MELKSHAM Town manager Kieran Baggs believes some much-needed respite was just the ticket for his side as they returned to winning ways in the Toolstation Premier Division with a 2-0 success at home to Hengrove Athletic.

Town were without a game last weekend after being given a bye in the FA Vase, with Baggs’ troops arriving at Oakfields hunting a first win since August 29.

The returning Gary Higdon got them on their way with the opener after half-an-hour before Ben Thomson made the points safe for the home side midway through the second period.

“It was a comfortable victory,” said Baggs.

“The two weeks between games have been great for us for injuries. We have a lot of guys out but they have been able to rest and we haven’t trained them too hard, they have done little bits and pieces on their own.

“Gary Higdon, Mike Perrott and Luke Ballinger were all back and having those three experienced players involved again just made that little bit of a difference for us.

“I have to give credit to the likes of Warren Maidment and Dan Demkiv for the way they have played over the last couple of weeks. I don’t think they are even 21 yet and they have been outstanding for us in a tough run.

“I think they are capable of playing at whatever level they like and hopefully that is with Melksham Town.”

After going five games without a victory, the Hengrove match was a case of win by whatever means necessary and Baggs was particularly pleased it came alongside a clean sheet.

“It was more about the result than the performance,” said Baggs.

“We were a bit lacklustre to start with but that is understandable considering some of the guys hadn’t played in a while.

“I think the Hengrove manager was pleased with 2-0 at the end because it maybe could have been 3-0 or 4-0.

“Hengrove only had one shot and the clean sheet is massive for us. Scoring goals has never been a problem for Melksham but that hasn’t always been the case when it comes to keeping it tight at the other end. It sets a good precedent for us for the next few weeks.”

Melksham travel to third-from-bottom Wells City this weekend, with the Somerset side having picked up just five points from 11 games in the league, and Baggs is eyeing a repeat performance.

“Wells are struggling towards the bottom of the table but at home I think they will set-up to frustrate us,” said Baggs.

“We have to professional and try to get the three points but it has to be a performance that warrants that, we can’t just turn up expecting to win.”

Elsewhere, Bradford Town made it a perfect 10 games unbeaten at the start of the league programme with a slender 2-1 success at home to Bridgwater Town.

Goals from Rickie Scott and Sam Jordan put Danny Greaves’ side in control at the break at Trowbridge Road and although Bridgwater cut the gap after the restart, Bradford held firm.