Melton Town pull off impressive cup shock

Steve Truman’s first half goal ensured Melton Town made progress in the UCL League Cup at the expense of higher level opposition.

Tony Thorpe’s men were well worth Saturday’s victory against a tough Northampton ON Chenecks, who play in the league above, the Premier Division.

And Thorpe was delighted with his team’s efforts, commenting afterwards: “Our players all put a great shift in and deserved the 1-0 victory.

“We had to shuffle a few things around with a few first team members missing but the lads that came in were brilliant.

“We created chances against a really good side.”

The Northampton side started brightly and were on the front foot from the kick-off.

But after 10 minutes Melton settled and started to play some good football through their midfield four of Jack Baker, Ben Lapworth, John Love and Shaun Smith.

And the goal was well deserved when it arrived after another spell of pressure.

Baker put an excellent ball through to Steve Truman who ran on to it and scored past the out-rushing home goalkeeper.

Melton continued to work hard and kept up the pressure on the ON Chenecks defence.

The hosts struggled to create anything themselves in reply.

Melton conceded just three corners in the first half despite being forced into a late substitution for the injured Smith.

Defensively, Melton coped well with the Northampton attackers, with Williamson, Slater, Horrobin, Mann and King standing solid.

Thorpe added: “Over the last few weeks the lads have really come together and the performances show they have been excellent in all departments.

“In the last four league games they have really come into their own.

“I feel that things are starting to improve and the results show that,

“We have to keep this work rate and desire up through to the end of the season and these players will continue to grow.

“Offensively and defensively the players are working really hard and two clean sheets in two weeks will only give the guys more confidence for the rest of the season.”

Melton Town return to Division 1 action on Saturday with a trip to Long Buckby, who are in seventh spot.