DARREN Perrin conceded that Melksham Town let the chance to reach the Les Phillips Cup final slip through their fingers as they were beaten at home by lower league Hengrove Athletic.

The defeat prevented Melksham from signing off at the Conigre on a winning note before they move to their new home next season.

Joe Stradling put Perrin’s men in front at the break but Jack Fillingham restored parity in the second half before then netting the winner for Hengrove in extra time.

Perrin said: “It was a glorious opportunity missed and I think it was a game too far for us this season. The last month has caught up with us.

“We had the chance to get to the Les Phillips Cup final for the first time in the club’s history and we messed it up.

“We didn’t play well but I won’t take away from Hengrove as they worked hard and it was their day.

“They knew they were the underdogs and it was a bit of role reversal for us from the Wiltshire Senior Cup final against Salisbury.”

Although they have missed out on a chance to add to their trophy cabinet, Perrin reflected on another good season for Melksham overall, which saw them finish fifth in the Toolstation League Premier Division and win the county’s knockout cup again.

“Since Christmas, our form has been sensational,” added Perrin. “We had a disruptive pre-season as we had interest in our players from other clubs and we didn’t start as well as we’d like, but overall it’s been another good year.”