DARREN Perrin conceded Melksham Town made harder work of their 2-1 triumph at Winterbourne United on Saturday than was needed.

A goal in each half from Jack Morris and Gary Higdon put Melksham in control but they would have been out of sight had it not been for a series of missed chances.

George Brimson then gave Winterbourne a lifeline with 15 minutes to play and the visitors were forced to put in a backs-to-the-wall effort in the closing stages to make sure of the win.

Perrin was relieved to come through the contest but praised his troops for finding a way to win, as they completed a good week on the road.

“It could have been a cricket score. We were very wasteful in front of goal and we nearly got punished for it,” said Perrin.

“If it wasn’t for their goalkeeper, who was excellent, we could have had seven or eight but then we gave a sloppy goal away and we were hanging on a bit by the end.

“We spoke about it at the end as we made it more nervous than it could have been.

“But we need to put it into perspective as we have had three away games on the trot and have taken seven of nine points “It’s been a satisfying week for us and we have bounced back well from a few defeats.

“The one thing that we have found it difficult to contend with is that being the reigning champions everyone seems to give that extra bit against us.

“We are a bit of a scalp and it’s a complement for how we did last year.

“We will be OK this season and I’m sure come the end of it we will find ourselves finishing as a top eight club again.

“What people forget is that it’s been a horrendous start for us, I think we’ve probably played more games than any other club in the country.

“We’ve had two FA Cup games as well as the 10 league games and we’re still only six weeks in.”

Melksham have no midweek game and Perrin was hoping his players make the most of a much-needed rest this week before the entertain league newcomers Welton Rovers on Saturday.

Perrin added: “We haven’t had a week off yet and that’s something we’re looking forward to but then we’ve got another difficult game against a Welton side who have just got promoted.

“I know their manager very well so know they have a very good side there but we fancy ourselves against anyone at the Conigre as we do when we go away as well.”