THREE WINS IN A WEEK
Att. 444 The home side won the day after a competitive match at the Oakfield Stadium, to top off a very decent seven day period, following a win at Bashley in the league and then a midweek penalty shoot out win in the Wiltshire Premier Shield at Wessex League hosts, Laverstock and Ford. Melksham started brightly with Alex Henshall, Ben Brooks and Jay Malshanskyj all looking dangerous with early pressure playing towards the Town end. Aaron Witchell and Albie Hopkins were also linking well and delivering a number of dangerous crosses into the Bideford box. Bideford marshalled by Ben Gerring, who featured for Corsham Town in the FA Vase last week looked set for the fight, and repelled the early attacks. Melksham continued to build thoughtfully and passed the ball well throughout the team. Henshall shooting narrowly wide after gliding past the Devonian defenders. Albie Hopkins was next to threaten when he found Jay Malshanskyj with a lovely cross. His powerful header was tipped over the bar by Adam Seedhouse-Evans. The game shifted further in the home sides favour when Bideford skipper Aaron Taylor was sent off for a full blooded challenge on Alex Henshall on the half hour mark. Referee Adam Wilson had little hesitation in making his decision and Taylor was sent off. Town made good use of the extra space and took a deserved lead on the brink of half time when Jay Malshanskyj wrong footed Seedhouse-Evans with an excellent finish, after receiving the ball in the penalty area. After half time, Luke Ballinger replaced Alex Henshall, and Melksham again looked to extend their lead. Ballinger narrowly heading over when Ralph Graham picked him out six yards out, after finding space between the Bideford defence. Melksham dominated the second half with a number of chances generated from Ballinger, Hendy and Graham. Sam Hendy found space throughout the and nearly got himself on the scoresheet with a couple of decent strikes. Bideford kept fighting but failed to create any meaningful chances. Their best chance coming late on when they were awarded a free kick just outside the area. With only a one goal lead there was a sense of relief when the free kick was smacked straight into the home wall and the cleared up the field. The game finished with Melksham on the attack and another welcome three points. Melksham remain level on points with Frome Town and Bishops Cleeve in the league table, handily placed in mid table. Melksham line up - 1) Mac Boyd 2) David Thompson 3) Jack Carter 4) Aaron Witchell 5) Jaiden Pearce 6) Ralph Graham 18) Alex Henshall (replaced by Ballinger 46 mins) 8) Sam Hendy (C) 9) Ben Brooks 10) Jay Malshanskyj (1 goal - 45 mins) 11) Albie Hopkins 12) Leo Rendell 14) Aaron Parsons 15) George Plank 16) Sayeed Ibrahim 17) Luke Ballinger (replaced Henshall 46 mins) MOM Ralph Graham Melksham Town Also in action yesterday a young Reserves side battled well at Royal Wootton Bassett, eventually losing 4-2 in the Fountains Cup. It was only their second game of the year and they will be back in league action next weekend away at Frome Collegians. The Development side also recorded a welcome home win, beating Bromham, 3 - 0 in an earlier kick off at Oakfield. The win moves the Development team above Bromham in the league.
