ADAM Young challenged his Melksham Town players to push for a top four place after they extended their unbeaten run to 12 games with an extraordinary draw on Saturday.

Goals from Dave Thompson, Gary Higdon and Nick Ridout put Melksham 3-2 up at half-time before Ridout grabbed his second from the penalty spot early in the second half.

Nick Evans saved a Gillingham penalty before the hosts hit back to level the scores at 4-4.

Matt Cooper’s injury-time challenge resulted in a spot-kick for the hosts and a second yellow for the Melksham defender, with Ridout also shown a straight red for comments directed at the linesman.

However, Evans saved the day as he again denied Gillingham fron the spot.

“It was a strange game and if some decisions had gone our way, we could have gone on to win the game,” said the Melksham manager.

“We’ve still gone 12 unbeaten and that’s a record to be proud of. It’s up to the players now to settle for where they are and a good first season back in this league or to try to finish in the top four.”

Melksham host Keynsham Town this weekend before Roman Glass St George on Monday evening.