Melksham Town 1-1 Thatcham Town

A crowd of over 500 were in attendance for this Southern League clash with plenty of the blue army making the trip and providing vocal support.

Thatcham found themselves trailing after only 9 minutes. Melksham worked the ball well across the box and Paul Strudley could along deflect a strong shot into the air and it was bundled in by Philip Ormrod.

Melksham were encouraged by the goal and could have doubled their lead but headed wide from a dangerous cross. On 25 minutes things went from bad to worse for Thatcham when Scot Rees put in a strong tackle and the referee harshly produced a straight red card.

Despite being a man down the Kingfishers looked dangerous with Kyle Tooze and Felipe Barcelos finding space out wide. Thatcham had a golden chance to equalise on the stroke of half time when Adam Kelly was brought down for a penalty. Barcelos drilled the spot kick down the middle and it was well saved.

Melksham started the second half on the front foot putting in several crosses that were well defended. Thatcham were then gifted an equaliser on 61 minutes. A high ball caused confusion with the Melksham keeper coming out to sweep up but he was beaten to the ball by Felipe Barcelos who rolled the ball into an empty net from 25 yards out.

Only a minute later Thatcham were reduced to 9 men with Barcelos shown a second yellow card for a late tackle. Joe Selman was left as a lone striker as the Kingfishers looked to be compact and hold on for a draw. Melksham continued to work the ball wide but were frustrated by some excellent defending and saves from Strudley.

Thatcham were penned in for the final 20 minutes with several low crosses blocked in front of goal and some wayward shots from range. Thatchams defensive efforts were being loudly cheered on by the travelling support. Melksham couldn't find a way through the 9 men and the Kingfishers held on for a valuable point which takes them level on points with Frome at the top of the table.