart Fleetwood.

The game began at a lively tempo, with Melksham looking to impose themselves early and move the ball with confidence. However, it was Larkhall who struck first, a deflected shot allowing Larkhall to take the lead midway through the first half.

The game was left even harder for Town just before half-time with Leon Greenland bringing down the Larkhall winger in the box. The resulting penalty was dispatched to put Larkhall two goals ahead.

The second-half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams battling hard for control in midfield and chances proving difficult to come by. Melksham continued to work tirelessly, and were finally rewarded when Will Christopher stabbed home to give them hope. Melksham refused to drop their heads and pressed forward in search of a late equaliser. Late chances and dangerous deliveries into the box kept Larkhall under pressure, but the visitors held firm to see out the result.

While the final score did not fall in Melksham’s favour, they were much better in the second half but in the end the first half left them with a mountain to climb.