A DAN Kovacs hat-trick helped Melksham Town Reserves come from behind to secure a 5-2 win at home to Bromham in the Wiltshire Senior League.

The hosts fell behind early on, however, Lee Fielding restored parity before half-time and when Kovacs found his scoring boots, Melksham were out of sight.

Nathan Roves scored Town’s fifth before Bromham netted their second of the game in the dying minutes to reduce the arrears.

Melksham manager Steve Burns said: “It was a very good win.

“Bromham went 1-0 up quite early on but we kind of had the better of the game in the first half and were able to bring it back to 1-1 before the break.

“At the start of the second half, we went 2-1 up and we were able to maintain the better of it.

“They had a few chances on the break but we controlled it quite well and played some really good football.

“With about 15 minutes to go, we got our third to seal it and then got a couple of quick ones before they scored in the last minute to make the final score 5-2.

“Once we got the third goal, we were able to settle any nerves.”

With Shrewton United booking their place in the final of the Fountain Trophies Senior Knockout Cup with a 2-0 win over Cricklade Town on Saturday, Burns’ side were able to climb up to second place.

However, with leaders Wroughton, who recorded a 2-0 win over Royal Wootton Bassett Town Reserves at the weekend, four points clear at the top with two games in hand over Melksham, and Shrewton also with an extra game to play, Burns concedes that he will be content with a third-place finish come the end of the season.

“We are competing with Shrewton for second place but they have the game in hand so they have the advantage,” he added.

“No offence to the three teams they have left, but you would expect Shrewton to win them.

“For a reserve team to finish behind those two teams this season, it’s not been a bad season.

“Since losing to Trowbridge Town (on January 21), we have won every game in the league and hopefully we can win the last two and finish the season on a high.”

Meanwhile, Marlborough Town wrapped up a top-four finish at worst with a 4-2 win at home to Ludgershall Sports, while Trowbridge Town were 1-0 victors away to Pewsey Vale Development.

Malmesbury Victoria Development and Devizes Town Reserves played out a 1-1 draw to leave Pewsey nine points adrift at the foot of the table.