MELKSHAM boss Wayne Thorne’s mood went from delight to despair on Monday as his side threw away a lead at home to reigning league champions Bitton.

David Thompson’s first half goal put the Conigre club in front and was reward for a fine spell of play in which they out-player Bitton in all areas of the pitch.

Thorne’s side then conceded a goal either side of the break to fall behind but striker Nat Auckland restored the balance on 60 minutes.

Lee Stoddart should have put Melksham in front after that but missed a routine chance and gave Bitton the impetus to go on and score two late goals to kill off the contest.

“For the first 30 minutes we were outstanding and it’s as well as a team of mine has played,” said Thorne, who pulled his squad in for an impromtu training session as punishment on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately scoring the goal when we did was the worst thing that could have happened to us as the lads then stopped doing what put them in front.

“We asked them to raise the tempo again at half-time but we weren’t able to.

“There were a few home truths in the dressing room afterwards as you can’t only play for 30 minutes and expect to win.

“Some people in the dressing room mentioned fitness but I think it was more a lack of experience and naivety.

“We had a hard pre-season and are only three games in so that’s an easy way out.”

They host Marlow United in the FA Vase on Saturday.