Exmouth Town welcome Melksham Town to their Circle of Care Community Stadium this Saturday as they look to extend their unbeaten run, writes John Dibsdall. Melksham won the reverse fixture 2-0 but Town did the double over the Wiltshire side last season.

Last Wednesday, Town were left frustrated when they could only draw 1-1 with Bishops Cleeve, despite the visitors ending the game with only nine men.

The first half was competitive but Town were left to rue three glorious chances as the sides went into the break goalless. Two excellent crosses from Ben Steer saw first Merson Ham and then Ace High head over when unchallenged and Aarron Denny also saw his effort clear the crossbar with a drive from the edge of the penalty box.

The visitors forced a great save from Chris Wright, making his 100th appearance, to keep his goal intact as a forward broke clear on the stroke of half time.

Town were quickly on the front foot at the start of the second half and were awarded a penalty when Denny was scythed down after twisting past defenders and goalkeeper. Joe Belsten saw his initial penalty saved but followed up to force the ball home and give Town the lead.

With the player sent off for the challenge on Denny, the visitors were then quickly down to nine men following a second yellow card for dissent but this seemed to galvanize the away side, who equalized on 60 minutes with a fine strike into the top corner.

Steer had an excellent chance to restore the lead but saw his effort saved but, in general, Town were laboured in their efforts in trying to open up a resolute and determined defence. Tom Bath came closest with a header that narrowly missed the post and, whilst it felt like two points dropped, the point gained could prove to be crucial in their fight to avoid relegation.

Their nearest rivals, Paulton Rovers, have recently appointed a new manager, who has moved quickly to bolster his squad but they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Bashley on Saturday and remain two points behind Town with one game in hand.

Paulton were in action at play off chasing Evesham on Tuesday evening and this Saturday they are home to Bemerton Heath Harlequins.