Sat. 12th Sept. FA Cup Preliminary Round Exmouth Town 0 Melksham Town 2
MELKSHAM Town FC’s manager, Richard Fey, says that the club is ready for the “long hard” new season ahead, which kicks off this weekend.
With the start of the season delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, manager Fey has explained that games will be coming “quick and fast” and they will need the supporters to get behind them.
But Town’s competitive season has already got off to a flying start with a 2-0 win against Exmouth Town in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.
Speaking to Melksham News, Richard said, “It was always going to be tough because it was Exmouth’s third competitive game and it was our first – they’ve already played an FA Cup game and a league game before this, so they had the advantage. And also they were unbeaten at home since Boxing Day 2018 – over 18 months unbeaten at home. So it was always going to be tough.
“I watched them last week against Keynsham, and I knew what a good side they were. So we set up to have a go at their weaknesses, and nullify their strengths – and it worked a dream.
“We gave debuts to Ryan Bole and Felipe Barcelos – two very good players. But all the boys were excellent, every one of them, we created numerous chances, and no-one can argue that we didn’t deserve to win – and we kept the travelling support very happy. It was a real solid, professional performance.”
Town’s two goals came from Phil Ormrod and Josh Ford. Richard said, “Phil’s goal was a great header by Luke Ballinger, and Phil came in by the back post to put it away. There were claims he was off-side, but he wasn’t, and it was a great finish.
“Josh Ford has had numerous chances the last few weeks in pre-season friendlies, and luckily this week he put this one away. But all the lads were excellent, they were two good team goals and hopefully it will help us to build on the next few weeks. Two clean sheets on the bounce – we are moving in the right direction.”
About Town’s first Southern League match this Saturday, 19th September, against Winchester City, Richard said, “Winchester are one of the favourites, they were last year, and they finished the season in third. They are always a tough team – they have a great manager there, Craig Davis, I know him well. So it’s going to be a tough game at home.
“I’m hoping the support will get out there and back us – it’s going to be a long hard season. It’s been a long hard pre-season already! And we’ve got a lot of games coming up quick and fast – we’re going to need everyone fresh and ready.
“Hopefully we win or draw at the weekend against Winchester, and that will set us up for the next round of the FA Cup away against Highworth on Wednesday 23rd September.”
