DARREN Perrin admitted that the fear of losing was probably the key factor behind Melksham Town’s goalless stalemate with title rivals Buckland Athletic last weekend.

Victory for Melksham would have sealed the Toolstation League Premier Division crown but had the visitors been beaten, that would have handed Buckland, who have a game in hand, the initiative in the battle for top spot.

As it was, the two teams couldn’t be separated and the destiny of the title could be decided when Perrin takes his troops to Willand Rovers this weekend.

“It was the best two sides in the league and there was a lot of respect. Both teams were scared of losing and we cancelled each other out,” said the Melksham manager.

“There wasn’t a lot in the game. With ten seconds to go, Gary Higdon had a half-chance but slipped at the wrong moment.

“It’s still a very good result for us. Buckland have been in a rich vein of form and have been destroying sides, scoring four or five against teams like Bradford, Odd Down and Shepton Mallet.

“It’s still in our own hands and we’ll do everything we can to bring the title back to Melksham.”

Melksham striker Dan Kovacs was stretchered off with knee ligament damage just a few minutes into Saturday’s showdown and will miss this weekend’s crunch trip to Willand.