MELKSHAM Town simply weren’t at the races during the first half of their home clash against Evesham United on Saturday – a game that ended 1-0 in favour of the visitors.

Jordan Sangha netted the game’s only goal with barely five minutes on the clock as Melksham remained 14th in the Southern League Division One South table with seven points secured from as many fixtures.

Town had their fair share of bad luck, though. On-loan defender Joe Romanski struck the post, while Luke Ballinger could only see his effort rebound off the crossbar.

In all, manager Richard Fey took positives from Saturday’s loss, however, he admits points must be secured during the club’s favourable run of fixtures in the build-up to Christmas.

Fey said: “We weren’t at the races in the first half. We were very naïve.

“Evesham are a good team – a proven Southern League outfit. We had a couple of chances in the first half but we came in a goal down.

“We were outstanding in the second half. Unfortunately, Joe Romanski hit the post and Luke Ballinger hit the bar – on another day, those chances would’ve gone in.

“We’re moving in the right direction. And while I’m disappointed we lost the game, we do have something to build on.”

The addition of Swindon Town man Romanski to the Melksham squad has undoubtedly boosted Fey’s options in defence.

Eighteen goals were conceded by Town in their first four Southern League fixtures of the season – a stark contrast to the three goals Fey’s outfit have let by in their last 270 minutes of league football.

The squad’s levels of togetherness and work ethic have improved also – and that bodes well for Saturday’s visit to Cinderford Town.

Fey added: “Joe Romanski has come in and done really well. He’s playing regular football, which he hasn’t done this season, and needs game time.

“He was outstanding on Saturday. It was a shame he was on the losing side.

“We’re a completely different side now compared to the start of the season.

“The lads that missed pre-season are getting fitter. But we’ve got to be realistic, we’ve just played another team positioned in the division’s top five.

“Whatever team finishes above Thatcham and Evesham will go on to win the league. Displays over the last two games prove to me that we are value for money.”