Pictures: Starsphinx Photography
Southern League Division One South. Saturday 11th October
Melksham Town FC 1–1 Tavistock AFC
Melksham Town and Tavistock shared the points in a 1–1 draw at Oakfields Stadium.
A fantastic crowd of 452 were on hand to see the first game of the interim period of Dave Thompson and Luke Ballinger’s time in charge at the club.
After an even early first half encounter, Melksham were reduced to ten men following a debatable last man sending off when Ryan King was adjudged to have brought down the Tavistock winger.
However Melksham took the lead early in the second period, rewarding their bright start after the break, Jamal Lawrence grabbing the goal with another trademark goal of power and precision. Tavistock pushed forward and eventually found an equaliser late in the game with a cracker of a strike which left keeper Forster with no chance.
A tense finish followed as Tavistock looked to capitalise on their numerical advantage. Despite the setback, the home side defended well to secure a point which may not have happened in previous weeks.
Both teams showed good spells of play, and the result leaves Melksham with plenty of positives to take into their next fixture
Tuesday 14 October
Winchester City 1–1 Melksham Town
TOWN travelled to Winchester City on the back of their 1-1 draw with Tavistock knowing a very different type of game would be heading their way. With Winchester City having been relegated from the division above and playing on an artificial surface, interim managers Thomo and Bally knew it would be a tough affair.
However, Melksham were very bright throughout, created many excellent opportunities and thoroughly deserved their point away at one of the league favourites.
Winchester took the lead through a goal by influential Dan Bradshaw in the 31st minute. But Melksham Town responded well in the second half when Charles Holliday scored his first goal for the club with a great finish just after the hour mark to level the contest.
Chances came and went for both teams and Melksham’s defence, marshalled by Cooper, Bennett, Christoper and Gray stood firm and Melksham keeper Forster produced some fantastic handling and a couple of great stops to keep Winchester out. Neither side could find a winner meaning the game ended in a draw.
For Melksham Town, the draw away from home will be seen as a positive and, responding after going behind, shows character.
Saturday 18th October
Melksham Town FC 2–2 Bristol Manor Farm FC
Melksham Town and Bristol Manor Farm played out an entertaining 2–2 draw at Meads of Melksham Community Football Stadium in front of a crowd of 340.
Town made a bright start and went ahead in the 15th minute through Mark Cooper, who finished well with a fine header after good build-up play.
Bristol Manor Farm were determined and, as always seems to be the case, raised their game for this fixture and responded before the break, equalising in the 29th minute to make it 1–1 at half-time.
The visitors then took the lead early in the second-half, capitalising on a defensive lapse to go 2–1 up. But Melksham kept pushing and were rewarded when Stan Wyatt scored his first goal for the club, netting the all-important equaliser in the 71st minute.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but the match ended level, a fair result after a competitive and entertaining contest.
Melksham will take positives from the performance with Wyatt’s first goal and showing good spirit to fight back and claim a point at home.
Three undefeated now for the lads in yellow which is a big positive and the effort and fight in the team is now becoming more evident.
Melksham’s next home fixture is at home to Portishead on the 1st November, looking to bounce back after being soundly beaten by them earlier on in the season.
“It would be great to see as many fans as possible for this game,” said Club Chairman Adam Young.
