It was three goals and three points for Bristol Manor Farm on Saturday afternoon as they put Melksham to the sword at the NL Services Stadium, writes Jack Davies.
The Farm started like a side with seven wins in their last eight games and were on the front foot. Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist earned his first start since his return this spring and he forced an early save from visiting keeper Joel Manning. The game turned midway through the half as Manor Farm hit a quick fire double in a blistering three minutes. Jayden Nielsen’s corners had been reaping plenty of rewards of late and he was at it again here. The set piece floated to the back post where Ollie Woodhouse was on hand to power his header home. The defender also picked up the Supporters’ Player of the Season award after the game; not a bad way to celebrate his third goal in four games. Celebrations had barely quietened within the raucous Farm faithful before they doubled the lead. Leigh-Gilchrist whipped around the outside of his defender before curling a stunning finish in the far corner. Farm were made to work hard to preserve the half time lead as Melksham pushed hard before the break. Seth Locke saved smartly from a Hopkins effort before an outstanding goal line clearance from Harry Lucas took Farm into break two goals ahead.
A few half chances came and went for the visitors before Farm settled back into control on the hour. Dan Dodimead’s whipped cross found Ben Bament, but his effort skewed over. Dodimead had a go himself as the game ticked towards the whistle, but saw his effort parried wide. Farm would get a deserved third in the final minute of normal time with George Kellow getting a goal that his recent performances had very much merited. The forward collected the ball inside the area before settling himself and drilling the ball into the far bottom corner.