NEIL Kirkpatrick's brave young Trowbridge side found the experience of their Screwfix League neighbours just too much for them in a nail biting Wilts Senior Cup final on Wednesday night.

Wiltshire League Trowbridge started brightly and were in front after two minutes.

A long ball bounced over veteran defender Nigel Tripp and Dave Percival nipped in to slot the ball confidently past Melksham goalkeeper Darren Chitty.

Trowbridge looked livelier in the first half, with Melksham content to counter-attack.

Former Trowbridge Town favourite Matty Bown just failed to get to the ball inside the Trowbridge area in the seventh minute following a long throw and Trowbridge cleared the danger.

In the 20th minute Trowbridge had a strong claim for a penalty turned down.

Jack Heard deflected an Adam Nunn free kick towards goal and when Chitty palmed the ball away, Tim Waylen appeared to be fouled just as he gained possession. After 36 minutes Dave Percival did well on the right wing to keep the ball in play and Gavin Eyre gained possession and crossed for Heard to test Chitty with a sharp effort.

Shortly afterwards, Ricky Hulbert replaced Heard following an injury.

With four minutes of the first half remaining, Waleed Bakali handled the ball just outside the penalty area and from the free kick Melksham created an opportunity which hit a post.

Melksham pressed hard for an equaliser in the second half and claimed their reward after 65 minutes. The ball was crossed from near the corner flag and Melksham player-manager Robbie Lardner scored from close range.

Trowbridge defended well to earn extra-time, with Melksham looking the more likely to score.

The winning goal came in the first minute of extra-time.

Another break on the right found Gordon Smith and he picked his spot well to beat Adam Sheppard.

Tripp then headed wide for Melksham just before the end of the first period of extra-time. Trowbridge fought to the end but could not trouble a confident Melksham defence and in the end experience won over enthusiasm.