THE FA Trophy provided the perfect tonic for Melksham Town last weekend as they earned a narrow 1-0 victory at home to Basingstoke Town.

Melksham headed into the Trophy tie on the back of two Southern League Division One South defeats in the space of three days the previous week – results that saw them ship 10 goals in the process – but they returned to top form against their Hampshire opponents to secure progress in the national knockout competition.

Luke Ballinger got the only goal of the game against Basingstoke, netting the decisive strike for the home side five minutes before half-time at the InfiLED Arena.

Richard Fey’s side will have to topple higher league opposition on the road if they are to advance any further in the competition after being drawn away at Southern League Premier Division South side Gosport Borough in the second qualifying round on November 9.

Before that, Melksham return to league action on Saturday and are at home to Bristol Manor Farm.

Melksham had been busy off the field prior to their weekend win over Basingstoke, making two new signings in the shape of former Swindon Town striker Sol Pryce as well as defender Josh Ford.