Bitton 2, Melksham Town 0 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Bitton 2, Melksham Town 0

MELKSHAM Town found luck against them during their 2-0 defeat at Bitton on Saturday.

Under the guidance of assistant manager Justin Messenger, with manager Kelvin Highmore on holiday in Ireland, the away side continued with all their usual endeavour but failed the find the net.

Bitton dominated the first 20 minutes, scoring after Messenger was fouled in his own box, but it was Melksham who then took hold of the game.

Striker Matt Minnus firstly broke past two tackles before firing from outside the box with a left-foot shot, which was saved.

He then had a second effort cleared off the line, when perhaps the Melksham players should have been quicker to react.

Finally Simon Price unleashed a volley from a knock down and Nick Mooney shot wide.

Melksham continued to dominate in the second-half but could not create as many clear-cut chances.

With ten minutes to go another corner saw the ball hit a Melksham player in the face before a Bitton striker lashed home from three yards.

Messenger said: "I spoke to some of their players after the game and they admitted they were lucky not to be 3-1 down at half time.

"I wanted to see if the players would respond without the manager and, although we didn't win, they did.

"The work rate was tremendous but I was disappointed to concede two goals from set pieces."

Messenger admitted The Conigre-based side is looking for a centre-half to add strength to the squad.

He said: "I will keep playing but I am not going to embarrass myself."