Banks snatches late, late winner on Kelvin’s return (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Banks snatches late, late winner on Kelvin’s return

3:57pm Thursday 15th December 2005 in Football

Toolstation Premier Division:SLOPPY defending from set pieces soured Kelvin Highmore's Bremhill View return.

Nearly every one of the seven goals scored in Calne Town's thrilling 4-3 victory over Melksham Town on Tuesday night came as a result of a set piece, with both defences looking decidedly uneasy defending crosses.

Highmore cut a forlorn figure as he walked off at full-time after watching his side lose the game with the last kick of the game, Kevin Banks smashing home off the cross bar from six yards after an initial effort had been blocked from a corner.

But Highmore, the former Calne boss, was in no mood to feel sorry for himself.

The Melksham boss said: "We got what we deserved, didn't we?

"We have not defended a corner well all night. We rode our luck early in the second half and did not defend well.

"There's no way you should go away from home and score three goals and end up losing the match.

"I am not going to slaughter my defence, but we have not done that all season. I can't put my finger on it. Defensively they were as poor as us."

Opposite number Robbie Lardner was also disappointed with conceding so many goals, but added the three points were all that mattered.

"We have got ambitions to push up the league and I believe I've got the players with the talent to do that, so the three points was vital today," he said.

"Forget that it was a derby we were desperate to beat a good side.

"Some of our football was passionate, aggressive and excellent. On the chances created, I think we deserved to win it."

Calne striker Glenn Armstrong missed the only two chances in a dour opening 30 minutes.

Just after the half hour the game sprang to life with two goals in two minutes.

First Gavin Eyre's corner reached former Calne defender Lee Beavis at the back post, his free header being helped on by a spectacular overhead kick by Matt Minnis and headed in by Justin Messenger as Melksham grabbed the lead.

A minute later Banks rose highest from a right-hand side corner to equalise for the home side.

With the half drawing to a close a cross from the right was dropped by former Calne goalkeeper Gareth Evans to the feet of Ben Moore, who tapped in.

Calne had three good chances to extend their lead within five minutes of the restart, but it was Melksham who scored next as Josh Brigham jumped to head in Eyre's cross after his initial corner was cleared.

Five minutes later Calne restored their advantage as a cross-shot bobbled in front of Evans, who again could only parry to the feet of Moore to score.

With time ticking away Melksham pushed forward with wave after wave of attack, and they were rewarded when substitute Nick Mooney grabbed an equaliser from a scrambled corner.

As both teams looked likely to leave with a point, Banks, who had earlier hit the crossbar with a freeheader, smashed home his winner.

It leaves Melksham with one point from their two games this week after their 1-1 draw with Brislington on Saturday. Simon Price equalised for the home side with a sharp finish inside the box.