MELKSHAM Town manager Kieran Baggs called his side’s 3-0 win at Thatcham Town in Southern League Division One South on Tuesday night “a perfect away team performance”.

After five consecutive defeats – including Saturday’s heavy 4-0 reverse at home to Paulton Rovers – Melksham responded in fine style as they set out to attack struggling Thatcham early.

Luke Ballinger had one attempt saved before finally beating the Thatcham goalkeeper 10 minutes before half-time.

Olly Webb headed in from a corner minutes before the break and when Brad Norris flicked home the third in the second half, Melksham were on their way to a first win since Boxing Day.

Baggs stated that going back to basics was the driving force behind his side’s change in fortunes, while stating their willingness to “do the horrible stuff” for each other helped them pick up a vital win.

He said: “The boys made sure they ran through walls for me, for the badge and for each other.

“The team spirit that we’re built on was evident last night and it was a perfect away team performance.

“We went back to basics last night and it paid off.

“It puts an end to that bad run and gives everyone at the club a lift.”

Baggs felt Tuesday’s win was even more impressive considering Melksham were without Chris Allen, Neikell Plumber and Jon Davies.

The Town chief was quick to point out that a lack of team chemistry often affects performances, and a downturn in results could have been expected from his side.

He said: “In recent weeks, there have been a lot of lads that haven’t played together much.

“If you look at the team that played AFC Totton (a 5-0 loss on January 8), there were probably only two or three players that were together last season and that makes things difficult.

“But at Thatcham, everyone that came back in has played together for a long time, so that communication was there and the attitude of helping each other out.”