DARREN Perrin insists that Melksham Town’s main priority is the Toolstation League this season despite seeing his side reach the fourth round of the FA Vase for the first time in their history.

The Conigre side booked their place in the last 32 of the competition after coming from 2-0 down at Bemerton Heath Harlequins to win 3-2.

Now Melksham, who hope to move into their new ground at Woolmore Ground in the new year, face a trip to league rivals Bristol Manor Farm in the next round of the Vase on January 7.

“Fair play to the players and the character they have shown in coming back, it was remarkable, but the truth is, we were awful,” he said. “We rode our luck and we are delighted to have progressed because we were nowhere near our best.

“You have to give the players credit because they kept going and the quality got us through.

“The league will always be the priority for us but it is important because it is a national competition as well as the financial side of things.”

Bemerton stormed into the lead on Saturday with early strikes from Jack Slade and Scott Joyce.

However, Gary Higdon started the fightback against the Sydenhams Premier Division side with a 21st minute goal.

With six minutes of the tie remaining, Melksham finally drew level when substitiute Ricky Hulbert struck before Higdon bagged his sceond in the dying stages of the match.

Bradford Town had a far more straightforward route into the fourth round as a Matt Morris double claimed them a 2-0 win over Torpoint Athletic.

Danny Greaves, who will host Spartan South Midlands Football League Division One side Southall in the fourth round, then saw his side march on in the Wiltshire Senior Cup on Wednesday night as goals from Dan Cottle and Mark Wall sealed a 2-0 win over Royal Wootton Bassett.