MELKSHAM Town manager Kieran Baggs admitted to a tinge of disappointment as his side drew 2-2 at Winchester City - despite the result extending their unbeaten start to the Southern League Division One South season, writes SAM HILL.

The promoted Wiltshire men took an early 2-0 lead as striker Neikell Plummer continued his rich vein of form in front of goal but Winchester defender Joe Cook headed home midway through the first half to reduce arrears heading into half-time.

The home side completed their comeback five minutes into the second half, equalising through Simba Mlambo to keep their unbeaten run going, while Melksham also lost Plummer to injury.

“I think it was one of those games for us, after starting so well I thought we could have pushed on and taken the game to Winchester a bit more,” Baggs said.

“We knew that Winchester are a top side and that it would be tough going into the game.

“Looking at how they’ve started the season it’s clear they’re doing really well, going unbeaten in their opening three games.

“Unfortunately for us, Neikell had to come off injured 20 minutes into the game.

“We didn’t really have anyone on the bench to replace him properly, meaning we played the rest of the game without a recognised striker.

“Had he not come off, I think the game would have gone very differently for us, as he allowed us to play our game.''

Baggs' side have made an excellent start to Southern League life and the manager added: “I was really impressed with the work rate and intensity they played at, especially against such tough opposition.

“The attitude of the players is second to none. It really is top quality, as well as their fitness levels.

“They’ve made the most of pre-season and it’s showing in how we’ve started the season remaining unbeaten so far after four games.”

Melksham host Bristol Manor Farm at home on Saturday and Baggs is optimistic about his team’s chances of a win.

“If you look at our fixtures, we’ve probably had the toughest start to the league out of any team and that continues into next week when we come up against Bristol Manor Farm.

“They’re going to be another really difficult test for us but I’m confident we can take all three points.”