Devizes Town secured a hard-earned 2-1 win over Melksham Town in their FA Cup first qualifying round meeting on 22 August 2026, coming out on top in a local derby that produced plenty of tension and no shortage of commitment.

The result sends Devizes Town through to the next stage of the competition, while Melksham Town are left to rue what might have been after trailing early and pushing hard for an equaliser late on.

Devizes make a fast start

Devizes Town started the brighter of the two sides and took the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour. A strong run through the middle ended with a low drive into the bottom corner, giving the home side the early advantage and setting the tone for a fiercely contested tie.

Melksham Town were not overawed, though, and gradually worked their way into the game. They began to create more chances as the half wore on, forcing a couple of sharp saves from the Devizes goalkeeper. Just before the interval, the away side got their reward, heading in from a corner to make it 1-1.

Second-half winner sends Devizes through

The second half was a more cautious affair as both teams sought to avoid elimination. Devizes Town regained control when a precise strike from a central position found the top corner midway through the half, making it 2-1 and prompting a late surge from the visitors.

Melksham Town threw men forward in the final ten minutes and created one or two half-chances, but the Devizes defence stood firm to secure the win. The full-time whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory and a place in the next round for the home side.

Result analysis

This was a typical FA Cup tie where the clinical moments decided the outcome. Devizes Town made fewer mistakes and found the back of the net at crucial times, while Melksham Town’s failure to capitalise on their periods of possession proved costly.

The victory will give Devizes Town plenty of belief as they look ahead to the next round, and for fans of non-league football, it was a reminder of the drama the FA Cup always delivers.