Melton Hockey Club: First XI slip as Berkswell scrap for survival

It was clear to see from the first minute that the game was going to be anything but straightforward.

With Melton safe and looking at a mid-table finish, the home side were much the hungrier with the threat of relegation hanging over them.

The first half played out in frantic fashion, with both sides going close.

The game was on a knife-edge when Berkswell opened the scoring. Despite not looking in any great danger, a few deflections left a home player free in the area to convert.

Melton rallied and a quick breakaway from Durrant and Kendall linked up with Pollard. His shot was saved by the keeper, but the ball ran loose and Kendall levelled the scores as he slotted home.

It should have been a springboard to go on, but a mixture of resilient defending and good goalkeeping kept Berkswell in the game.

With the result looking like it could go either way, it was the home side that converted a short-corner to retake the lead.

Melton flooded forwards in the remaining minutes, but eventually it was Berkswell who put the game beyond doubt, scoring with a penalty flick, after the unlucky Brown was hit by the ball on the goal-line.

Melton play their final home game, and their penultimate league game of the season, on Saturday against Tamworth. Starts 12.30pm.