Reigning champions Melksham Town increased their unbeaten run to 13 games with their eighth straight win after just edging the three points against their Devon visitors in a hard fought game at The Conigre .
Both teams adapted well to a dry playing surface which misbehaved occasionally. The opening minutes saw Melksham’s Ben Thomson shoot just wide before the visitors were indebted to keeper Tom McHale, who produced a great save from a point blank header from Ricky Hulbert after set up play from Gary Higdon on 10 minutes. At the other end Brett Worbey saw his first time effort from a corner cleared away by Shaun Benison, but chances were at a premium in the first period although Higdon looked dangerous up front for Melksham keeping the Willand defence on their toes. The half time whistle saw the sides level at 0-0 with all to play for.
Melksham started the second period on the front foot, and after only two minutes Hulbert hit the post after collecting a Higdon pass. The respite was short lived as Stradling and Higdon combined on 55 minutes and Hulbert swept the ball home at the far post to put Melksham 1-0 ahead, with Willand appealing in vain for an offside flag.
As expected, Willand upped the tempo and Melksham’s central defender Lee Fielding was at the heart of the action, blocking efforts from Bath and Blake in quick succession whilst Town keeper Brown kept out efforts by Patchett and Bath around the hour mark.
However, Melksham weathered the pressure and pulled 2-0 ahead on 80 minutes when Willand failed to deal with a Thomson cross and Joe Stradling rammed the ball home.
As the game entered the last few minutes Town introduced youth team player Alex Churchyard as substitute for his debut at first team level and despite a late caution for Thomson, the final whistle sounded with the Town completing a solid victory and pushing them up to 4th place in the league table with the Good Friday visit from Bradford Town next up.
Meanwhile, the Town’s Reserve side gained a fine 3-1 victory in extra time in the Wiltshire League Cup against Trowbridge Town. Scorers were Dan Griffiths (2) and Jake Sainsbury. The Reserves now face either Corsham Reserves or Chippenham Development in the semi final later in the season.
To cap a good week for the Town clubs Under 18 side inflicted the first defeat of the season on Laverstock and Salisbury with a 1-0 victory with a goal from Seth Wain.
