RICHARD Fey’s Melksham Town responded to their first defeat in 10 league games with a come-from-behind victory over Cinderford Town on Saturday.

A quick-fire brace from Luke Ballinger and a late strike from Liam Monelle put the Black and Yellows on course for three points after initially going one goal down before the break.

The 3-1 success not only put Fey’s men back on the winning trail but also lifted Melksham into the division’s top five for the first time this season.

As both sides battled to gain the upper hand in extremely blustery conditions, it took until the 33rd minute for the first goal to come.

Cinderford sprung the hosts’ attempt at an offside trap down the right-hand side before a pin-point cross found the feet of James Harding to tap in.

After the break, Melksham came out with a renewed energy about them and were presented with a chance to equalise 10 minutes after the break.

Jake Mawford and Aidan Chainey linked up smartly on the left-hand side before the former was hauled down inside the box.

Ballinger smashed home from the spot to level the game.

Three minutes later and the game had been turned on its head – Phil Ormrod stole possession around 30 yards out before laying the ball off to Ballinger to strike.

The Melksham forward found the back of the net from range for his 14th goal of the season.

With momentum firmly behind the home team, Cinderford tried to hit Melksham on the break and the visitors did force stopper Jamie Bartlett into a couple of late saves.

However, with Cinderford pushing forward, Fey’s men put the game beyond doubt in the 90th minute.

Liam Monelle picked the ball up just outside the box and drilled a low shot into the corner to complete the scoring.