KIERAN Baggs will not shy away from the transfer market in an attempt to improve his current Melksham Town squad, despite the club’s impressive start to their Southern League Division One South campaign.

A pair of second-half goals for Saturday’s opponents Blackfield & Langley denied Melksham what would’ve been an eighth league fixture without defeat.

Three wins and four draws – coupled with Saturday’s first loss – leaves Baggs’ side one point short of the play-off frame.

And despite the club’s impressive start to their first season in the fourth tier of non-league football, Baggs admits he’s casting his eye over ‘one or two’ possible new additions to his side.

He said: “If you ask any manager at this level, everyone has always got their ears to the ground with regards to what’s going on transfer wise.

“If I can improve the squad, I will. We have been light on the ground with some players unavailable because of injuries.

“I will be on the lookout for one or two players in the next couple of weeks or months. If I can strengthen the team and it fits into our playing budget then I will.

“The boys that have been a part of the team to date have been a credit to the club. There’s been no need to change anything.

“But no team wants to stand still, and helping the squad progress is something I will do if I can.”

A break in league action this weekend will not grant Baggs additional time to work with his squad, though, as they prepare to travel east to face FA Vase holders Thatcham Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

Thatcham lifted the Vase last season after defeating Melksham in heart-breaking fashion at the infiLED Arena at the quarter-final stage.

Revenge is therefore on Baggs’ mind as he looks to not only secure a second qualifying round spot, but also net the club £3,250 – the sum which will be awarded to the winners of Saturday’s tie as prize money.

He said: “Thatcham were a superb side last season, and to go out to them was heart-breaking at the time.

“However they went on to win the competition, so we can’t complain. But we’re after revenge after last season.

“The standard of the FA Trophy is way higher than the FA Vase, it’s a good draw for both sides.

“To face a team from the same league, both recently promoted, gives both teams a good chance.

“We’ve had a better start than Thatcham in the league, but they are starting to get some good results of their own. It’s a 50-50 game, and one that we will need to be at our best for.

“Financially, the competition is hugely beneficial for the season too.”