MELKSHAM Town boss Kieran Baggs says the club’s FA Cup defeat to Merthyr Town was a learning experience for all involved.

The Southern League South side came out second best to their superior opposition, in a 4-1 defeat at the InfiLED Arena in their FA Cup first qualifying round tie.

Despite the difference between the two teams, Baggs was encouraged by what he saw from his players.

The hosts trailed 2-0 and were handed a triple blow in the second period as they were denied a strong shout for a penalty, before defender Warren Maidment was sent off for a second yellow card.

Then defender Billy Fletcher was replaced after suffering concussion, leaving Town with no central defenders on the pitch.

Jon Davies restored hope of a late revival to make it 3-1, but the Welsh side saw the game off by snatching a fourth.

“We were missing four or five key players, so it was already a big ask,” said Baggs.

“The boys who came in did really well especially against higher opposition. We frustrated them and probably had the better chances in the first half.

“Unfortunately, we went 1-0 down in the first five minutes of the second half and after that we had a spell, we had a case for a penalty but it wasn’t to be.

“Then straight from the appeal Warren picked up his second booking, and after that I think the floodgates opened a little bit.

“The game got really stretched. Davies gave us a little lifeline at 3-1 but when we were pushing on to make things interesting they struck us off with the fourth.

“All credit to Merthyr, they were great and I’m sure they’ll go on to do well in the competition.”

Baggs admits the sending-off was a damaging moment in the game, but believes his defender will only learn from his experience.

“I think the sending-off was a mixture of frustration from the penalty and in experience,” he added.

“It was a yellow card and he was already on a booking. He’s young and he is still learning his trade.

“This is his first step up into the Southern League standard and he has been superb throughout pre-season and all the way through the season so far.”