DARREN Perrin has challenged his Melksham Town troops to put the disappointment of the ending of their long unbeaten run behind them in a bid to finish as runners-up in the Toolstation League Premier Division come the end of the season.

Melksham were beaten 2-0 at home by Shepton Mallet last weekend as they fell to a first league loss since October 1, which was ironically in the reverse game in Somerset.

That result has seen Perrin’s men fall 13 points behind leaders Bristol Manor Farm and although his side do have a game in hand, the Melksham chief believes a title tilt is beyond them.

Perrin has instead now attempted to refocus attentions on another strong run until the end of the season in the hope of finishing as the nearest challengers behind the Bristolians.

“It was just one of those days,” said Perrin.

“It’s the first time we have lost in the league since October 1, so that’s more than four months unbeaten.

“We wanted to try to keep it going as long as we could but I think the title is probably Bristol Manor Farm’s now, and all credit to them.

“We still have a lot to play for as we are desperate to finish in the top four, which I think we will do, but we’d love to finish as runners-up, if we can.”

After a goalless first half at Oakfields, Mallet broke the deadlock with 15 minutes to play when Conrad Peck found the back of the net and Melksham’s hopes were finally killed off when Joe Morgan doubled the lead in the closing stages.

To complete Melksham’s misery, they also finished the game with 10 men when Luke Ballinger was sent off for dissent.

Perrin added: “Sometimes you just have to give the opposition all the credit, they defended magnificently. We had numerous chances but they have hit us on the counter attack twice brilliantly.

“Overall, we had the lion’s share of possession and had the better chances but they came here to do a job on us and they did it.

“Fair play to them and all credit to Shepton. I have no complaints about the result, I just think some of our finishing let us down.

“We were all frustrated and I think that came into it as Luke said something to the linesman towards the end of the game.

“Nine times out of 10, it wouldn’t even be mentioned but on this occasion, the linesman has flagged over the referee and he then showed Luke a straight red card.

“Luke has apologised to me and he will learn from it. He’s not that type of player and it’s the first time he’s been sent off in his career.”

Melksham are at home again on Saturday when Willand Rovers make the trip from Devon to Oakfields.