CALLUM Parsons’ first-half strike gave Highworth Town all three points following a 1-0 win over Wiltshire rivals Melksham Town on Saturday.

In the Worthians’ third league trip to the InfiLED Arena, John Fisher’s men finally came away with something other than a defeat after Parsons buried a goalmouth scramble to secure bragging rights in the Southern League Division One South encounter.

With several players available again after the midweek draw with Slimbridge, it was a much changed side that started the derby with utility player Leon Morrison rewarded with a start up front.

Though the game started in a fairly even fashion, Melksham perhaps felt they should have taken the lead as Highworth stopper Connor Johns and centre back Dan Comer both had to be at their best to block good chances early on.

However, the decisive goal came after half an hour when a pretty ordinary Matty Grabe corner was returned to the left-back.

Grabe’s second attempt at a cross caused mayhem in the penalty area, and after a couple of ricochets, the ball fell to Parsons who slotted home from six yards out.

Highworth went close to doubling their lead early in the second half as Tom Rejek set up Rob Dean, but the Melksham defence blocked his effort to keep the score at 1-0.

The Worthians’ Sean Wood saw a later effort blocked by Melksham goalkeeper Bartlett before Morrison blazed the rebound well over.

Fisher’s men were left hanging on late though, as a header from a corner and a long-range effort both rattled the bar, while Comer provided a last-ditch block to prevent heartbreak for Highworth.