Melksham Town boss Kieran Baggs warns of complacency ahead of Barnstaple Southern League tie

Baggs’ side strengthened their play-off credentials at the weekend when a 94th minute strike by impact substitute Reece Rusher secured Melksham three points against struggling Slimbridge.

And the manner of Melksham’s latest dramatic win should act as a wake-up call for Town’s players, as boss Baggs highlighted the competitive nature of the Southern League’s second tier – underlining his beliefs that no team can be taken for granted.

He said: “This weekend’s task will be similar to our latest game against Slimbridge.

“Slimbridge are sitting towards the bottom of the table, but they had a really good win against top side Yate – they beat them 2-1.

“Any time you play in the Southern League, you have to be on top of your game.

“There are no gimmes, you can’t turn up and give 70 per cent and pick up points.

“If a team does that, they will lose the game. If anyone in the squad expects us to turn up and beat Barnstaple because they are bottom of the table, then that mentality needs to be wiped away.

“We need to mentally prepare, and we’ll be working hard in training this week.”

Meanwhile Baggs’ continued forward-thinking mentality has resulted in the losses of Lee Davidson and Jamie Lyons, who have both left the club to join Toolstation Premier Division side Bradford Town.

Filling the duos void are Tom Warren and Nuno Felix – Warren has joined from Mangotsfield while Felix has made the switch from Taunton.

Both additions have strengthened Melksham’s squad, according to Baggs – who insists he won’t hesitate in the future if further opportunities to strengthen the club’s squad are there for the taking.

He said: “Lee Davidson and Jamie Lyons both wanted regular first-team football, and with the squad being improved over the last month it has been hard for them.

“Improving the squad is something I’ve always looked to do where I can, and that has happened.”