PEWSEY Vale manager Nick Maggs was left ruing another slow start as his side lost to Melksham Town 4-0 in the FA Vase on Saturday.

Melksham capitalised on the home team’s poor start and found themselves 1-0 up after less than five minutes through Gary Higdon.

Goals from Mike Perrott and an own goal gave Melksham a commanding lead with only 20 minutes gone and Ryan Bennett wrapped up the comfortable win for the visitors after just half an hour.

“It was disappointing in the manner that we lost but I am taking nothing away from Melksham I thought they were a very well drilled and effective team,” said Maggs.

“It is difficult to say why we are starting slowly but I think the players are a bit scared to make a mistake and that fear leads to mistakes being made.

“The way in which they moved the ball from the back to their two strikers was very impressive and it is something I will look to try and implement with my side.”

The early goals gave Melksham Town manager Darren Perrin the opportunity to take off and rest both his strikers in the first half.

“It was a comfortable game for us and the boys gave a very professional display,” said Perrin.

“The money from getting through to the next round is important for the club and our next tie is at home and should be a good one.”

Melksham, will now face a home tie with Bournemouth in the next round on Saturday, October 4.