Monday 13th January – Wiltshire Premier Shield Semi-Final – Melksham Town 3-5 Salisbury City
Saturday 4th January – Southern League Div. One South – Exmouth Town 2-2 Melksham Town
Melksham Town missed out on a semi-final spot in the Wiltshire Premier Shield after losing 5-3 to Conference South Salisbury City on Monday night.
Salisbury roared into a half-time lead scoring five unanswered goals. “The opposition were ruthless showing the home crowd just why they play two leagues above us in the pyramid,” said manager Mark Collier. “The second half saw a complete change and we created chance after chance. Goals from Theo Lynden and Jake Andrews came midway through the half before Jake added his second from the spot.
“Melksham continued to dominate, but a late second half sending off for Theo saw the game eventually calm down allowing Salisbury to progress.”
Town travelled to Devon to take on fellow play-off contenders Exmouth Town on Saturday 4th January and came away with a hard-fought 2-2 draw in awful weather conditions.
Elliot Haffenden put Town in front after eight minutes before being pegged back on the stroke of half-time. The second half started without the Melksham goalkeeper who was replaced during the break with an eye injury.
Assistant coach Luke Ballinger took the gloves and was beaten on 70 mins when Ralph Graham’s tackle was deemed unfair resulting in an Exmouth penalty. Melksham were not to be denied though and Robbie James headed in the equaliser to ensure the points were shared.
With the season now past the half-way point, manager Mark Collier is optimistic the side can maintain their play-off push.
“This season’s objective was to be competitive in every game and overall we have managed to be exactly that as we now enter the second half of the campaign,” he said.
“The division is highly competitive and there are some very well-financed clubs but I am confident we can continue to threaten the play-off places.
“The team spirit and the players’ attitude to training, different playing formations and the extensive travelling has been exceptional.
“With increased attendances, we find ourselves nicely placed and we are fully aware that the next 19 league games will provide ups and downs, highs and lows.
“The home support has been outstanding and the away following has increased tenfold and that will certainly help us going forward.
“We have a small squad; however if we can keep everyone fit, who knows what we can achieve.”
Pictured: Town earn a point with a late equaliser against Exmouth (Estelle Bowden, Starsphinx Photography)
