MELKSHAM Town came from a goal down to beat Longwell Green Sports and maintain their 10-point advantage at the top of the table.

Darren Perrin’s side were well below their best at Shellards Road and fell behind when James Pocock capitalised on a rare error from Melksham keeper Rob Brown.

Town then hauled themselves level at the break when Ryan Bennett climbed highest to head home Ben Thomson’s corner.

Boss Perrin used the interval to fire up his troops and they were the better side in the second half and Mike Perrott put them in front.

Dan Kovacs then put the result beyond doubt as he made it 3-1 with 10 minutes to go.

Although Perrin was far from satisfied with the level of his performance from his troops, he was delighted with the mettle they showed to get the win.

“It was an average performance in what was a poor game,” said Perrin.

“The pitch was very bobbly and it was very windy so it was far from ideal for both sides.

“What was most pleasing for me is that having been very, very good against Bristol Manor Farm last time, we showed another part of our game in that we ground out a win when we weren’t at our best.

“For some reason we were very flat in the first half and at half-time I got into them as it looked like they just expected things to happen.

“You can’t do that in this league, you have to earn the right for things to happen for you, and thankfully they did that in the second half.

“The players showed plenty of character to find a way to get what is another very important three points.”

Melksham are well clear at the top ahead of Odd Down but now face a crucial week which sees them play three games in seven days.

Town are away at Cadbury Heath on Saturday before a huge clash at Odd Down on Tuesday. They are then away at Bradford Town on Good Friday.