Melton Town vs Leicester City Women showcase draws big crowd

Melton Town and Leicester City Women pose for a mixed team picture before their landmark match EMN-190717-141147002

Following on from their 2-1 defeat to Premier Division side Deeping Rangers on Friday, Town gave minutes to a squad of 19 as they beat the FA Women’s Championship side 4-0.

But like all pre-season matches, the performance and the minutes on the pitch carried greater weight for the two managers than the result.

The match is believed to have been a first and was another tick for Town’s ambition to attract greater interest in the club from the wider town.

Cameron Gilchrist leads Melton out with mascots EMN-190717-141209002

“It couldn’t have gone any better really, and the whole thing was a good occasion,” said Melton manager Tom Manship.

“They gave us a good game and I think their manager was really pleased with the outcome.

“We gave them respect, and for our players the match served its purpose really well. I would be keen to repeat the fixture again.”

A demanding pre-season schedule next pits Melton against Midland Football League Premier side Gresley on Thursday followed by a rematch with County Cup winners Heather St Johns on Tuesday before a Notts County XI visit next Thursday.

All matches are at home and kick off at 7.30pm.