Stylish Melton Mowbray turn up the heat in Senior League title race

There were doubts over whether the game would go ahead with standing water all over the pitch, but Melton were glad of the officials’ decision as they put in an epic display at the fourth-placed hosts.

The visitors started at a terrific tempo with Myring and Baker buzzing in midfield and pulling the strings, winning back possession to put Melton on the front foot.

Palfreyman had the first effort on goal when put clean through, but he could only shoot straight at the keeper.

Melton continued to press and opened the scoring when Aaron Black whizzed down the right and played the ball across the area for Jack Baker to run on and calmly slot home from 10 yards.

They soon increased their lead when Aidan Black showed terrific footwork on the left with a Cruyff-like turn.

Totally bemusing two opponents, Black then laid the ball to Jake Wain whose wonderful strike beat a helpless keeper on its way into the roof of the net.

Melton should have added to their lead when more great play freed Shannon Myring who was fouled in he area. Palfreyman sent the keeper the wrong way with the penalty, but put his kick just wide.

An unmarked Leon Fray headed over from a corner before Aidan Black made it 3-0 on 30 minutes after another free-flowing passing move, collecting Baker’s pass and sending a slick finish into the far corner of the goal.

Melton continued to outplay their hosts and Aaron Black’s simple tap-in from Palfreyman’s assist made it 4-0 at half-time.

Blaby started the second half at a better tempo, but Melton’s defence again stood firm with Leon and Levi Fray, Kieran Foster and Kieran Clayton looking unbeatable.

And when called upon, keeper Richard Cragg always looked comfortable when coming for crosses.

Melton put the game to bed on the hour with yet another classy passing move.

Baker played a one-two in midfield with Palfreyman before releasing Wain who smashed a shot under the keeper.

The visitors could quite easily have added to their tally with Palfreyman having two more decent efforts saved, but Melton should take great pride in their performance.

The result piled the pressure on the top two with Melton five points adrift of leaders Sileby with two games in hand, and four behind Birstall having played a game less.

Melton will meet Blaby for the second time in four days on Saturday when they host them in the reverse fixture at Hoby Road, Asfordby. Kick-off 3pm.

Man-of-the-match, sponsored by Thornton’s Tyres, was shared between the whole team.

Melton: Cragg, Levi Fray, Foster, Leon Fray, Clayton, Myring (Chiavetto), Baker, Aaron Black (Mann), Aidan Black, Wain (Lapworth), Palfreyman.