Key defender re-signs for Melton Mowbray FC

Title-chasing Melton Mowbray have had a welcome boost for the season’s run-in with the return to the club of a key defender.

Leon Fray, who was voted player of the year last season, has re-signed after leaving Bardon Hill.

He moved to the Midlands League premier division outfit to play at a higher level of football but he is now back at Melton.

Fray will be in the squad tomorrow (Saturday) for the tough home game with fellow high-fliers, Ingles, as the hosts look to build on last weekend’s impressive 5-0 victory at bottom side Desford.

Melton co-manager Matt Curtis said: “We are delighted to have Leon back at the club.

“He was our player of the year last season so he is a good addition to the squad.

“Leon decided to come back to play for us because work commitments were making it difficult for him to play over there.”

Melton’s crushing win at the weekend was partly down to the performance of Aaron Black, who hit a hat-trick after being switched from midfield to the striking role which saw him end as top scorer last season. He may play there again this Saturday.

Co-boss Curtis knows his side must continue winning to contest the league championship.

Melton are 14 points off the top but have five games in hand on leaders Sileby Town and three on second-placed Birstall United.

“We have just got to win all of our games in hand to stand a chance of going up,” added Curtis.

l Holwell Sports are preparing to take on second-placed St Andrews at The Stute on Saturday afternoon.

Sports are showing improved form of late and were unlucky not to win at Gedling Miners Welfare last weekend.

Simon Daws’ men came back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2, only to concede a late equaliser. He said: “We’ve got a full squad to choose from this weekend and I would like to think we can take at least a point off St Andrews.

“We have sometimes played better against better opposition and I’m hoping we can do that again.”

Daws added: “The players have looked a lot more confident in the last five games and I’m confident we can get up the table.”