MELKSHAM Town players had their first run-outs of the new football season, playing pre-season friendlies against Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers, leaving the team positive as they look towards the start of the season. With World Cup frenzy creating the perfect atmosphere, the infiLED arena welcomed fans from home and away.
The game against League Two side Swindon Town on Saturday 7th July, to an attendance of 613, kicked off at the earlier time of 11.30am, in the blistering heat, to allow the showing of England vs Sweden World Cup match on Oakfields’ large tv screens creating a all-day buzzing atmosphere for football fans.
Swindon Town, who brought their first team to the infiLED arena, came away with a 5-2 win. For the home side, Gary Higdon scored a penalty within 15 minutes, with new signing Neikell Plummer also finding the back of the net. Another new signing, Omar Simpson, also showcased his talents, impressing the management.
Luke Ballinger, assistant manager said, “The boys did okay, it was a tough opposition as Swindon a decent side, but it was good for the boys to have their first run. We scored some goals and that’s always great, but we were sloppy.
“Overall, it was a great workout for the boys. You don’t gain or lose anything in pre-season, it’s all about getting game time. Plus, we played a few new signings, including the two boys upfront, who worked very hard but couldn’t get much time on the ball. However, it’s all about them getting used to how we play as a team before the start of the season.”
The game against Bristol Rovers on Saturday 14th July also saw the team tested by a League One first team, this time finishing on the wrong side of a 6-0 defeat. However, the team played well, showing promise for the upcoming season.
Luke continued, “We played better during this game despite the scoreline and at times we were the better team. They had more quality in their players, but we still had a few chances in the final third, but let in a few poor goals at the opposite end.
“The second half, Bristol Rovers manager brought out a whole new team, so they were fresher, while our team were a bit leggy. The boys have trained well and we won’t know the progress until we play teams in our own league.
“It’s hard to judge when you are playing against League One and League Two teams, but we have plenty to work on before our first game of the season.
“It’s great to have loads of last season players still here at Melksham, as well as new faces. It’s important to bring new players each year to freshen the team up and they hopefully will buy into the club.
“We have done well during the pre-season friendlies and it will all show during our first match against Badcot Lea on 11th August – let’s see what we can do!”
