‘Outstanding’ Town stay in contention for play-offs

Sat. 1st Feb. Southern League Div. One Melksham Town 3 Cinderford Town 1 Sat. 8th Feb. Southern League Div. One Evesham United 1 Melksham Town 0

JUST like their place in the league, spirits are riding high at Melksham Town FC, and manager Richard Fey is enjoying every minute of it.

After winning 10 games out of the last 12, Town are currently joint fifth in the Southern League, and in with a strong chance of qualifying for this year’s play-offs.

And with 13 games remaining for the season, manager Fey is hopeful for a few wins that could make this season ‘remarkable’ and one to remember.

Speaking to Melksham News, Richard said, “If someone had told me that we’d be joint fifth back in May last year, I would’ve laughed my head off! Every time I look at the league table I start smirking to myself – everyone should be really proud. We have only lost two games in the last 15, which is a massive achievement for the whole club. And if we can finish higher than last season’s 12th, it would be a remarkable season.

“At the moment we are around the play-offs and are enjoying every game as it comes. Every game is tough, but there is no pressure on us like there is on other clubs, proven clubs that have been at this level for many years. 

“This is only our second year at this level, with a brand new team. We are enjoying it and hopefully we can pick up a few more wins over the next few weeks.”

First up this fortnight, Town played at home against Cinderford Town, and second-half goals from Luke Ballinger, who scored twice, and substitute Liam Monelle, saw the club return to winning ways with a 3-1 win.

“Cinderford were in the play-off finals last year,” said Richard, “so credit where it’s due, this was an outstanding three points – to beat a team like that on our own turf, it shows how far we’ve come in such a short space of time. And it was nice to bounce back after the defeat against Sholing.

“Luke Ballinger scored two goals – one was a penalty – and Liam Monelle scored a great goal. It was nice to bring Liam on with 10 minutes to go, to score a cracking half volley from the edge of the box.

“We fully deserved the three points. We were dominant and the crowd got behind us and made some real noise. And the second half proved that, which we started one-nil down. When the supporters get behind us we can win our games at home – there is nowhere better to be when you have vocal support like that behind you.”

Next up for Town was an away match against Evesham United, which saw the club lose 1-0 despite an ‘outstanding’ effort.

“The storm didn’t help with the wind, and again it was a game of two halves,” explained Richard. “In the first we were outstanding, defended really well, stayed in the game and kept it nil-nil. 

“We came out in the second half and Evesham did to us what we did to them in the first – we couldn’t get any momentum. We created more chances than they did and on another day we would’ve won the game. 

“We were disappointed not to gain a point in the last minute when we had a chance. There was a bit of confusion between Joe Romanski and Jack Ball – a lack of communication – they left the ball for each other, then both snapped at it and sent it over the bar.

“But I’m not going to knock the lads, that’s only the fourth game this season where we haven’t scored. And on another day we would’ve won comfortably – I thought we deserved three points, let alone a point. 

“We need to dust ourselves down and get through the remaining 13 games with another good run – and if get a few more wins, who knows where it could take us.”

This weekend, Town face Basingstoke Town at home. Richard said, “People are going to think that this will be an easy three points for us – it won’t. 

“Basingstoke won last week and they have signed some good players lately, some on loan from some big clubs. So it will be tough. But I’m confident that if we can get the support behind us, and the noise behind the goal, then we can get a positive result, and get closer to that top half finish.”

Town kick-off against Basingstoke at 3pm this Saturday, 15th February, at the InfiLED Arena at Oakfields.