FA VASE SECOND ROUND QUALIFYING: Horndean 4 Melksham Town 3 (From This Is Wiltshire)

MELKSHAM bowed out of a cup competition in Hampshire for the second successive weekend as their FA Vase bid ended at their Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division rivals.

Dave Clayton's visitors were under pressure early on but took the lead against the run of play on 20 minutes as Gary Higdon lobbed home from Ian Jeffrey's chip.

Both sides had chances during the remainder of the first half but Hordean levelled from the penalty spot after Nathan Flower had tripped an opponent in the box.

Melksham were back in front 10 minutes into the second half as Higdon charged down the goalkeeper's clearance and slotted into an empty net.

The lead though lasted just two minutes as Horndean levelled but Melksham took the lead for a third time as the ball was handled in the penalty area and Higdon blasted home from the spot to complete his hat-trick.

Just after the hour though, Horndean levelled for a third time as Melksham's defence struggled.

And the home side claimed the winner with less than 20 minutes remaining, Melksham being unable to respond.

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