DARREN Perrin praised his Melksham Town team’s resilience after they ‘won ugly’ against Brislington to maintain their sparkling form.

Reigning Toolstation League Premier Division champions Melksham endured a disappointing goalless draw at struggling Sherborne Town on Saturday but returned to winning ways with a 2-1 triumph on Monday evening, which stretches their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine matches.

Defender Ian Jeffrey and Ben Thomson netted either side of half-time to cancel out a first-half goal from Brislington’s Jonathan Moss.

Perrin’s men then had to rally together with ten men for around 25 minutes after Will Stead was sent off for a second booking, but the home side held firm to clinch victory.

“We won ugly – I think that’s how you’d describe it,” said the Melksham manager.

“We were far from our best but the players reacted after Saturday’s disappointment at Sherborne, where we should have won comfortably.

“I think Will Stead’s first booking was harsh because it was an innocuous block tackle but we can have no complaints about the second one because it was a reckless challenge.

“The players showed great resilience to get the three points and all credit to Brislington because they made it tough for us.

“I think our form is a good sign. We’re unbeaten in nine games, if you include the cup win against Westbury (a 3-0 victory in the Wiltshire Senior Cup on October 10), and we’ve won seven and drawn two of those.

“Monday was a good result for us but we’ve got to be ready for another tough game on Saturday when we play Bitton, who beat Welton Rovers 9-1 last weekend.”

Melksham are set to welcome back defender Dave Thompson and midfielder Mike Perrott for this weekend’s clash with Bitton at the Conigre.

Perrin added: “They’ve both been away at a wedding in Cuba for the last two weeks but they’re huge players to have back – we’ve got a few little niggles and it’s good to boost the squad a bit.”