Three wins on the bounce for new manager

22nd November

Melksham Town 2-0 Bideford AFC

In what was officially Stuart Fleetwood’s first game inside the dugout, Melksham welcomed visitors Bideford to a wet Meads of Melksham Community football stadium.

For much of the first half, it was a very even affair. Both sides struggling for confidence near the bottom of the table but as the half wore on, Melksham gradually grew into the game.

Their first clear chance fell in the 34th minute – a promising cross from the right by Will Christopher found a perfect opening, yet poor communication between Lawrence and Stan Wyatt meant the opportunity was wasted.

Then, just two minutes later, Melksham struck. A similar build-up this time down the right via Olly Mehew ended with a square ball to Jamal Lawrence, who was unmarked six yards out to tap home.

The second half saw Bideford press for an equaliser, but despite their efforts, they lacked cutting edge and cohesion in the final third. Meanwhile, Melksham defended bravely and grew in confidence as the clock ticked down.

With stoppage time creeping in, Lawrence struck again rounding the GK to wrap up the win and give Melksham a much-needed two-goal cushion. The game finished 2-0, Melksham’s first win in 10 and the first under Fleetwood and Gillespie.

The main takeaways from the game is the new style of play, a much more possession-based game, so much more pleasing to the eye with many supporters walking away surprised but happy with the way the Town had played.

MOTM: Leon Hardman

Tuesday 25th November

Wiltshire Premier Shield

Melksham Town 3-1 Highworth Town

A young Melksham side cruised to a well-deserved 3-1 victory over Highworth Town to secure their spot in the Wiltshire Premier Shield Semi Final.

Melksham immediately took control of the game, playing a refreshing brand of passing football which allowed them to dictate play effortlessly.

This led to a masterpiece of a goal, which came from a blistering through ball from Leon Hardman who put Jamal Lawrence in to finish the job. The goal was a result of a bewitching sequence of passes from Melksham, with Highworth unable to touch the ball since kick off.

Just as Melksham thought they’d be heading down the tunnel with a comfortable 1-0 lead at the interval, a loss of concentration in the Melksham defence saw the ball bundled in by Highworth’s Rhys Wells to give his side a leveller on the stroke of the half-time whistle.

Melksham’s second of the game was a stunning volley from Olly Mehew who connected perfectly with Nathan Davis’s piercing cross. The Melksham forward seamlessly guided the ball into the far corner to reestablish his side’s lead.

A spark of young brilliance from Melksham’s Leon Hardman gave Melksham their third and final goal of the game. After tirelessly chasing the ball into the final third, he managed to dribble away from the keeper; dragging him out of goal. He then looked up and selflessly crossed an inch perfect ball into Levi Irving who smashed it past the keeper to put the game to bed.

MOTM: Jack Carter

Written by Lewis Kent

29th November

Bashley 0-1 Melksham Town

It was a gritty, tight contest at Veho Community Stadium, but Melksham Town left with all three points thanks to a late, dramatic winner.

From the off, Bashley looked to impose themselves. The home side carved out the first real chance just before half-time but a strike drifted wide of the post.

Despite that pressure, Melksham’s defence stood firm, with the back four and goalkeeper Forster frustrating Bashley and keeping the match goalless into the break.

Melksham remained organised, disciplined and compact at the back – giving little away despite sustained home pressure.

As the clock ticked down, and it looked like a draw was on the cards, Melksham struck in the dying minutes of the game, Anton Dworzak, a new signing who had an impressive game up to this point, unleashed an incredible strike that found the top corner to secure all three points for the visitors.

Melksham had to absorb a lot of pressure on a very wet and muddy pitch and were solid defensively, hitting on the break.

This was Melksham’s third win on the bounce after such a poor run of form and is a true testament to the character and resilience of the players.

Stuart Fleetwood has brought a new playing style to the group which the players are buying into it and it has shown with the recent performances.

MOTM: Anton Dworzak

Melksham’s next fixture is a home match with Mousehole on the 6th December, 3pm KO.