MELKSHAM Town manager Nigel Tripp has warned his players they are in the last chance saloon in tomorrow's Screwfix Direct League Premier Division match at Bishop Sutton.

Tripp's first few months as the manager at the Conigre have been marred by inconsistent results and he knows it is vital they start picking up points.

He said: "We have got to go for it now.

"If we are not careful we will be dragged back into the relegation battle.

"The players have got to roll their sleeves up and show they have the desire to stay in the team. We have been so inconsistent this season and this is their last chance.

"If they want to stay in the team they will have to do what they are capable of."

Melksham lost 2-1 to Bishop Sutton on the opening day of the season and it was not until four matches into the campaign they eventually chalked up their first victory.

Since their win at home to Odd Down in September, Melksham's record has been won three, drawn four, and lost four, and Tripp is demanding more of his young side.

He said: "The nucleus of the side here is very young and to be honest you tend to get inconsistency with young sides.

"But they are all good players and they have to get themselves self motivated.

"As a manager I can only point them in the right direction and after that it is up to them to make sure they are doing the right things and doing their best for the club."

Melksham are currently 15th in the Screwfix Premier League, three points behind Bishop Sutton and Tripp believes tomorrow's match is very important.

He said: "It is a six pointer. If they win then they go six points ahead of us whereas if we win we will be level with them.

"We may be low down but things will look a lot better with a few wins under our belt and we have to aim to do that".

With the exception of long term absentee Jason Lunt, Kevin Banks is Tripp's only injury worry.

Melksham follow tomorrow's six-pointer with another crunch match against local rivals Devizes on boxing day.

Devizes are one point and one place behind Melksham and will be desperate to win the three points.

Meanwhile Tripp has put in seven days' notice of approach for Devizes Town midfielder Brad Newman.