Melksham Town 0–1 Cirencester Town

Cirencester Town finished their league season in second place courtesy of a late Michael Pook penalty at Melksham Town.

The Centurions made the comparatively short journey to Melksham and their victory coupled with favourable results elsewhere promoted them to second which secured them a home tie against Cinderford Town in the play-offs.

The game started at a very lively pace, despite the strong swirling wind that made control difficult, with some determined defending from Cirencester at one end followed by an Alan Griffin header wide of the left post at the other.

The visitors were having plenty of possession as they worked the ball down their flanks but were finding it difficult to get their shots away leading to quick counter attacks from their hosts.

During a hectic half both ‘keepers were in action as Sam Thomson denied Owen Windsor twice and Sam Ayres produced a reflex save to push Danny King’s header over his crossbar.

Just before the interval Jordan Morris managed to nick the ball off the head of Warren Maidment as he closed in at the back post.

After the break Cirencester pressed but still could not find a way through as a Tommy Anderson header was caught just under the top right corner and Griffin came close three times – the last one saved by the ‘keeper’s legs.

As the game entered the last 5 minutes Jack Freeman struck a fierce volley that Thomson parried and then on the stroke of 90 minutes a controversial decision by referee Andrew Hobbs led to a penalty kick and Red Card for the ‘keeper.

Pook scored from the spot to secure victory and ultimately second place in the league.

They will face Cinderford on Wednesday, May 1 at the Corinium Stadium at 7.45pm.