MELKSHAM Town manager Kieran Baggs has used last year’s successful FA Vase campaign as an example to build on ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup extra preliminary round clash at home against Badshot Lea.

Baggs’ troops galvanised the club and town when reaching the quarter-finals of last year’s FA Vase before being knocked out of the competition by eventual winners Thatcham Town.

Their performance inspired a league run which resulted in a deserved promotion to the Southern League, and Baggs is hopeful of an additional cup run this season.

He said: “You only have to look at what we did in the FA Vase last year.

“That run really galvanised our team. It was disappointing to go out in the quarter-finals, but it gave everyone a lease of life.

“It galvanised the town and we had plenty of big crowds. The boys wanted to make sure they were playing which made team selection hard as everyone was fighting for starting spots.

“There will always be one team that shocks a few people in the FA Cup, and this year there is no reason why it can’t be us. I’ll be delighted to start the season with a win at home on Saturday.”

After attending Badshot Lea’s weekend friendly at Walton and Hersham, Baggs insists his men cannot afford to take the game lightly.

A final training session last night based on shape and set-pieces should stand Melksham in good stead though ahead of Saturday’s game.

“The FA Cup and Melksham haven’t gone hand-in-hand in recent years,” said Baggs.

“We’ve always struggled getting past the early stages, so that is something I want to put right. I’ve prepared for this game like I would do with any other game.”