PLAYER-manager Robbie Lardner grabbed the winner against his former club as Melksham Town registered their second victory in a row at The Conigre on Saturday.

Lardner converted a Frank Coleman cross 15 minutes from time to continue his side's climb up the Screwfix Direct League Premier Division table.

The home side could have gone ahead in the second minute when captain Steve Seals headed wide of the target from five yards.

Melksham were not having things all their own way and Odd Down gave a reminder of their intentions when they hit the bar moments later.

Lardner should have put his side in front from a Ben Sammut cross and striker Matty Messenger had a header cleared off the line as Melksham continued to press.

Matty Bown flashed a shot wide before Lardner headed home substitute Coleman's cross on 75 minutes to clinch all three points for his side.

Lardner, who was Vic Flippance's assistant at Odd Down before moving to The Conigre in 2000, was pleased to have come out on top after a close battle.

He said: "It was a hard game and we knew it would be. They played some nice football without ever really hurting us.

"We had the clearer chances and got the goal. I think we probably deserved to win on chances alone in the end."

The player-boss was delighted to score after firing blanks in recent matches and felt his side had defended well to keep their second clean sheet in as many matches.

Said Lardner: "It was nice to score because I've been missing a few recently, but it was just good for the team to get the three points.

"We have been absolutely superb as a team defensively. Last year we were perhaps more attractive to watch, but the team of players we have now are giving it everything they've got.We've got a couple of games in hand. We want to keep the run going."

Melksham will be looking to continue their improved form tomorrow when they travel to Bath University to take on First Division champions Team Bath.