SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: A STEVE Pegler goal was not enough for Melksham on Wednesday as two late goals condemned them to defeat in a bruising Premier Division encounter.

Pegler stole in at the far post to equalise on 48 minutes after Mark Salter had given the hosts the lead, but strikes from Matt Peters and Simon Gale in the last 15 minutes sealed the win for Frome.

Melksham manager Nigel Tripp was pleased with his side's commitment but challenged his players to improve their concentration.

He said: "It was a good game out there. The tackles were flying in and it was like a local derby. It was what we needed because we showed a bit of mettle.

"I don't think 3-1 was a fair reflection of the game but that's the way football goes sometimes.

"I know we have the spine for it but now we need to concentrate and keep our discipline. There is no point in playing for 70 minutes and then losing your concentration because you get beaten."

Melksham fielded a young team, with new signing Wayne Bailey, from Broughton Gifford, partnering Dan Lardner up front.

But there was experience on the bench with veteran striker John Freegard, who was celebrating his 43rd birthday.

Frome nearly grabbed the lead in the first minute after a slip by Dean Ranger let Salter in but the striker slotted his shot wide of the far post.

Melksham, spurred on by that let off, then began to control the game and for 20 minutes it was the visitors who created all the best chances.

On three minutes Pegler's left wing cross fell to Neil Thomas on the edge of the area. The midfielder scuffed his shot but it fell to Lardner who, only five yards out from goal, managed to blaze over the bar.

Lardner missed another chance two minutes later when Bailey's right wing cross seemed to put him clear but he went for the ball with his foot rather then his head and the ball was lost.

On 11 minutes Jamie Cheeseman made a driving run from the heart of Melksham's defence. He played a one-two with Bailey before dragging a disappointing shot wide of goal.

The temperature was then raised as Frome infuriated Melksham by refusing to give the ball back after the visitors had put it out so Steven Casey could receive treatment.

The tackles were now flying in but it seemed to suit Frome as they began to get back into the game.

On 28 minutes Salter capitalised on a mix up between Cheeseman and goalkeeper Gareth Evans to tap the ball home from close range to give his side the lead.

The score could have been added to before half-time as Peters and Salter were denied by great saves from Evans.

After the break Melksham equalised almost immediately when Pegler converted a superb right wing cross from Bailey.

Play now swung from end to end. Neil Thomas had an effort tipped over the bar for Melksham while Evans made a brilliant save from Gale at the other end.

Dan Harvey then took a blow to the face and was replaced by debutant Steve Wickens.

On 75 minutes a mistake by Evans gifted Frome the lead. The keeper hesitated on a Steve Devlin cross and Peters took full advantage by heading the ball into the net from eight yards, with Evans stranded.

The result was sealed on 91 minutes when Gale struck a powerful shot past Evans, off the left hand post, and into the back of the net.

Melksham travel to Exmouth tomorrow for the rearranged match.

Steve Wickens who is currently signed on for Wiltshire League side Bradford Town is likely to stay with Melksham while Harvey will be kept out by his eye injury.