SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: LEE Burns has urged his young Melksham Town side to keep their concentration until the end of the season after a disappointing display on Saturday.

The Melksham manager admitted too many of his players were not at the races and warned there would no room for taking things easy with just a few games of the season remaining.

Eighteen-year-old goalkeeper Tom Drewitt was given a debut due to the illness of regular stopper Bradley Williams and produced a string of impressive saves to keep the scoreline respectable, but Burns was not fooled by the narrow margin of the defeat.

He said: "The score flattered us, if we are being honest. They played the better football and probably deserved to win by a few more goals.

"We knew Odd Down would be very competitive but I think there were four of five of our players who did not give their all.

"I hope the players aren't already looking ahead to the summer because we still need a couple of points to stay away from the relegation fight."

Burns revealed Williams, on loan from Team Bath, was returning to America next season and said the goalkeeper position would soon be vacant.

He said: "Tom Drewitt played very well and showed me exactly what he could do and that is what I want the young players to do.

"When I took over as manager from Nigel Tripp I knew how important it would be to get the reserve and first team working closely together and I think it is happening.

"The players should be aware they have all got an opportunity to impress me and push for a place in the team.

"I am already starting to look at where we are going next season and will be looking to involve the young players.

"To be fair, the youngsters have been a breath of fresh air around the place since I took charge but maybe there were a few too many on Saturday because we lacked that bit of experience."

The visitors took the lead on 25 minutes when Chris Mountford's shot cannoned off the crossbar and Rob Mizen was on hand to convert the rebound.

They increased their lead midway through the second half when former Melksham midfielder Tony Quoi fired a free kick into the back of the net, via a slight deflection off the wall.

Substitute Nick Ridout headed a late goal for the hosts but they never looked like getting themselves back into the match.

The result leaves Melksham six points clear of the relegation places in the Screwfix League Premier Division with six games remaining.