MELKSHAM Town faced their first big threat to their unbeaten run in the Southern League – forced to battle back from 0-2 down to grab a draw against Bristol Manor Farm.
The 2-2 draw against the Bristol side brings Town’s unbeaten run in the league to five games, with two wins and three draws.
Melksham Town’s assistant manager and player, Luke Ballinger said, “To remain unbeaten in the Southern League is a great achievement. We want to keep going, but we want to turn these draws into wins – we need to be more ruthless.
“We’ve had a tough start to the season, playing teams like Evesham, Blackfield & Langley who are above us in the league – so it has been a decent effort by us so far to remain unbeaten. But this is what we got promoted for. The crowds have been incredible at Oakfields and it has been a fantastic start to the season.”
About the 2-2 draw against Bristol Manor Farm, Luke said, “We were very unlucky in the end. We didn’t start well and Bristol Manor Farm caught us out – they didn’t press us like we were expecting, so we relaxed a little and made some mistakes which they capitalised on in the first half.
“Manor Farm had prepared their game plan well, they played well and were ahead at the break.
“But I do think that we were the best team on the day. And at half-time in the changing room, we knew that we were still in with a good chance.
“In the second half we made a mistake defensively and they caught us on the break and scored another goal. This woke us up and we knew we had to go for it. We caught up with two great goals – one from a good strike from myself and the other from Andy Sandell, from a well taken free kick.
“We could’ve won after this; it was all there to be got at, but we could’ve done with being more threatening. We are delighted to take another point, but disappointed that it wasn’t all three.”
For his performance against Bristol Manor Farm, Luke was awarded the accolade of ‘man of the match’. “I’m at the age now where these little things are not very important,” said Luke. “For me, it’s more about the team playing well. This season I am contributing and playing well – that’s most important. But it is nice to get the recognition, especially for a position that often gets overlooked – it’s a good feeling.”
Looking to the weeks ahead, Luke said, “Coming up we have three tough games. This Saturday (29th September) we are up against Bideford who are another good side. Hopefully we can kick on from where we have left off this Saturday and continue to make progress.
“After that it is Larkhall Athletic (Wednesday 3rd October) in the Southern League Challenge Cup – which is not the most important of games, but it will be good to keep the momentum going.”
“Then it’s on to Cinderford Town (Saturday 6th October) who are not on bad form, so that will be a difficult game.”
