Match Report - Melksham Town 1 v Thatcham Town 1

Former FA Vase Rivals battle to entertaining draw..

Melksham and Thatcham battled to a draw in the late summer heat on a lovely Saturday afternoon. A competitive first half was ignited by a series of Thatcham corners early on requiring a strong defending from the home side.

The opening goal followed quickly in the ninth minute, as clever football from Melksham led to Luke Ballinger making space for himself on the right wing, he darted inside and his shot was parried by the Thatcham stopper Paul Strudley. The parry fell within the penalty area and Phil Ormrod used strength and skill to smash home the opener for the home team.

The game continued to be open with both sides getting the opportunity to build attacks and utilise the decent playing surface. Jack Ball had a chance to extend Melksham’s lead in the 15th minute when he headed over from Phil Ormrod’s pinpoint cross.

The next clear cut chance fell to Thatcham when they were awarded a free kick in shooting range in the 21st minute. This was struck on target and Jamie Bartlett the home keeper had to make a decent save to his left parrying it safely for a corner.

Bartlett was in action again moments later saving bravely at the feet of Felipe Barcelos when the striker seemed certain to score from around 6 yards out.

Jack Ball was next to threaten for the home side, capitalising on a defensive error and breaking through the Thatcham back line, he narrowly shot over with only Strudley to beat.

Thatcham’s eleven men became ten in the 33rd minute when their Captain, Scott Rees was sent off for a foul in midfield when attempting to win the ball. His strong challenge was deemed to constitute dangerous play, as he tackled with his studs up catching Liam Monelle.

Melksham began to use the space the sending off caused, Oscar Latas was lively and exploited space on the left side to deliver a number of dangerous crosses which Melksham were unable to convert.

The drama continued just before half time when Josh Bennett brought down a marauding Thatcham forward in the penalty area. There was no hesitation from the referee and a penalty was awarded to Thatcham. Barcelos stepped up but his penalty was well saved by the legs of Jamie Bartlett who was making his home debut.

It remained one nil to Melksham at halftime. The second half began with Melksham controlling the game and threatening to extend their lead. Despite a number of chances they were unable to add to their score.

Thatcham always looked capable of creating something and in the 60th minute Felipe Barcelos made amends for his penalty miss when he capitalised on a defensive mix up to slot home from 25 yards and equalise for Thatcham.

Within a minute of doing this though Barcelos found himself being sent off after receiving a second caution for a lively challenge in front of the Grandstand. Down to nine men Thatcham then continued to play out the remaining half hour effectively defending for their lives.

Melksham continued to work their numerical advantage but a series of goal line clearances and robust defending from Thatcham saw them hang on for the point, and keep their unbeaten League campaign in check.

This was good competitive game supported by a decent crowd of 511.

Melksham Town Match Report

Melksham Town Web Site