FA VASE: MELKSHAM Town's FA Vase dream came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday, when a late goal from visiting St Neots condemned Robbie Lardner's men to a 3-2 defeat.

Melksham began the game as favourites to progress to the last 32, and everything looked to be going to plan within the first 60 seconds after Matty Bown's free kick went in off St Neots' defender Andy Chapman.

St Neots quickly declared their intentions though, and five minutes later, Simon Clarridge lashed home an equaliser.

Lardner's side regained the lead on 20 minutes thanks to Dean Ranger, but Vince Putney restored parity again before the break.

Bown and Matt Messenger both struck the goal-frame after the break, but Putney grabbed the winner just four minutes from time.

"I'm bitterly disappointed, that was probably my worst moment in my football career, " said player-boss Lardner.

"Our defending in the first half cost us really. We gave away sloppy goals, which is not like us. We have been very strong in defence this season and I felt very sorry for our back three and goalkeeper, who have been outstanding recently.

"There wasn't a lot between the two teams, and to be honest, I think we should have won.

"The lads will take some picking up after this, but what's done is done.

"Now we have to concentrate on the Les Phillips League Cup which we have a genuine chance of winning."

Melksham entertain Wellington in the Les Phillips on Saturday when they are again likely to be without skipper Steve Seals, who is still nursing an ankle injury. Recent signing Nick Tiley will also miss the match as he is cup-tied having turned out for Paulton Rovers in an earlier round.

Said Lardner: " Seals is 50-50 for Saturday and I don't want to risk him aggravating the injury."

One piece of good news for Melksham is that they have been named Screwfix League team of the month for November.

They suffered one defeat in four league games but also secured wins in the Vase and Les Phillips Cup. The 2-1 victory over AFC Totton took them into the third round proper of the Vase for the first time.

Said Lardner: "I'm pleased with that because the players deserve it. We had some very difficult games."