OWEN Bryan showed no mercy to his former team-mates on Boxing Day as he fired home a hat-trick, including a last minute winner, to secure three valuable points for the home side.

Melksham went into the match fourth from bottom in the Screwfix Premier League and just one point ahead of their local rivals.

Devizes took the lead twice but their former player Bryan twice pegged them back and then hit a crucial winner in the 90th minute.

Melksham manager Nigel Tripp said: "The best thing I can say is we got the points. We didn't play very well at all and if I am honest they had the better chances.

"We showed a bit more steel than we have been doing in recent weeks but I am still disappointed with how we played.

"It was a big game though and three points were more important than the actual performance."

Devizes took the lead on 12 minutes after manager Dave Hopkins took advantage of some static defending to score from close range.

The visitors went close again minutes later when Steve Campbell shot just wide while, at the other end, Bryan Kayll headed over from a corner.

Play was then held for about ten minutes as the referee was forced to retire with an injury.

After the restart Bryan equalised with an acrobatic overhead kick.

Devizes went ahead again early in the second half when Campbell put them 2-1 up from the penalty spot after a handball.

The game should have been wrapped up but David Lloyd missed three clear chance to put the game beyond Melksham's reach.

Devizes were made to pay for their missed chances as first Bryan slotted home the equaliser on 71 minutes and then completed his hat- trick from the penalty spot on 90 minutes after substitute Dan Harvey had been fouled.

Melksham entertain Keynsham tomorrow and Tripp is keen to get revenge for their 3-1 defeat at Keynsham a couple of weeks ago.

He said: "We owe them one. It was a very dour game at their place and we have to improve on that.

"If we can pick up three points then our league position will look a lot healthier.

"It was easy for the players to lift themselves for the local derby but it will be of a test for the players to see whether they can do the same against someone like Keynsham."

Meanwhile Tripp has dropped his interest in Devizes midfielder Brad Newman.