MELKSHAM Town boss Kieran Baggs insists there is no reason why his players cannot start to believe in their chances of FA Vase glory after the Oakfields side's history-making 2-1 victory over Crowborough Athletic on Saturday.

Baggs' men booked their place in the last 16 of the competition for the first time ever as strikes from Mike Perrott and substitute Ryan Bole downed the Sussex visitors in front of nearly 700 supporters.

Melksham go into Monday lunchtime's draw just three victories from the final and manager Baggs insists it would be nonsensical if the Toolstation League Premier Division club didn't start to imagine what might be possible in this year's national competition.

"We're into the last 16 and I think you can start dreaming a little bit,'' he told the Wiltshrie Times.

"If you don't then you may as well call it a day now.

"We'll believe, we'll enjoy the next couple of days and then we'll get back to training ready for Thursday and Buckland on Saturday. That might be a bit of a reality check for the boys but that's part and parcel of football.

"You've got to put a shift in this (coming) Saturday to make sure you keep pushing in the league as well.''

Baggs has had Melksham pushing for honours near the top of the Toolstation League since taking over from now-chairman Darren Perrin the summer before last and he added: "It was a very proud day in my short managerial career.

"Obviously I had a good time at Trowbridge (Town, in the Wiltshire League) but it was nice to win a big game in such a big occasion for the club and it's nice to make a little bit of history for the town.

"I think overall in the 90 minutes, anyone who was there, would agree that we were the better side.

"Other than the two penalties, I can't remember them (Crowborough) having a clear-cut chance.

"We created a lot more in the second half, showed a lot more desire.

"In the opening 20 minutes we were sussing them out a bit, perhaps we showed them a little bit too much respect and then we turned it up another gear and deserved it in the end.''

The visitors could have been ahead at half-time, only for Henry Muggeridge to blaze a penalty over with under 10 minutes of the period remaining.

Melksham took the lead on the hour mark when Perrott - in his 200th club appearance - slotted home off the post, but the away side were level with just over 10 minutes remaining when substitute Dan Perry slotted home from the spot after Jack Walder was fouled.

However, on 83 minutes, Crowborough failed to clear from a corner and Melksham's own super sub Bole fired home the winner to start the celebrations.

Baggs paid tribute to his club and the town of Melksham, for getting behind his men.

"700 (spectators) for our standard of football is absolutely incredible,'' he added. "Where else are you going to get that for a Western League team in the FA Vase?

"The town always turns out for big occasions and the amount of support and messages I got before the game - and just as many afterwards - makes all the running around worthwhile.

"Oakfields now is a very intimidating place to go. The crowd for the whole game yesterday were absolutely sensational. You could hear them from minute one all the way to the 93rd minute.

"Everyone will agree with me when I say it's a great day for the club and especially the supporters and players.

"Financially as well it helps, with the transition of Melksham turning into a business now. As a football club, every little bit of money we can get will help.

"The draw is at 1pm tomorrow (Monday) and I'd love to see a home draw.''