MANAGERLESS Sarum Youth Seniors were left nursing a 3-1 defeat to promotion-chasers Melksham Town following a turbulent week at Castle Meadows.

Experienced goalkeeper Chris Brown stepped in as caretaker manager for the clash, after Dan Cousins resigned three months into his short-lived tenure in Wiltshire League Premier Division.

Sarum sent out a side that showed an emphasis on organisation, shape and discipline and stood firm as Melksham started on the front foot, but they could not find a way past the Sarum defence, who were imperious all afternoon.

Sarum continued to frustrate the away side, allowing them no space to play, and always looked dangerous on the break, trying to use striker Mikey Joy when possible, But to the hosts’ dismay, it was Melksham who took the lead when their striker produced a stunning finish from outside the box.

Sarum, however, showed much courage and a piledriver set-piece from menacing striker Archie Lovegrove landed in the net.

Melksham, clearly frustrated by the quality of defending from Sarum, went back on the front foot and keeper Brown had to be alert.

Firstly to a well-struck shot that looked destined for the top corner and then moments later had his reactions tested again, saving from close range.

The second half started similarly to the first, with Melksham on the front foot, but Sarum stood firm. But 15 minutes into the second half, they conceded an unlucky goal. Melksham whipped in a dangerous cross, and the striker’s header was deflected several times, before agonisingly crossing the goal line to make the score 2-1.

Sarum pushed forward for an equaliser but as they surged forward, they suffered heartbreak 10 minutes from time when a visiting striker wasn’t closed down quickly enough and fired past a despair caretaker manager Brown.

He said: “With what’s happened this week it was always going to be difficult and Melksham are second in the league for a reason.”

“We had a game plan to try and frustrate them then hit them on the break, but in the end they just had a little bit too much quality, although I think 3-1 does flatter them slightly. To a man we were excellent, and I want to thank the lads for listening to how I wanted us to play, and putting that into place. If we continue to put in performances like that I am confident we will start to climb the table.”

Sarum host of Vale of Pewsey on Saturday (2.15pm).