BRADFORD Town and Melksham Town are celebrating the finest FA Vase runs in their respective histories after making it into the fourth round yesterday.

Paul Shanley’s Bradford came out on the right end of a seven-goal thriller against Odd Down to book their place in the last 32 of the competition with a 4-3 victory at Trowbridge Road, with Twaine Plummer, Steve Hulbert and Mike Reaney all seeing their goals cancelled out before striker Plummer fired home the winner from the penalty spot after he was brought down in the area.

Meanwhile, a whopping 407 fans turned out at the Conigre to watch Darren Perrin’s Melksham edge out Shepton Mallet 3-2 and move into the national stage of the Vase thanks to two goals from Gary Higdon and a Leigh Rogers strike.

When asked if Saturday was his the greatest day in his club’s history, Bradford manager Shanley said: “Absolutely, without a doubt. To be in the last 32 is an unbelievable achievement and it was a great day for the club.

“We led the match four times after getting pegged back three times and I was delighted with the character shown by the players.”

“It’s exciting. I know that Melksham are still in it and it would be nice to not get them. We’re excited to see who we get next.”