9:00am Monday 6th August 2012
DAN Kovacs netted twice late on as Melksham made a winning return to the Toolstation League's top flight.
Dave Clayton's side shrugged off a shortened pre-match warm-up, heavy traffic having delayed their arrival until 40 minutes before kick-off, to come from behind against their hosts, who had finished in the top five last season.
Willand grabbed the lead 10 minutes in as striker Khaled Badavi's solo run ended with him firing past Tom Drewett.
But Melksham were by and large solid at the back, led by former player-manager Adam Young and teenage defender Will Stead.
Kovacs went close with two first-half chances but Town were denied an almost-certain equaliser on 65 minutes as Dave Macey's long-range effort was palmed away by keeper Ryan Draper.
Town continued to press but needed the breakthrough as Clayton threw on substitutes to try and get on terms.
With 10 minutes left, Leigh Rogers' cross found the head of Kovacs who scored the equaliser.
And with time running out, Josh Robinson's tenacity allowed him to find Kovacs for the winner.
Melksham entertain Cadbury Heath tonight in their second league match.
FOOTBALL REPORTS, REACTION & PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES
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