Radstock Town 0, Melksham Town 2

BOYS became men on Saturday as Melksham survived a rough ride from Radstock to earn their second consecutive away win.

The Conigre outfit, often praised for their passing ability, showed they were not afraid to get physical with the Somerset strugglers in a scrappy encounter.

Player-coach Wayne Thorne praised the passion and commitment from his side in a coming-of-age performance from Melksham.

"The boys grew up a little on Saturday," said the former Chippenham full back.

"Everyone knows Melksham can pass the ball, but in the past when the match turned into a battle we usually came off second best.

"But against Radstock we all fought hard for each other. The lads put their bodies on the line to make sure we held on to the lead.

"Everyone is enjoying winning at the moment and keeping clean sheets. The lads could have jacked it in a few weeks ago when things were tough, but we all stuck together."

Thorne's 47th minute free kick gave Melksham a deserved lead in a game of few chances at the Southfields Recreation Ground.

Striker Simon Price added a second five minutes later when he rose unchallenged to head home Tim Eatough's cross.

The visitors had to withstand a spell of intense pressure from Radstock before the final whistle, but the defence, marshalled by the inspirational Thorne, held firm.

"I was brought in to encourage the lads and to make them stand up and be counted," said Thorne.

"On this evidence I would say we have started to turn the corner. We are enjoying winning matches and keeping clean sheets.

"Nobody will want to play Melksham at the moment."

Assistant-manager Pete Cooper, deputising for the absent Kelvin Highmore, echoed the thoughts of his veteran defender.

He said: "I thought the team were excellent. Five weeks ago we would have lost that game, but the lads are learning.

"Wayne Thorne was outstanding at the back but the whole team deserve credit."

Cooper revealed the spirit in the Conigre camp is sky-high after three consecutive league wins.

He believes Melksham have the potential to finish in the top half of the Premier Division table if they can keep the run going.

"If the lads can concentrate for 90 minutes every week then we should stay out of trouble.

"The mood in the dressing room has been good, even when we were going through that bad patch early in the season.

"We just told the lads to believe in themselves and to stick with it. I've got every confidence in them."

Cooper phoned manager Kelvin Highmore in Crete on Saturday night and the Conigre chief was delighted to hear the result.

"I gave Kelvin a quick call after the match to fill him in on the details.

"He must have been pleased because he decided to order a few more gin and tonics."