ANY thoughts of a giant killing act at the Conigre on Wednesday night were quickly dispelled as Forest Green Rovers demolished Melksham with an impressive first half performance.

To their credit the home side responded with a spirited second half display in which they caused their Conference opponents a number of problems.

Forest Green fielded a strong starting line up including Bristol City and Sunderland midfielder Gary Owers and over the course of the 90 minutes proved far too strong for Melksham's young side.

With young Adie Adams looking particularly impressive in the Rovers midfield it seemed only a matter of time before they broke the deadlock and it duly came after only four minutes.

There appeared to be no danger when a hopeful ball arrowed towards Melksham defender, Jason Lunt. Lunt's attempted header back to the keeper was horribly misjudged as John Cant stole in to slip the ball past keeper, Dave Hunt, and into the empty net.

Forest Green were being marshalled superbly by the experienced Owers and their second goal came in the 17th minute from James Pike after good work down the right wing by ex- Swindon striker Steve Cowe.

As the rain started to lash down, Melksham rolled their sleeves up and tried to get themselves back into the game.

Their defiance nearly paid off just before half-time when a cross from the impressive Steve Casey was headed wide by Lunt in the last action of the half.

In their best period of the game Melksham's Tim Waylen and Steve Casey saw chances go begging before Forest Green broke away to score their fourth goal in the 66th minute through a delightful chip by James Pike.

As Melksham began to tire, Forest Green again began to dominate and their fifth goal came from substitute Danny Allen.

Refusing to give up, the home side kept coming forward and they scored a deserved consolation goal with ten minutes left through Heard.

Forest Green made it six on the stroke of full-time with Cowe on target.