DARREN Perrin reckoned that a stalemate was just about the right result after the Toolstation League Premier Division’s top two couldn’t be separated in the FA Vase last weekend.

Perrin’s second-placed Melksham Town travelled to table-toppers Bristol Manor Farm in the fourth round proper and after pitting their wits against each other for 120 minutes, will have to meet again after drawing 1-1.

The hosts’ Dean Stamp crossed for Troy Simpson to put Bristolians ahead in the first half but Sam Jordan levelled things up with four minutes to go, notching his fifth goal in six Melksham appearances.

Although no extra-time winner was forthcoming, Melksham manager Perrin was enthralled with what he considered a Vase cracker.

“It was a fantastic game and a really good advert for Western League football,” said Perrin. “Out of the 245 fans that were there, there were probably 130 or 140 that were Melksham Town supporters and the atmosphere was electric.

“At the end of the 90 minutes, we were disappointed not to have won the game because we had a lot of chances in the second half but at the end of 120 minutes, a draw was probably a fair result.

“Bristol Manor Farm have the resources to be a good side but they’re also a really good footballing side.

“They’re top of the league by 14 points for a reason.”

The resultant replay was due to take place at the Conigre on Monday night but with that clash postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, Melksham will instead host Manor Farm – with a trip to Bromsgrove Sporting in the last 16 awaiting the winners – at their new Oakfields ground on Saturday.

However, Dave Thompson and Ross Lye are both suspended.