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Melton 1s 7 vs Khalsa Leamington 3s 1
Contributor: Dan Kendall
Melton’s first home game this season ended up being one of their best performances for some time, running out deserved and comfortable winners.
It was however a tight start to the game, as early possession was squandered by the Reds. Khalsa profited from the slow start, firing themselves into an early lead. It was just the wake up call the home side needed though.
Winning the ball deep in their own half, Melton broke over the half-way with some neat passing. Michael Few beat his man and played in Sam Pollard, who shot round the back of Kalsa’s defence and squared for Dan Kendall to get the equaliser. With the scores level, Melton finally started to play. Pressure high up the pitch from Dave Boyne and Andy Sibun won the ball back, allowing Archie Adams to calmly tuck the ball past the on-rushing keeper in his home debut.
2-1 at half time was a fair reflection, but Melton had gears to go up. And they went up through those gears in emphatic fashion as three quick goals put the result beyond doubt. Firstly, James Hewitt found Kendall in the area to fire home from a tight angle. The same combo worked again moments later, as Hewitt’s good run and push towards goal was deflected in for Kendall’s third.
Soon after Andy Sibun got in on the act, as good work from Nick Adams down the right put him trough on goal. Sibun made no mistake and slotted home the team’s fifth. Five became six, as the goals continued to rain. Micheal Few pounced on a clearance, swiftly moving the ball towards goal and Kendall touched the ball past the Khalsa keeper for his fourth.
There was still time for Rich Randall to pick out a great pass right through the visitor’s back line, which a diving Archie Adams converted with aplomb to get his second and Melton’s seventh.
Next week Melton play at home again against Northampton Saints, hoping to make it three wins from three.
You can see images from yesterday's game in our Melton Hockey Club gallery.