Leicester and District League Cup final
MELTON MOWBRAY 1 DESFORD 1
(AET - Desford won 4-3 on pens)

Against the side which finished second in the Premier Division, Division One Melton were put under lots of pressure for the first 15 minutes. But skipper Rob Grant marshalled his defence well, while keeper Mark Clater denied Desford.

Dave Newton and Simon Hill began to win their midfield battles and after another fine Newton tackle and Hill's good ball, Ben Stainsby opened up Desford's defence and picked out Simon Snow who blasted over.

Darren Richardson's tackle began another quick counter-attack. Rick Holmes' good cross from the right was met by Kevin Shilham who held off his man and turned and hit a half-volley from just inside the area to put Melton ahead.

Melton were awesome in defence with Richard Orme winning everything and Ryan Franklin making great defensive blocks. Just before half-time Desford's keeper made a great double save from Stainsby and Snow, while Clater made another great save to preserve Melton's lead.

Stainsby again went close after half-time and Shilham, with a dislocated finger, constantly pestered Desford. Darren Richardson was replaced by Lee Mann who gave a fine display on the left of midfield.

With about 10 minutes left, Shilham again turned his man, but his great half-volley was saved well. From the rebound, Stainsby twice saw efforts cleared off the line.

Desford raced upfield, leaving Melton isolated and a good cross was met by a header which struck the underside of the bar and crossed the line.

The next six minutes were very testing for Melton with Clater making two superb saves and Orme's important tackles forcing extra time.

Desford again pressured until Melton reshuffled the pack, putting Holmes into midfield. Holmes ran from his own half and beat several defenders, but was denied by good keeping.

Clater made the save of the game, tipping over from close range in the second half, but Melton thought they had won the game at the death when Mann worked some good space, but shot inches wide.

Desford won the penalty shoot-out, but manager Matt Curtis believed all of his players were winners. Richard Orme picked up the man-of-the-match award. Thanks to all Melton supporters who made the trip to Leicester.

Melton: M. Clater, R. Holmes, R. Orme, R. Grant (c), R. Franklin, D. Newton, K. Shilham (R. Jensh), S. Hill, B. Stainsby, S. Snow (J. Mendiros), D. Richardson ( L. Mann). Subs not used: N. Miller, D. Hazeldine, O. Hughes.