MELKSHAM Town boss Kieran Baggs admits his players have to get used to clubs opting to play for a point when they visit Oakfields.

The Toolstation League Premier Division side had to mount a late charge at the weekend, scoring three goals in the last 10 minutes to see off strugglers Hallen at home.

Luke Ballinger’s free-kick sailed into the net following a deflection from a visiting defender, before goals from Gary Higdon and Joe Lyons sealed the victory.

Facing a resolute opposition has been a recurring theme for Baggs and his outfit so far this season and he says it is something his troops will just have to put up with if they are to be successful.

“It is a familiar feeling, when anyone comes to Oakfields this season, they almost set up not to lose,” he said.

“They set up so they are hard to beat, we take that as a compliment and sometimes it takes a little bit longer than we would like to make the breakthrough.

“There was only ever one team in the game, I don’t think they had a shot on goal but they worked hard and were a very honest side.

“We should have had a goal in the first half but it was about being patient. In the end we got a bit lucky but we kicked on and got another two goals.

“It is just one of those things, you see it at the very top level and it works all the way down to the bottom.”

There was some debate to whether Lyons’ superb strike was wholly intentional, but the Melksham manager was keen to praise the goal scorer who has settled in well since arriving from Larkhall Athletic.

“Lyons assures me it was a shot, there has been a poll on social media but I’m going to have to take his word, it was a very good strike,” said Baggs, who is looking to close the gap on the league’s top three.

“He has also been a fantastic character since he arrived at the club and probably deserved a bit of luck if it was a cross or a shot.

“Now we go into the busy Christmas period with a fully-fit squad, we are on a really good run at the moment, but it just so happens Bradford Town and Willand Rovers are too.

“It’s a long season and there will be many more twists and turns to come. In the last few years we have been able to finish our seasons strongly, so hopefully we will be able to keep that up this year.”