Spirited Melton Town suffer FA Cup defeat at Quorn

A sell out crowd ventured out for the first competitive game of the season after a five-month break.

The contest saw Melton visit local rivals Quorn, who were second in the UCL Premier League last season when action came to a halt.

Melton came out of the traps first and should have taken the lead in the first five minutes when Hammond found himself clear on goal after Parsons played a great pass from the area, but his final touch sent the ball just wide.

A misplaced pass out of defence by Melton saw Hart pouncing onto a loose ball but he couldn’t keep his shot down.

Parsons had a run at the Quorn defence and from the byline fired in a low shot which Culverwell had to parry away for a corner.

The match became a midfield battle and both defences preventing any clear chances.

Midway through the first half a Melton quick throw-in had Hammond playing in Munton but his turn and shot went inches over the bar.

Whyman dragged a scuffed shot wide for the hosts and Leon Fray attempted to lob the keeper from inside Melton’s half, which had Culverwell scrambling backwards only for the ball to miss the net by a whisker.

Mwanyongo intercepted a pass and flashed a shot just over the bar and Hammond passed a ball to Munton between the centre Backs, which found him one on one with the keeper, but Culverwell pulled off a point blank save.

The deadlock was broken in the 41st minute when a ball into the area found Hart, who quickly turned and Johnson’s trip on him was given as a penalty.

Hart tucked the ball away low to his left.

The hosts started the second half on top with Hart finding his shot being blocked on the line.

Quorn extended their lead on the hour mark when a corner found Hart a the back of the box and his low shot gave Johnson no chance.

Minutes later Melton should have reduced the arrears when a one two between Woolley and Munton found the latter clean on goal, but his shot was straight at the keeper.

Parsons collected a ball played over the top of the defence but the keeper managed to deflect his fierce shot past the post.

Quorn started to make the better chances with Hart winning a 50-50 ball with the keeper which needed a Wilson clearance off the line.

Shodunke then had Quinn at full stretch to save a certain third goal and Phillip hit the bar from 25 yards out after Whyman’s rasping shot was parried out by Johnson.

The final 15 minutes belonged to Melton as they pressed for a goal.

A Lever free kick was floated in which found Munton, whose header was well saved.

Munton also had an effort which found the side netting.

The final bit of action saw a long ball to the back post and Astills header being well saved by Culverwood.

In an even match the Premier League team took their chances to win the match.

TOWN: Johnson, Storey, Beaver, Manship (Astill), Wiulson, Fray, Lever, Bucalossi, Hammond (Woolley), Parson (Harris), Munton.