MELKSHAM Town FC are through to the final of the Wiltshire County FA Senior Cup and could win the trophy for the third time in four years, if they overcome on-form Salisbury FC next month, in a David versus Goliath clash.
Melksham Town, who are currently title holders in the Toolstation Western League’s Premier Division, made it to the county cup final with a 5-1 win over Bemerton Heath Harlequins earlier this month.
They now face a daunting prospect in Salisbury FC, who have scored 25 goals in their four Senior Cup games. The team, managed by BBC pundit and former Leicester City and Crystal Palace player Steve Claridge, are also 13 points clear at the top of the Sydenham’s Wessex Football League’s Premier Division.
Town manager, Darren Perrin, is under no illusion about the game, but insists Melksham are up to the task.
“I’m absolutely delighted that we’re in the final again,” he said. “It’s a phenomenal achievement, and the players have done a magnificent job getting there for the third time in four years.
“We’re going into this game as massive underdogs. But I trust my players and I trust that the people of Melksham will get behind them and turn out to support them. Don’t rule us out on the night!”
In the four games on their way to the final, Melksham have conceded only two goals and scored 12. The club has won the cup a total of seven times, with the most recent in 2008, 2013 and 2014, but were knocked out in the quarter-finals last year by Highworth, who went on to win.
Opponents Salisbury FC have won every one of their games in this year’s Senior Cup by at least a four-goal margin. In their league season the team has won 21 out of 25 games and have a goal difference of 69.
Darren Perrin continued, “Everything points to a Salisbury win, but write Melksham off at your peril. This team is more than capable of beating Salisbury in one match and it’s going to be much closer than a lot of people are expecting.”
Town are having another good season in the Toolstation Premier Division, and are currently placed fifth after winning 14 of their 25 games.
“Melksham still have plenty to play for this season,” Darren Perrin added, “We still have aspirations of a top four finish in the league and are still in the league cup. Our other teams are doing very well, too – the reserves and under 18s are also reaching the end stages of cup competitions. It’s not all about the first team; we’re really pleased that the whole club is having a very successful year.”
The Wiltshire County FA Senior Cup is scheduled for Wednesday 27th April. The venue hasn’t been confirmed but manager Darren Perrin told Melksham Independent News he expects it to be at Hardenhuish Park in Chippenham.
Melksham’s next game is a league match this Saturday 12th March away at Shepton Mallet.
