Melton Hockey Club: Barton too strong for Fourth XI

Initial play was very even with Fowkes and Worsley working hard in Melton’s midfield.

The home defence, with Justin Harris stepping in at centre-back and young full-backs Pedlar and Joe Harris having good games, looked secure until a penalty corner strike struck Snow’s foot.

However, for the second week running Sam Harris saved the resulting penalty flick to ensure a goalless first half.

Melton were hoping to impose themselves on the second half, but were stunned when Barton took the lead with a clever deflection from one of their youngsters.

They increased their lead when a mix-up in defence left keeper Harris exposed, and a shot squeezed inside the post.

Melton pressed forward with Hyne and Archibald looking to exploit a slow Barton defence, but they were hit on the break and the game was gone.

True to character, Melton did not give up and a fierce strike from a penalty corner was stopped by a foot on the line.

Birthday boy Highton stepped up to convert, but it was too late to affect the result.

Melton: S. Harris, Joe Harris, Justin Harris, O. Nash, J. Fowkes, A. Pedlar, TL Hyne, H. Snow, C. Archibald, J. Highton, C. Worsley.