MELKSHAM Town’s three-pronged push for honours this season is set to be boosted by the addition of two new signings boasting Southern League experience.

The pair, who are on the verge of completing their respective moves to Oakfields from clubs in Division One South West, would be eligible to play for their new club in the FA Vase.

Melksham entertain Tring in the fifth round on February 3 but are also well poised for a top-two assault in the Toolstation Premier Division and through to the last 16 of the Les Phillips Cup.

In anticipation of the paperwork being completed this morning, manager Keiran Baggs said: “We’re delighted. They are two players we’ve tried to get to the club for a while.

“I’ll always look to improve the squad if we can get the right deal and this was a good opportunity to do that. There are some players you go in for and you can’t afford their wages but these fitted with the budget and guidelines at Melksham. I’m sure that a few other clubs locally would have been looking at them.”

Baggs’ sentiments were echoed by chairman Darren Perrin, who is eager to see the momentum gained by the club’s historic Vase run continue – particularly given the fact an additional promotion place to the Southern League could be up for grabs this term due to a restructure of the non-league pyramid.

“It’s nice that players from a higher league want to come here because of what’s happening on the pitch, as well as the facilities and the chance to play in front of big crowds,” said Perrin. “The support we’ve had has been unbelievable.” and we’re very much hoping for four figures for the FA Vase game in a couple of weeks’ time.”

Melksham heeded their manager’s warning about not losing their focus on league duty last weekend as they dispatched fellow high-fliers Buckland Athletic 3-0 on home soil to move to within a point of local rivals Bradford Town in third spot.

The home side were a goal to the good at the break as full-back Alex Grimshaw found the net. That was how it stayed until the latter stages when Ryan Bole struck on 78 minutes to double the advantage before Jake Brown capped off a successful day for Melksham, who face a difficult test at Bitton on Saturday.

Baggs said: “We beat Bradford on Boxing Day and then lost to Chipping Sodbury Town in the next game and it was important we didn’t let the same thing happen after beating Crowborough in the Vase.

“The boys were spectacular and it was an outstanding team performance.”