MELKSHAM Town face their biggest game of the season tomorrow as they bid to reach the last 32 of the FA Vase for the first time in their history.

Eagle Bitter United Counties outfit St Neots Town are the visitors to The Conigre for the third round clash, with neither side having managed to progress further than the last 64 of the competition before.

Melksham were knocked out at the third round stage three seasons ago, matching their best performance in the prestigious competition in the 1981/82 season, while the Cambridgeshire side were unsuccessful at the same hurdle in 1978/79.

But both sides have recovered from indifferent starts to the season and go into the clash in fine form.

Melksham manager Robbie Lardner expects St Neots to provide his side with a tough test.

He said: "I've been to see them play and the league they play in looks to be a good footballing league.

"I don't think they had all their players available for the game I went to see, but they had some good individuals and it will be a test for us.

"The have won eight game in a row and are obviously a side in form, although league positions don't count for a lot in the FA Vase.

"I expect there are some tougher sides left in the competition, but I'm sure they are thinking the same thing."

Lardner, who admitted his side were second best at Team Bath on Saturday, said: "Maybe Saturday was the kick up the backside we needed before the Vase game. Tomorrow is a really big game for the club. I haven't mentioned the Vase in the changing room before 5pm on Saturday, but now we're totally focussed on getting a result.

"I'm desperate to get through to the next round and I will be making sure that's the case for my players as well." Lardner believes Chippenham Town's visit to Wembley in 2000 and Taunton's recent success has given teams in the region an extra incentive to do well in the competition.

"A win would keep things ticking over until after Christmas and this won't come round again for some of the older players, myself in particular.

"It is a really big game for all of us and we've got to make sure we grasp the opportunity while we have it."