UGLY crowd scenes marked the end of Melksham Town Football Club's amazing FA Vase cup run when they were beaten by single goal at home to Thatcham Town FC.

Police were forced to hold back a group of up to 40 Thatcham Town FC supporters after the final whistle at the Oakfields Stadium as the two sets of fans clashed.

More than 2,200 supporters turned out to roar Melksham on but their Wembley dream turned to heartbreak as Thatcham's No. 7 Ekow Elliott fired home the only goal in the 89th minute of the quarter-final.

The 0-1 result was the cue for wild celebrations from the Thatcham players in front of their travelling supporters as relief took the place of frustration.

But the final whistle sparked ugly scenes as the Thatcham side ran to receive the acclaim of their fans, who then streamed onto the pitch to join their team's celebrations.

They walked from one end to the other, singing and chanting "We are Thatcham Town and we're on our way to Wembley" provoking anger from the Melksham supporters.

A dozen police in high visibility jackets were forced to keep the opposition fans apart from the Melksham supporters as the atmosphere turned sour.

As the police attempted to diffuse the situation, the Thatcham fans continued to sing and chant. Police held them back until it was safe to get them onto their coach.

It was a ugly end to an otherwise evenly-matched game in which Melksham Town had held their own against a team unbeaten in more than 21 games.

Afterwards, Melksham's commercial manager Darren Perrin said: "We had intelligence from Thames Valley Police during the week that it was likely that a small group of 25-30 Reading supporters would come to the game today intent on causing trouble.

"But the Melksham community are simply the best. To have a crowd of more than 2,200 is absolutely unbelievable.

"We are immensely proud of the players, the manager, the club and of the majority of our supporters.The local community has come out in force and it has been an amazing cup run.

"There will be tears and a lot of disappointment but it's the manager's job now to pick them up for the Western League game against Wellington on Saturday."

As the Thatcham players gathered in a circle in the centre of the pitch to celebrate, Mr Perrin stood on the touchline to shake the hand of every Melksham player.

Melksham manager Kieron Baggs was philosophical after the game, saying the team had just "come up short" against a very good Thatcham side.

"We are gutted at the way it has come to an end but the whole town has been unbelievable. We have been delighted to have had this amazing cup run."

Thatcham Town now go into Monday's semi-final draw at Wembley alongside the favourites Marske United, Stockton Town and 1874 Northwich.