STEVE Peglar secured a valuable away point for Melksham on Saturday when he pounced on a defensive error.

His 55th minute strike cancelled out Barnstaple's opener from 18-year-old Rob Guppy as Nigel Tripp's depleted side held on for the draw.

Melksham were missing Brian Kyall, John Freegard, Steve Casey, Gareth Evans and Gordon Smith and saw goalkeeper Jason Grubb come in from the reserves. Dan Harvey and Rich McCrum also made their debuts to complete what was a make shift line up.

Teenage striker Guppy, who was recently released by Plymouth Argyle, was a constant threat to the Melksham defence. After just three minutes he received an Aaron Harper-Penman flick on from keeper John Vaughan's long punt.

Guppy's first effort was saved by Grubb, but he reacted quickest to head in the rebound. Barnstaple were denied a second when Kevin Squire was flagged offside with only Grubb to beat.

The home side were then also denied a possible penalty after an alleged trip on Craig Holman before Melksham hit back. Peglar struck as Barnstaple keeper Vaughan failed to clear a through ball. With over half an hour remaining the home side pushed to restore their lead, but Melksham were not to be denied.