Melksham Town Reserves v Odd Down Reserves

The boys faced another tough Wiltshire County away game as we travelled to the fabulous Melksham Town facility.

The pitch was sensational and the home side looked to have picked a mature side filled with experience players.

In contrast we had 11 x 17 years in the squad.

As per our first game the home side started quicker than us, quite direct to be fair but with good tempo and we

struggled to contain them. However, unlike Saturday we got into the game after about 10 mins. We showed good ball

retention and the likes of Sheepy, Brad, Flynn and Dan were loving the pitch. Midway through the half we fashioned

3 really good chances. Birdy twice forced the keeper into good saves whilst through on the right and Sheepy looked

to have opened the scoring from the same angle. However, the game remained 0-0.

At the other end, the home side looked threatening from set pieces, but we had improved from Saturday, with both

Ben and Harvey doing well. Just before half time, Brad looked to have been fouled in the box but alas the referee

couldn’t see the incident. 0-0HT

At HT we spoke about trying to look forward more with our passing and to vary our range, due to our pace up front.

The opening 15 mins of the half was even. Melksham were getting in down the sides uncomfortably too often and we

were struggling for a bit of rhythm. However, as the game became stretched we began to get a strong foothold in

the game and dominated possession. Conor had come on up front and he was played in down the left after a fine move

and forced a good save from the keeper. Will released Birdy in a similar position and again the home keeper made a

good save with his feet. Although frustrating, our pressure was beginning to force Melksham back and on 70 mins we

deservedly went in front. Dan released Birdy straight down the middle and our #9 slotted neatly passed the keeper for 1-0.

We were unlucky not to make it 2-0 moments later and Conor was adjudged offside.

On 80 mins the same referee as our first game became centre stage once more. He sent Brad off for an apparent poor

challenge – harsh indeed. With some of the home side enjoying our pain, he then sent one of theirs to the sin bin.

10 a side for 10 mins. However, the misconduct hadn’t finished there. Our assistant coach had been sent on to firm up the back.

Terry’s pace drew a strong but late tackle and the Melksham player then saw red too. 9-10. We aren’t done! With the home side

down to 9, their #9 questioned the referee’s rationale and he too was sent to the sin bin 8-10. Wow!

The game soon ended and we had secured our first Wiltshire County win, with a fine performance. A good response after

Saturday and onwards to Pewsey Vale on Saturday 12th September.

Thanks to those who travelled.

Jay, Phil & Terry