TOWN travelled to Bashley on Saturday 6th January looking to respond after the poor performance on New Year’s Day against Westbury, reports club chairman Darren Perrin.
Town were dealt a blow on the Saturday morning when goalkeeper Joel Manning had to pull out of the game due to tonsillitis meaning a first team debut for Kieran Perrin at 19 years old. Town took a 2 – 0 lead through goals from Ben Brooks and Sam Hendy before Bashley pulled one back after 30 minutes.
Sam Hendy then missed a penalty on the stroke of half time. In the second half, Town had numerous opportunities to extend the lead and in the end were indebted to a very good save from a free kick by Perrin to enable the Town to gain the three points.
Town then travelled to Cheltenham to play Bishop Cleeve on their 3G Pitch, on Saturday 13th January. Joel Manning was the only change from the week before. Town got off to a great start with a goal from Albie Hopkins after eight minutes and then missed a decent chance straight after through Ben Brooks.
After that we produced, without doubt, the worst performance from a Melksham team for many a year. At half time we were 4 – 1 down and in the second half we conceded two more to lose 6 – 1 and could not have complained if we had lost by more.
It was a shambolic performance by the players; it lacked desire and passion and the club would like to apologise to the supporters who made the journey; we certainly will look for a better performance and a response this coming Saturday when the Southern Leagues in-form side Bideford travel to the Oakfield Stadium with a 3pm kick off.
The following Saturday we are at home again when Larkhall Athletic are the visitors. also with a 3pm kick off.