HOBBS DOES THE JOB FOR TOWN

MELKSHAM TOWN didn’t disappoint a record crowd as two early goals moved them into the quarter finals of the FA Vase.

Mike Perrott and Rob Hobbs both netted inside the first 14 minutes and, despite Tring Athletic constantly battling, the Western Premier hosts held their lead to progress.

Having battled a journey of over 100 miles to reach the south-west, Spartan South Midlands Premier side Athletic perhaps left their boots on the coach for the first 20 minutes.

It was a spell which the home team dominated and they got their rewards.

Gary Higdon headed on a free-kick and Perrott was there to nod home at the far post just ahead of Tring keeper Jack Hopwood.

Just six minutes later, the lead was doubled and Melksham had one boot in the last eight.

A corner was headed back across goal by Higdon and Hobbs pounced to get the majority of the 1,236 in attendance dreaming of a trip to Wembley.

Town’s physical presence was always a threat to Tring but the visitors slowly got themselves back into the game, forcing a number of corners.

Luke Dunston had an effort blocked as Tring got the better of the remainder of the first 45 minutes.

And they grabbed a goal five minutes before the break as Dunston went on a mazy run before finishing neatly in the bottom corner.

Athletic came millimetres away from levelling the tie three minutes after the restart.

A free-kick from the left was swung into the box, Dave O’Connor met it but he could only find the frame of the goal.

Higdon should have made it more comfortable for the hosts when he shot just wide and the tall striker had an even stronger chance moments later when he headed wide when arguably better placed.

Tring did pile forward in the final moments with Mark Riddick having a volley well saved by Rob Brown in added time, but it’s Melksham who go into Monday’s quarter final draw.