IMPROVING Melksham pulled off another fine result against a title challenging team on Saturday. Manager Nigel Tripp now believes his side have turned the corner.

After conceding a late equaliser, Tripp believes his side were hard done by.

He feels the last two games against promotion hopefuls, which ended in draws, has filled his side with confidence ahead of their home clash against top of the table Bideford on Saturday.

He said: "It was another great performance and the lads feel there is no reason why we can't beat any side. We will go into the Bideford game with confidence that we can win it."

"Before the match we would have taken a point but after losing the lead to a late sloppy goal I do feel disappointed.

"But all credit to the lads they worked their socks off all game and I think it is the best we have played all season. It was very encouraging and pleasing to watch."

Melksham held the majority of possession in the first half and their opponents seemed surprised with their level of play.

The visitors broke through several times but striker Jamie Cheeseman was the only player to come close with a screaming shot that whistled wide.

The forward battled with the defence and worked tirelessly for his team and in the 65th minute his desire and drive was rewarded with a goal.

A superbly weighted through ball from midfielder Adam Gingell fell to the striker who picked his spot and unleashed and furious shot the rifled into the bottom corner.

His goal sent the three dedicated Melksham fans, who made a great effort to get to Bristol and follow their team, into hysterics.

But their celebrations were short lived when, with ten minutes to go, the scores were levelled from a corner.

The ball was played short and the Melksham defenders failed to pick up the extra man. He crossed the ball in and the striker headed into the top corner of the net.

Tripp was left wondering why his side did not take all the points after substitute Richard Butler, who recently made the step up from the reserves, was put through on goal by defender Ryan Trowbridge.

But somehow, when he had just the keeper to beat, he scuffed his shot wide.