SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: MELKSHAM picked up a vital away win against fellow strugglers Elmore on Saturday.

Second half goals from Owen Bryan and Neil Grant were enough to dispatch the hosts and manager Nigel Tripp feels Melksham are starting to put a good run together.

"It was nice to get the three points and was very pleasing that with did so with such a young side," he said.

"At the start of the game Dean Ranger was our oldest player at 23. I think our back three were aged 17, 20 and 21. We made a few changes and the first half was pretty even but the players bedded themselves in and everyone stuck to their task.

"I was very pleased with the win now and we've only lost once since Christmas time. We are getting people back now who have been out for a while and are also strengthening the squad to add competition."

Struggling Devon side Elmore also included some young debutants in their team and after a close first half the match was still evenly poised.

The decisive opening goal went to Melksham though when Elmore defender Peter Philpott attempted to clear the ball from his area but clattered into Simeon Allison in the process.

Bryan stepped up to take the responsibility from the spot and duly converted.

Elmore pushed men forward as they chased an equaliser but Melksham were patient and seized a chance to add a second on the counter.

Grant sprung the home defence's offside trap in a tight decision and went on to slot past goalkeeper Gary Lewis.

This weekend Melksham travel to top-six Exmouth Town for what Tripp is expecting to be a tricky game.

"They are a good footballing team and playing them away will be a test," he said. "But we have got a nucleus of young players which looks good for next season.

"Hopefully we can finish in mid-table this season and we are still in the cup. We are at that point where the season can become really good or go flat."

Brian Kyall and Neil Thompson are both back in the squad after missing last week through work commitments while Adie Stagg should shake off an ankle knock.

Tripp is hoping to strengthen the left side of his team and has put in a seven-day approach for Devizes Town winger Nathan Perkins.