MELKSHAM Town chairman Darren Perrin says the club are in a win-win situation ahead of their FA Cup clash with Merthyr Town at the weekend.

After securing two FA Cup wins already this year, Kieran Baggs’ troops now face the Southern League Premier Division Martyrs in first round qualifying at the InfiLED Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

While Perrin admits he would like to see his players rise to the challenge, he acknowledges his side are underdogs for the fixture.

“The FA Cup game is a freebie one for us. We have had two wins in the competition, we have made a little bit of money – no-one really thinks we have a chance at the weekend,” he said.

“They (Merthyr) are a very good side, we are massive underdogs but we look forward to that task, it’s a free game really.

“It’s something to look forward to. We anticipate a big ground and the players have a great opportunity to test themselves.

“It’s nice to have a home draw and there is £6000 at stake for the winner. Anyone who says they don’t need that are lying, it’s a massive incentive.

“We would love to win it, but we are also realistic and we’ve won more games than we normally do in the FA Cup, so this match is a bonus.”

Melksham have made a smooth transition to the Southern League Division One South after their promotion from the Toolstation League last year.

Four games into the new campaign they remain unbeaten with two wins and two draws, earning them fourth spot in the table.

Perrin says it's great to see the club and its players have adapted so easily, but insists it is important they remain grounded.

“Kieran and the players have done fantastic so far. We are delighted with the way we have started, albeit it being just three or four weeks into the season,” he said.

“I think everyone at the football club will be delighted with how the players have acclimatised to their new level.

“We are going to keep our feet firmly on the ground because we know it is a long old season.

“A good start is massively important and to be fair to Kieran he hasn’t been able to put a full squad out through injuries, holiday and everything else.”

Toolstation League Premier Division Westbury United are also in FA Cup first round qualifying action on Saturday and travel to Bitton.