Southern League Division One South
Monday 25th August
Larkhall Athletic 3-2 Melksham Town
Saturday 23rd August
Melksham Town 0-0 Exmouth Town
Wednesday 13th August
Willand Rovers 0-0 Melksham Town
Town succumbed to their first defeat of the league season on Monday, going down 3-2 in a Bank Holiday clash at Larkhall Athletic.
It followed back-to-back goalless draws against Willand Rovers and Exmouth Town.
Against Larkhall, Melksham made a bright start but were pegged back when the home side scored from a corner. Melksham then dominated and went in at half-time with a 2-1 lead, both goals scored by the impressive Ralph Graham.
A poor second-half, which manager Mark Collier described as ‘inept’, saw the home side score two unanswered goals leaving Town to think what might have been.
On Saturday 23rd, Exmouth Town, who made last season’s play offs, were the visitors to the Meads of Melksham Stadium but despite a dominant performance, Town could not find a breakthrough. Missed chances and some excellent keeping from the Exmouth no 1 ensured the points were shared.
“Our unbeaten run continues but it’s definitely a feeling of frustration,” said Mark Collier after the game. “We played well enough to win. Good at the back, aggressive in midfield and we created chances; we just needed a bit of luck in front of goal which we didn’t get.”
On Wednesday 13th August, the team travelled to Devon where Willand Rovers were the hosts.
A tight hard-fought game was in the balance when skipper Mark Cooper was sent off for a second yellow card with 20 minutes still remaining.
“Despite this, in truth we were disappointed not to return home with three points,” said Mark Collier. “I don’t think our keeper had a real shot to save; we coped really well going down to ten men and they didn’t cause us any problems at all.
“The season has seen us start in a positive manner but unfortunately injuries and suspensions have been prominent in the camp. I look forward to being able to select from a fully fit squad but missing key and experienced players has allowed me to introduce young players which will stand us in good stead going forward.”
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