A BUMPER crowd descended on Oakfields as Melksham Town welcomed League One side Bristol Rovers for a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Melksham, who are now managed by Kieran Baggs after Darren Perrin was appointed chairman least month, were swept aside by Darrell Clarke’s troops , who ran out 6-1 winners.

More than 1400 fans saw Ellis Harrison and Billy Bodin put the Gas two goals to the good at the halfway stage, before Melksham hit back when they were awarded a penalty that was tucked away by Lee Davidson early in the second half.

However, their renaissance was brief as Rory Gaffney rattled in a third for Rovers to make it 3-1 before Liam Sercombe made it four.

The visitors weren’t done there, as Gaffney completed his hat-trick with two further efforts to seal a 6-1 win.

Melksham Town host League Two Swindon Town on Tuesday evening.

Bradford Town were also involved in a pre-season fixture, as they faced Cirencester Town Development.

Danny Greaves watched his troops complete a sublime comeback, after falling 2-0 down, to eventually win 5-2.

New signing Will Hailston was on target twice, as Martin Lenihan, Sam Jordan and Anthony Conradi completed the score line with solitary efforts.

Hellenic League sides Shrivenham and Highworth Town were in action, but both had to settle for a draw as they former drew 1-1 with Kitsbury Rovers, while Jeff Roberts oversaw a 0-0 draw with Andover Town.