BRADFORD Town continued their faultless start to the new season by booking a place in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup following a superb 3-1 win at home to Bath neighbours Larkhall Athletic at the weekend.

However, Melksham Town must overcome a replay if they are to join fellow Wiltshire side Bradford as their preliminary qualifying round clash away at Shepton Mallet ended in a 1-1 draw.

The two sides will meet again on Monday, September 2, to decide who progresses.

As for Bradford, the victory was their fifth from five games in all competitions this season – with Wayne Thorne’s side having collected nine points from nine in the Toolstation League Premier Division so far.

Although the Larks ply their trade a tier higher in Southern League Division One South, Bradford were not overawed in Saturday’s cup clash and led 1-0 at half-time through Tyson Pollard.

The Bobcats pulled further clear just a minute into the second period as Gary Higdon doubled the advantage.

Although a red card saw the visitors reduced to 10 men, they were able to pull a goal back courtesy of Lewis Powell’s penalty.

However, Bradford killed off any hopes of a comeback when Matt Morris netted a third in the closing stages to wrap up the win for his side.

Melksham’s FA Cup quest was only kept alive courtesy of Jack Ball’s penalty four minutes from time in Shepton, with the visitors having fallen behind in the closing stages of the first half.

  • MALMESBURY Victoria made it two wins from three in Hellenic League Division One West after a 3-1 success at home to Newent Town.

Shane Bumphrey bagged a brace for the Vics, with Matt Jenkins also on target.

  • PEWSEY Vale remain on just one point in Sydenhams League Division One after a heavy 7-2 defeat at Totton & Eling, with Craig Lewis getting both the visitors’ goals.