Points up for grabs in league match doubles

The two United Counties League Division One sides both face contests on Saturday and Tuesday, with the two sides eager to add to their tallies.

The division’s top two meet meet at Melton Sports Village on Saturday as Town host league leaders Long Buckby, looking to narrow the visitors’ four-point advantage.

At the same time, Holwell will be looking for three points to move them up from 13th place as they host Irchester United, currently 17th.

“Irchester are a little bit of a strange one at this time,” said Sports boss Neil Miller, who expects the visitors to pose a tougher test than their league position suggests.

“Looking at the results they have picked up has surprised us. They were one of the teams in the top six last season and I am surprised where they are and I will expect them to be looking for change of fortune and a response.

“It’s another tough challenge but we need to make sure we don’t let the league table represent who Irchester are, and ourselves for that matter.

“Apart from the Lutterworth game our results and consistency have been very good so far.”

Sports and Town will return to action on Tuesday evening, Melton away at Lutterworth Athletic and Holwell hosting Bourne Town.

Melton kept the pressure up on unbeaten Buckby this week with back-to-back victories.

Tom Harris (two), Henry Dunn and Tom Manship were on target in a 4-0 win at Irchester on Saturday, before Tuesday’s 5-2 success at basement side Burton Park Wanderers.

Harris again netted a brace with further goals from Jordan Lever, Zak Munton and Robbie Parsons.

Ryan Kirk netted the winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time to earn Holwell a 3-2 home win against Wellingborough Whitworth at the weekend, Aaron Black and Luke Peberdy also on target.

“I would suggest it was £5 well spent, probably more entertaining for the fans than myself,” joked Miller.