MELKSHAM Town manager Kieran Baggs says his disappointment with a 2-2 draw at home to Bristol Manor Farm demonstrates how far the club have come in recent times.

Not only did Melksham claim a point, but they were forced to come from behind to do so as Luke Ballinger and on-loan striker Andy Sandell both notched to salvage a point.

On the balance of play however, Baggs believes there was a case for Melksham to have got more than just a point from the game.

Since being promoted to Southern League Divison One South, Melksham have come up against some stiff competition and remained unbeaten in their opening five games, something Baggs has taken great confidence from.

“If you look at the level of opposition that we are playing against, Bristol Manor Farm, they have made it no secret they’re fighting for the title and they want to be promoted,” he said.

“It was going to be one of the toughest games we have had so far. We have had Evesham, Winchester, now Manor Farm and we remain unbeaten.

“If someone had said to me before the season start that this would be a possibility, I would have called them a liar.

“We are unbeaten in the league so far, so we have to take that as a massive positive. Anyone who came at the weekend saw a great game of football.

“I was a little bit disappointed it was only one point. I said to the boys after the game, if that is the best that the league has got, then we need to believe in ourselves because I certainly do.”

Sandell notched his first goal for the club after agreeing a month-long loan deal from National League South side Chippenham Town.

While the striker may be a little short of match fitness, Baggs says he has been a pleasure to work with thus far.

“Since he has come in, his attitude has been first class,” he added.

“There is no ego, he’s happy to be here and his work rate was faultless at the weekend.

“As the game went on he grew into it more and more. He took his free-kick well, we know we haven’t got him at his sharpest yet.

“It’s my job and Melksham’s job to get him firing fit and it’s a great platform for us to get him back to that level.''