BOSS Darren Perrin lauded an “unbelievable” Melksham Town performance as they powered into the FA Vase third round with an emphatic win at Slimbridge on Tuesday.

Town had been held to a 2-2 draw at the Conigre on Saturday but stepped up their game in the midweek replay to set up a home clash with Shepton Mallet on Saturday, December 6.

Reserve team striker Dan Griffiths inspired the victory with a first-half hat-trick, while it was also a special night for Gary Higdon as he netted his 150th Melksham goal.

“We were unbelievable,” said Perrin.

“On Saturday we were disappointed with our performance. Slimbridge were the better side even with ten men.

“But we came away with a draw and rallied round as we knew we were better than that.

“To be fair to the lads they were phenomenal on Tuesday night. It was a magnificent performance and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

“And to think we did it without the likes of Dean Flockton, Mike Perrott and Dan Kovacs.”

Town found themselves in trouble early on as Sean Lawson fired Slimbridge ahead with a brilliant solo goal.

But Griffiths made the most of a rare first-team opportunity and struck three times in ten minutes before the break to turn the game on its head.

And Town remained in control after the restart, with Higdon finally wrapping up the win five minutes from time.

Perrin added: “My reserve centre forward, Dan Griffiths, came in and scored a hat-trick, and that speaks volumes of the spirit we have here and what everyone is about at Melksham Town.

“Danny is a great lad who has been in and around the first-team squad this year but hasn’t played as much as he’d like. But he got is opportunity and took it.

“It’s not just Danny, though, we’ve got players like that right through the reserves and the way that team is performing is a big part of what we are doing this year.”