Melton hockey: Rare Brookes goal earns much-needed win

Melton Hockey Club Firsts finally returned to winning ways in the East Midlands Premier with a hard-fought home win over Berkswell and Balsall on Saturday.
Andy Brown on the charge for Melton Firsts against Berkswell EMN-161129-141629002Andy Brown on the charge for Melton Firsts against Berkswell EMN-161129-141629002
Andy Brown on the charge for Melton Firsts against Berkswell EMN-161129-141629002

Piling on the pressure from the first minute, Melton went close on a number of occasions before Hewitt struck with a neat short corner finish.

The goal woke the visitors up, and they went close themselves with Eden pulling off a smart save from a one-on-one.

Berkswell eventually levelled with a scrappy goal, perhaps highlighting Melton’s fragile confidence after recent weeks.

But despite this setback, Melton rallied. Clever work from Cramphorn and Pollard fashioned a chance which the former tucked away with aplomb.

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with Melton pressing in an attempt to finish off the game.

After good work by Lark and Hewitt down the right, Berkswell failed to clear a cross. The ball fell to Brookes who slotted home his first goal in 11 years.

The visitors responded in fine fashion, forcing Melton back for most of the remainder of the match.

When they managed to reduce their arrears to 3-2, Melton looked visibly panicked.

But as has all too often happened against Melton this season, the home team managed to sneak a goal against the run of play.

Good work from Dudders sent Pollard racing through on goal to rounded the keeper and tuck home a composed finish.

Melton travel to Tamworth on Saturday, looking to push on in their remaining two fixtures before the winter break.

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