AMBITION is firmly on the mind of Melksham boss Kieran Baggs, who hopes a run for his side in the FA Trophy can help galvanise the Town and bring people together.

Melksham have bittersweet memories of last season’s FA Vase run, where fans turned out in their thousands to support the Town before their run was halted by Thatcham Town at the quarter final stage.

Promotion from the Toolstation Premier Division last season means Melksham will tackle the FA Trophy, a competition for club’s competing from the National League – non-league’s highest tier – to step four of the non-league ladder, for the first time in the club’s history.

Gloucestershire-based Slimbridge provide Melksham’s opposition in the opening preliminary round, and Baggs is taking little for granted – admitting his men are in for a tough challenge.

He said: “Our run in the FA Vase last season really galvanised the town in great numbers.

“It can make a season exciting, and momentum can be used to have a positive impact on league form.

“Hopefully we can produce a good performance at Slimbridge, though it will be tough down there.

“They had a good result against Winchester at the weekend, so they will certainly be no pushovers.

“But we’ll go down there full of confidence and hopefully start what can be a good run in the competition.”

An FA Trophy run would compliment Melksham’s impressive league form so far this season, which is proving a fruitful experience for Baggs’ men.

Despite playing at the highest level in their history, Melksham are currently on a seven-game unbeaten run – a run that’s attracting the attention of the local support.

Baggs said: “Financially, the FA Trophy is also beneficial to the football club.

“It’s the first time we’re in this competition and there is the possibility of welcoming big teams.

“In the Vase last year, we were expected to perform and reach beyond the quarter finals.

“It would be lovely to have a good tie against a top side, hopefully we can do the business at Slimbridge and enjoy the ride home.”

Meanwhile, Melksham Town will be without the services of striker Andy Sandell after his loan deal from National League South side Chippenham Town came to an end.

Sandell, a former Football League player with Bristol Rovers, returned to Hardenhuish Park on Monday having spent a month at the infiLED Arena.

“We’ve said goodbye to Andy Sandell, he’s gone back to Chippenham,” said Baggs.

“Things could change, we agreed a one-month loan and Chippenham have announced that he’s back until the end of the season. That’s what my understand is, but in football things do change.

“I thank Mark (Collier) for his cooperation and letting us use him, he’s been brilliant with some of the younger lads as well.”