10:51pm Wednesday 23rd April 2008
By Nick Mashiter
Melksham Town made it third time lucky as they finally won the Wiltshire Senior Cup after an epic 5-2 win over Laverstock and Ford.
Kelvin Highmore's side had to come from behind, after Matt Baker's seventh minute strike, but a stunning 30-yard effort from Wayne Thorne and Nathan Philimore's 40th minute goal have them a half time lead at Hardenhuish Park.
Shaun Benison's low shot put them 3-1 ahead on the hour and a spectacular half volley from Luke Ballinger extended their lead.
Craig Tindale put them 5-1 up with 20 minutes to go before Dom Male's deflected strike reduced the arrears ten minutes from time.
Philimore was then sent off after being shown a straight red card for a foul on Graham Mankin and, in the dying minutes, Dean Skelly was dismissed after being shown a second yellow for re-entering the pitch without the referee's permission.
But, after all the drama, Melksham boss Highmore was just delighted to have captured the trophy after two years of failure against Corsham Town.
He said: "It feels good. We have been to three finals and I felt that little bit of luck we have had coming into it meant it was going to be our year.
"This is the first round we haven't gone to extra time."
The Conigre outfit travel to Hallen on Saturday and host Chard on Monday in their final Toolstation League Premier Division fixtures of the season and Highmore desperately wants to stay after speculation surrounding his future.
"There is lots of talk going on in the background but I have got no intention of going anywhere," he said.
"I have been here three seasons and got to three cup finals, although our league form has been disappointing. This season, once we knew we wouldn't do anything in the league, it was about prioritising for the cup and we have achieved our objective."
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