MELKSHAM Town manager Darren Perrin has told his team to get used to playing with a target on their backs after admitting the only dampener on Saturday’s grand opening of their new ground was the team’s elimination from the FA Vase.

The fourth round replay between Perrin’s side and Toolstation Premier Division leaders Bristol Manor Farm was the centre piece of a day of celebration following Melksham’s long-awaited move to their new £7million Oakfields home.

A bumper crowd in excess of 1,200 turned up to help usher in the new era but there was to be no fairytale ending as Melksham slipped out of the national competition after a 5-3 defeat to the Bristolians.

The honour of a new ground also carries with it a heavy burden as it will take Melksham time to build up home advantage again, while visiting teams will likely now raise their game when they make the trip to west Wiltshire.

However, Perrin has taken comfort from the spirit shown in defeat to Manor Farm, in which his team battled back from 3-0 down, to believe they are up to the challenge.

“Saturday was a special day for the whole club and 95 per cent of it could not have gone any better. It was great to see so many people there and the whole place decked out in yellow and black,” said Perrin.

“There were one or two teething problems, which we expected, but everything went pretty much spot on.

“The only slightly disappointing thing, which unfortunately was probably the most important thing, was the result but that’s football and we take it on the chin.

“The big thing we are going to have now is getting used to the facility. It’s magnificent and beggars belief for this level of football but we are not used to it and it’s like a neutral venue. Other teams are going to lift their game when they come here.

“But the players are up for that, they were hurting at half-time but they came out and responded and I was so proud of how they played in the second half.”

Melksham will be hoping it is second time lucky in their search for a first victory in their new home when they return to Toolstation Premier Division action on Saturday.

Perrin’s side are fourth in the table but have games in hand on all of the top three and welcome Cadbury Heath to Oakfields this weekend.

Perrin said: “It’s another tough game, Cadbury Heath are a good side. We have got to dust ourselves down after the Vase defeat and hopefully go on another good run in the league.”