Palfreyman fires hat-trick as Melton Mowbray FC round off league season in style

In driving rain at Leicester, the visitors dominated with their passing game, with Bishop and Myring pulling the strings in midfield.

But it was GNG who had the first chance, Melton goalkeeper Cragg having to save well at his near post.

And the visitors took the lead from his subsequent kick downfield.

Hazeldine flicked on the ball for Palfreyman, who raced clear of the defence and finished with a neat half volley into the corner.

Palfreyman doubled the lead after again being set up by Hazeldine, using the wet surface to bend his shot around the goalkeeper.

Gng started the second half the better side and their lively right winger scored a great individual goal.

But Melton turned up the tempo to dominate the rest of the half. Aaron Black made it 3-1 with a shot which took a deflection and looped over the keeper. Palfreyman completed his hat trick when Bishop fed him across the box and he placed his shot into the corner.

The result moves Melton into second spot but they are likely to be passed by Sileby Town, who are a point behind but who still have games at Saffron Dynamo and at home to Friar Lane and Epworth over the next week to play.

Melton Mowbray: Cragg, Lapworth, Chaivetta, Mann, Clayton, Myring, Bishop, Black, Foster (Stapleton), Palfreyman, Hazeldine.

l Prospective new committee members or anyone interested in getting involved in Melton Mowbray FC are invited to attend the club’s AGM on May 23 at the King’s Head in Melton.