MELKSHAM TOWN | SUPER COOPER

More Emirates FA Cup heroics from one of our Member Clubs

It was a special night for Melksham Town on Tuesday as they made progress in the Emirates FA Cup with a fantastic 3-2 replay victory at Banbury United.

The Pitching In Southern League Division One South outfit have now equalled their best-ever run in this competition, which was set in 1957/58, and in the club’s 100th FA Cup campaign too.

A goal from Jake Andrews and two from Man of the Match Mark Cooper gave them victory at their higher-level hosts and sets them up for a trip to Carlshalton Athletic in the third round qualifying on September 28th.

“As a team over the two games, we were absolutely superb,” Cooper told us. “We had a game plan and we executed it perfectly. To score twice, from a personal point of view, was a nice bonus.

“To a man everyone did their job and limited our opponents for the majority of the game, other than a couple of small scares.

“Banbury came flying out of the traps at the start and scored their penalty, so at that point it was just about staying in the game as we knew our chances would come.

“I was happy with my own performance, but I’ll take winning the tie over everything. Progressing in the FA Cup means everything to the club, in terms of the prestige, revenue and keeping our unbeaten run going.

“It’s such a special competition that every year captures the imagination and throws up some great stories.

“We’ve started the season really well, but it’s still very early days, of course. We’re taking each game as it comes, but we are a hungry group and we’re ready for every challenge that comes our way.

“We’ve only played four games in the League and are unbeaten in them, but we know how tough it is and we have to make sure we’re at it week in, week out.

“I’m on five goals already this season, not bad for a centre back, so hopefully I can add a few more as we go along and help the team continue to progress in every competition that we are involved in.

“We’re not getting too carried away; the Gaffer and his staff will make sure of that, but there’s a real buzz around the club this season and long may it continue!”

On Saturday, Melksham Town host another club who have produced FA Cup heroics, Bishops Cleeve, this time in the Isuzu FA Trophy second round qualifying.

The night’s other replays saw Spalding United agonisingly exit on penalties after it ended 1-1 at Alfreton Town, there was a 2-0 away win for Gosport Borough at League rivals, Gloucester City, whilst Winchester City secured a 1-0 success at Hungerford Town. There was joy for Leiston as they beat Brentwood Town 3-1.

In the Isuzu FA Trophy, Mousehole beat Bashley 4-0 to set up an all Cornwall tie against Falmouth Town on Saturday, and two stoppage time goals gave Evesham United a dramatic 2-1 triumph at Thatcham Town.

IMAGE: Melksham Town FC

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