MELKSHAM Town assistant manager Luke Ballinger admits his side’s performance against Larkhall Athletic in the League Cup on Wednesday night was below-par, despite them recording a 2-0 win.

Jamie Lyons struck early in the game before an own goal in the second half doubled Town’s lead, ensuring they progressed to the next round.

But the performance did little to inspire Ballinger, who admits some players might be caught up more in the club’s impressive Southern League Division One South unbeaten run.

“Performance-wise we weren’t great, it was a cup game where no one wanted to be out there,” said Ballinger.

“We scored early but they dominated the first half. We were better in the second half and after our second we took control of the game.

“A win is a win, though our performance wasn’t the best of the season. We’ll move onto Saturday and the league now.

“It’s a good opportunity to get some minutes into players that haven’t played as much recently.

“Most players would rather play a game than train, it gives an opportunity for players to have a run around and we can work on a few things too.”

Kieran Baggs’ troops return to league action on Saturday when hosting in-form Cinderford Town at the infiLED Arena.

Cinderford have won three of their opening six league fixtures, placing them level on points with Melksham after six games apiece.

This weekend presents Melksham with another chance to extend their current unbeaten league run, but Ballinger is cautious of Saturday’s opposition – in particular their front three, who presented Bristol Manor Farm with plenty of problems in their most recent league contest.

Ballinger said: “We’ve made a good start to our league campaign, we’re unbeaten which is always a positive.

“We’ve been drawing too many though, but we’re working hard for each other and Saturday against Cinderford will be a tough game for us.

“I watched them play against Manor Farm, and they played well. If we’re not on our best game we will get beat.

“We need to turn up with the right attitude.

“Cinderford are a hard-working side, the front three are a handful and if you let them get behind it will make life difficult. But we’re at home and we want to take the game to them.”