The following written by Mark Jeffery, Melksham Town’s secretary, was posted onto Melksham Town’s web-site on Sunday and is re-produced here for Rovers fans information. Their good wishes for the season ahead are welcomed.
Reflections /Appreciation Melksham Town v Bristol Rovers
So Bristol Rovers led by manager Darrell Clarke became the first pro side to feature at The Oakfields when they brought effectively their first team squad to Melksham and ran out 6-1 winners with goals from Gaffney 3 Harrison Bodin and Sercombe with a penalty from Davidson being the home sides consolation .
A crowd of nigh on 1,500 (1476) witnessed the game and the many Rovers fans in the crowd seemed to enjoy the day with some good weather and a pint in their hand no doubt helping .Of course the home clubs finances received a greatly appreciated pre season boost to help with not inconsiderable costs of running a complex such as the Oakfields.
The Rovers management and players made themselves available for autographs and photos after the game before going back to the dressing room ,far removed from their Premier League counterparts who to most of us seem to live in a different world and detached from the real fans.
Rovers Darrell Clarke and his players were very complimentary about the playing surface at The Oakfields and credit for this is due to Paul Brickley ,Keith Kirk and others who give up their time without payment to tender for their pride and joy and it looks like this is a preseason fixture that can be replicated next season .
From the Town’s point of view this was new manager’s Kieran Baggs first game at the helm and not a bad fixture to start with . With the result not crucial he was able to blood some youngsters which augurs well for the future .
Pre match Darrell Clarke officially opened
the newly named Presidents Suite and is was fitting that loyal Town servants and current joint Presidents Mick Perrin and Dave Phillips were there to witness the event before they sat themselves on the turnstile to collect the tickets and gate monies in true non league style .
So a great day was had by all and a big heartfelt thank you goes to all who made the day a success in however way they supported ,with Towns new Seniors Chairman Darren Perrin instrumental in getting the fixture arranged at the outset
Finally thanks to the Directors , Management Team ,players and supporters of Bristol Rovers who made the trip up to Melksham , we appreciate your generosity and wish you well for the season and hope to see you all next pre season .
Mark Jeffery (Secretary)