MELKSHAM Town made the long journey to Tavistock near Plymouth on Wednesday 6th March, looking to put a difficult February behind them, reports club chairman Darren Perrin.
Due to work commitments and a couple of injuries, Town were very much depleted. In the first half, Melksham should have taken the lead through Albie Hopkins but he shot over from close range.
In the second half, Town totally dominated the game and deservedly took the lead through Benjani Jnr in the 62nd minute. Town had further chances, with Benjani hitting the bar and Ralph Graham going close. However, in the 97th minute, disaster struck when Tavistock scored from a close-range scramble. But it was an excellent performance where we should have got all three points.
Revenge over Bishops Cleeve
Town hosted Bishop Cleeve on Saturday 9th March looking to avenge the 6 – 1 thrashing we received earlier in the season.
The game certainly was not a classic; played on a difficult pitch that had dried out very quickly after the last three months of rain. The first half was very cagey but in the second half, Town started to dominate proceedings and when Bishop Cleeve were reduced to 10 men with 20 minutes to go, Town went all out to get the winning goal.
It duly arrived in the 89th minute through substitute Elliot Haffenden, who was making his debut for the club after numerous fine displays for the reserves. Town really should have made the game safe deep into injury time when Albie Hopkins missed an open goal by striking the post. However, a vital three points and a lot of relief for everyone associated with the club.
Special mention
A special mention must be made to club captain Sam Hendy. Sam’s uncle Scott Hendy (a great player for Mangotsfield, Clevedon, Yate Town) died earlier in the week and Sam produced a magnificent performance to win the Man of the Match award, a fitting reward for a player who is so highly regarded and respected at the football club.
Condolences
The club would also like to pass their condolences on to the Newman family who sadly saw Brian, their dad, pass away on the morning of the match as well. Brian was a lovely gentleman who started youth football in the town with Melksham Park and will be sorely missed.
Coach to Exmouth
This coming Saturday, the Town are away to Exmouth Town. There is a coach going to the game, leaving at 10.30am from the ground, cost is £10 per person and leaving Exmouth at 6pm. If interested, please contact Darren on 07855 742960.