Match Report: Melksham Town vs Barnstaple Town
A beatiful afternoon for football took place as the sun covered Oakfield’s, with the last home fixture of the season against a relegated Barnstaple side. However, since Town’s 2-1 win in the reverse fixture, Barnstaple now have a much changed side as they looked to try to save themselves from relegation.
Prior to kick off, Albie Hopkins was presented the Supporters Player of the Season trophy after he was voted for the award by the Town faithful. The forward returned the favour for the fans as he opened the scoring just 15 minutes into the game. Vaughn Covil released Hopkins through on goal and showed great composure to finish beyond the ‘keeper.
Town’s lead was to be short lived, however, as the visitors stole an equaliser just 2 minutes later. Manny Idem took too long on the ball and his clearance was charged down by Ryan Tucker who rebounded the ball beyond Manny and into the net.
After having good control over the first 15 minutes of the game, Town allowed their oppnents an easy route back into the game.
As the game opened up once more, Fey’s side began to create chances to retake the lead. The best chance fell to Covil, running onto Hopkins’ cut back but could only send his effort over the top.
Town were to pay for these missed chances, as on the half-hour mark the visitors scored once again to stun Oakfields. Former Town striker Phil Ormrod got the goal, tapping in following Manny’s origianl save.
The second half needed to be more clinical from Town if they were going to get anything from the game, but knew they were going to face a motivated Barnstaple defence. Hopkins went close not long after the break, forcing the ‘keeper to tip over from a dipping free kick effort. Then from the resulting corner Matt Hurley nearly found the far post with a volley across goal.
However, the visitors remained stern and managed to limit Town to their chances, it wasn’t until the 90th minute that Town had a big chance. Kyle Tooze forced a great save as he nearly equalised late on in the game. Barnstaple managed to hold out and take the 3 points home with them, whereas Town have their focus on Monday, with an opportunity to finish the season on a high as they take on Larkhall.
By Lewie Simmons