Melton Hockey Club: Third XI hold leaders Barton to deserved draw

Johnson had two clear chances for Melton, but shot well wide before he took the ball off the end of Taylor’s stick and finished sharply to give the home side a narrow half-time lead.

Melton’s midfield of Cramphorn, Stanley and Exton were playing well, but they were disrupted at the start of the second half by an injury to Nossub.

Despite the setback they increased their lead when Parker slipped the ball to Icely who swept the ball into the bottom corner.

Barton’s very experienced outfit responded, taking advantage of some unsuccessful aerials from Melton to reduce the arrears following an incisive attack and shot into the roof of the net which gave Cliffe no chance.

The visitors mounted further pressure and equalised when a squared ball left Cliffe stranded. A fair result in an excellent game.

* The Fourth XI travelled to Barton and went down 2-0 in a rather sluggish display.

An error from stand-in keeper Snow gifted the home team a first-half lead.

Play was very even, but Barton’s youngsters showed better basic skills and an appetite for the game.

John did make some promising runs up front, but Melton were definitely second best.

Evan Shelton made two good goal-line saves before poor umpiring awarded Barton a penalty corner which they converted.