Melton Town battle back to win in thriller at Leicester Atletico
Wakley wins it as Reds shine in second half
Melton Town produced an impressive second half performance to come from behind and secure a 3–2 Leicestershire Senior League victory at Leicester Atletico on Saturday, recording their second away win of the season.
Atletico made the perfect start, taking the lead with their first attack of the game.
Laabib Bashr made a determined run down the touchline before cutting inside and confidently firing into the far corner.
Melton responded well and were level just 10 minutes later.
Tom Wakley headed the ball into the hosts' penalty area, where it was only partially cleared to the edge of the box, and Jack Hickey was on hand to meet it with a superb half-volley that flew past George Robinson.
Atletico had a narrow escape when Morgan Powell delivered a free kick which Malcolm Onochte inadvertently headed towards his own goal, forcing Robinson to rely on the upright to keep the ball out.
However, Melton took the lead on the half-hour mark through debutant Powell.
Picking up possession just inside the Atletico half, he drove forward before unleashing a shot which Robinson could only parry.
Powell reacted quickest to the rebound, firing a volley beyond the stranded goalkeeper.
The hosts responded almost immediately. Bashr sent a dangerous cross into the Melton area which Alfie Bunch deflected towards his own goal, requiring a diving save from Bill Harrison.
Just three minutes later, Atletico were level.
A ball played into Bashr's feet allowed him to run at the Melton defence before unleashing a shot into the top corner to make it 2–2.
The final action of an entertaining first half almost saw Melton regain the lead.
Ollie Pearce-Smith collected the ball inside Atletico's penalty area, outmuscled Rashad Ahmed and found Hickey unmarked on the left. But his low effort flashed across goal and missed the far post by inches.
The first opportunity of the second half fell to Melton when a Pearce-Smith corner found Hickey unmarked, but he couldn't keep his effort down.
On the hour mark, Melton came close again. Powell delivered a chipped ball into the Atletico area, where Wakley, facing away from goal, cleverly headed backwards.
Unfortunately for the visitors, the ball crashed against the crossbar.
Melton's growing dominance eventually paid off in the 70th minute.
Another Powell corner caused problems in the Atletico defence, and Wakley rose powerfully to head past Robinson and put Melton back in front at 3-2.
The visitors almost extended their advantage moments later.
A long ball looked destined to run out for a goal-kick, but Hickey showed excellent determination to keep it in play, round the goalkeeper and cut inside.
However, with three Atletico defenders covering the goal line, he couldn't find a way through.
Melton continued to threaten and Kieran Oakes raced towards the byline before laying the ball back to Tom Rood.
His deep cross found Wakley unmarked at the far post, but his header drifted inches wide.
It was an entertaining, end-to-end encounter and there were plenty of encouraging signs for Melton, who are beginning to look like a confident side as the team continues to gel.
Melton return to league action with an away fixture against CFA on Saturday.