MELKSHAM Town’s season has got off to the worst possible start following back-to-back defeats.

Saturday’s opening Toolstation League Premier Division defeat away to Hallen was followed up with a 3-1 reverse at home to Cadbury Heath on Monday night.

Cadbury raced into a two goal lead thanks to strikes by Nick Dyer and Sacha Tong before Nathan Flower netted for Town to half the deficit and register Melksham’s first goal of the season.

In the second half, Marcel Smith’s strike ensured Heath left the Conigre with all three points.

Saturday 10th August, Toolstation Western League Premier Division Hallen 2 Melksham Town 0

MANAGER Dave Clayton had the luxury of choosing a side from a near full strength squad, other than Ian Jeffery who was serving the remaining two games from a suspension picked up last season.

In addition, new signings Tom Stocks and Pete Woodhead were handed their senior debuts for the Town in the back four at full back and centre half respectively.

The first 20 minutes saw little goal mouth activity and it was not until the 21st minute that the Town threatened the goal when Town skipper Dave Macey fired over from 25 yards. On 28 minutes Town keeper Tom Drewitt was called into action, first saving from Bament and the follow up from Collett.

On 30 minutes Fisher wasted a great opportunity to put Hallen ahead, and at the other end Gary Higdon tried  an ambitious effort from 30 yards, whilst Town appealed in vain for a penalty after Dan Kovacs fell in the box after a clumsy challenge from the home keeper on 35 minutes.The opening goal came for the home side on 40 minutes when Fisher latched onto a ball over the top and laid it into the path of Collett who slotted home from six yards,  and the half time interval was reached with Hallen holding a slender 1-0 advantage.

The second period was no more than two minutes old when the Town central  defence parted allowing Collett to run through unchallenged and slot home his second and leave the Town 2-0 down with a lot to do if they were to get anything out of the game.

On 50 minutes Town central defender Adam Young suffered a recurrence of his back injury and was replaced by Kai Miller, with Stocks reverting to central defence, and on 63 minutes Drewitt saved well from Collett as the home side threatened to run away with it.

On 66 minutes Josh Robinson replaced Will Stead as the Town looked for a way back into the game but were again indebted to Drewitt who produced a full length save from a Collett long range effort on 68 minutes.

On 70 minutes the Town created their  first real chance of the game when Josh Robinson’s cross found brother Tom, who pushed his right foot effort wide when well placed, and on 76 minutes Syeed Ibrahim replaced Matt Sharp in the final throw of the dice. On 78 minutes the Town so nearly found a lifeline when Dan Kovacs 25 yard free kick was tipped onto the bar by home keeper Burgess and away to safety.

On 78 minutes Charlton’s header was saved by Drewitt and the rest of the game saw Hallen comfortably soak up the Town’s efforts and deservedly hold onto the three points.

From the Town’s point of view the performances  of debutant Tom Stocks and keeper Tom Drewitt were positives to take away, and all attention now turns to Saturday’s game where the Town entertain Hamworthy United in the FA Cup.

Man of Match: Tom Stocks. Team: Drewitt, Sharp, Stocks, Macey, Young, Woodhead, Benison, Stead, Higdon, Kovacs, Robinson T. Subs: Miller, Robinson J, Ibrahim.