Melton Foxes U17s put six past rivals Loughborough

Foxes created early danger, and when Cameron Steans’ through ball sent Shaun Smith clear, the striker flashed his shot past the post.

Dynamo were spurred into action and went ahead when their striker headed home unmarked.

But Foxes were level five minutes later when Cameron Ainge benefitted from Smith’s hard work to blast in a shot off the underside of the bar.

Smith saw a super header tipped over as Melton gained control, but Dynamo retook the lead shortly after half-time.

A huge clearance bounced in the Foxes’ goalmouth and when keeper Connor McNeight failed to collect, the ball was headed in from close range.

Horobin’s fine run and pass put Smith clear and the striker blasted home from six yards to level again.

Foxes finally got themselves in front on the hour when Horobin rose to meet Lauchlan’s free-kick and sent a tremendous header past the keeper.

Three minutes later, Smith capitalised on a bad goalkeeping error to make it 4-2, and then fired home from close range to seal his hat-trick.

Smith then turned provider, breaking on the left before crossing low to Steans who just failed to turn the ball home, but Lewis Thorpe nipped in the drive home from six yards.

Foxes: C. McNeight, J. Bates, A. Lauchlan, G. Wilkinson, A. Kotarba, C. Steans, A. Walker, A. Horobin, B. Carroll, C. Steans, S. Smith, H. Mayes, L. Thorpe.