MANAGER Kieran Baggs hopes a full-strength Melksham Town can challenge for a play-off frame spot this weekend when welcoming high-flying Street to the infiLED Arena.

Town have lost only one of their opening 10 Southern League Division One South fixtures this season, but five draws in that time have restricted progress, with Melksham sitting ninth in the table – three points below the play-off positions.

While a victory against Street this weekend is unlikely to promote Melksham into the top five – largely due to their goal difference record – boss Baggs admits defeating last year’s Toolstation Premier Division champions will serve as a big confidence boost to his squad as they head towards the busy Christmas period.

Six wins out of 10 for Richard Fey’s Street has made life in the fourth tier of non-league football come naturally for the Somerset outfit.

And the form of Saturday’s visitors is something Melksham need to be wary of, says Baggs.

“Street are absolutely flying at the moment,” said Baggs.

“But at home, there is no reason why we cannot go into the game with all guns blazing.

“We’ll be back to full strength. Neikell Plummer and Brad Norris will both be back after not being available against Leiston in the FA Trophy last weekend.

“Mark Cooper will be back from his suspension too, so we’ve got a full-strength side to choose from and it’s a game where we know our opponents well.”

Both teams earned promotion from the Toolstation Premier Division last term, with neither club yet to show any signs of not being capable of competing at a higher level.

Although Street lost their FA Trophy replay at Weymouth in the week – after holding the Terras to a draw on Saturday – Baggs his side can earn more league points if they play to their full potential against the promotion hopefuls.

“We had some good battles in the Toolstation League last season, and we have done in years previous,” said Baggs.

“It will be good to see how both teams have improved over the summer with two promotions.

“Street won the league, and they are showing that they are capable at this level.

“They had a great draw at Weymouth on Saturday and will be full on confidence, and rightly favourites for the game.

“But we will go out there and give everything we have got like we have done for every game this season.

“If we play to our potential and show up then I’m confident that we can take points from it.”