MELKSHAM Town have one game left to play at the Conigre after securing their place in the semi-finals of the Les Phillips Cup with a 4-1 win over Cribbs.

Having signed off their league campaign in front of 916 fans on Saturday with a 2-0 defeat to Barnstaple Town, Darren Perrin’s side have a chance to end their 90-year history at the Conigre in happier circumstances.

However, Monday’s victory was not as straightforward as the scoreline would suggest as Melksham needed an extra-time hat-trick from Dan Kovacs to secure the win against Cribbs, who ended the tie with nine men.

“It will be very fitting to have a semi-final as our last ever game at the Conigre,” said Perrin.

“It will be even more fitting if we can win and to get to the Les Phillips Cup final for the first time in the club’s history.

“Saturday, and yesterday, was just a game too far.

“I don’t think, myself included, realised how much Wednesday night against Salisbury (in the Wiltshire Cup final) had taken out of us.

“We were out on our legs and we could have no complaints about the result on Saturday - Barnstaple were the better side and deserved to win.

“It was amazing to see so many people at the Conigre. To see more than 900 people there was a phenomenal effort.”

Melksham went a goal behind after just two minutes when a mistake from Rob Brown allowed the hosts to take advantage.

However, Cribbs were reduced to 10 men after 18 minutes when George Brimson received a straight red.

Cribbs were able to hold on until half-time but were pegged back when Josh Jones conceded a penalty and received his marching orders before Gary Higdon tucked home the resulting spot-kick.

Despite the two-man advantage, Melksham were unable to find the winner in normal time and continued to struggle in the first half of extra time.

However, substitute Kovacs was able to net an 11 minute hat-trick to secure passage into the semi-finals where they will face First Division outfit Hengrove Athletic.

“The pleasing thing now is that we have got four or five days rest now because the boys were running on empty,” added Perrin.

“We certainly won’t be underestimating Hengrove and will be giving them our full respect because they got to the semi-final exactly the same way as we have.

“We are anticipating a very tough game but it is a game which we know if we play to our full potential we should be able to win.”