DARREN Perrin says that Melksham Town’s daunting run of eight away games proves why he still doesn’t consider his table-toppers the favourites for the Toolstation League Premier Division title.

A 3-1 win over Gillingham Town on Monday evening and a 4-0 success at Hallen last weekend sent Melksham six points clear of second-placed Odd Down with a game in hand but following Saturday’s home clash with Willand Rovers, Melksham are on the road for the remainder of the season.

Perrin’s men could continue to upset the odds right through to May 2 but the Melksham manager is still erring on the side of caution.

“I’ve been in football long enough to know that something is always waiting around the corner to kick you in the backside – I’m not being negative,” said Perrin.

“We’ve got all of those games away from home and we play second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth in the table.

“We respect every team and we certainly don’t fear anyone but we’re in a very tough league with your Bristol Manor Farms, your Willands, your Bucklands, your Bradfords and your Odd Downs.

“My aim is still a top-five finish but the players have continued to go past my expectations this season – we’re punching well above our weight.

“We’ve got three very tough games (against Willand, Bristol Manor Farm and Longwell Green Sports) in seven days and a week Saturday, maybe I’ll be able to look at our aims again.”

After a below-par start where they fell a goal behind, Gary Higdon’s brace dragged Melksham back into the game against Gillingham on Monday before Mike Perrott headed home from a Ben Thomson free-kick in the second half.

On Saturday, Higdon plundered two more goals, taking his tally for the season to 33 from 34 appearances, whilst fellow striker Dan Kovacs also got in on the act with a brace of his own.