Melton Hockey: First XI floored by Ashby sucker-punch

After a frenetic start to the East Midlands Premier Division match, Ashby’s threat was realised when a series of Melton mistakes gifted the visitors the first goal.

Melton rallied, restoring parity when Hewitt scored his maiden first team goal with a low flick.

The hosts pressed on with Taylor and Durrant both going close to giving Melton what would have been a deserved lead.

But the story of Melton’s season has been too many missed chances coupled with too many defensive errors.

And once again the two elements combined to give Ashby he lead once more when a loose ball in the penalty area was converted.

A third goal followed, leaving Melton a little dejected at half-time.

But following a stirring team-talk, the home side reacted positively and the second half became one-way traffic as they looked to get back into the game.

The pressure eventually told when Durrant ran through on goal and lobbed expertly over the onrushing goalkeeper.

Melton ramped up the pressure as they sought an equaliser and Ashby were reduced to 10 men when Hewitt was deliberately brought down as he ran through on goal.

Almost inevitably, however, the hosts were caught out by a rare counter-attacks as Ashby added a sucker-punch fourth goal.

The game ended in disappointment, and Melton now have a weekend without a game before they can put things right.