Melton Town still looking for first away point after defeat at Hathern

Melton Town remain pointless on their travels after suffering their fourth defeat in their opening five matches of the Leicestershire Senior League season, despite putting in another improved performance in Saturday's 2-1 loss at Hathern.

It was a tentative opening from both sides as they took time to adjust to the sticky pitch, with the first real chance arriving in the 13th minute.

Harry Clarke slipped the ball through to Ollie Pearce-Smith, but his low effort went inches wide of the post.

Hathern registered their first effort on goal in the 21st minute.

A long clearance found Joel Crookes, who drove towards the edge of the area before laying the ball off to Chris Davis, his curling effort needing a good save from Harrison Eley-Gaunt.

Halfway through the first half, Melton goalkeeper Eley-Gaunt picked out Jack Hickey with a long pass.

His flick-on sent Clarke towards goal and he found Pearce-Smith, whose effort from a tight angle was well saved by Dan Owen at his near post.

Melton came close again two minutes later following a quick break.

Pearce-Smith raced down the left before cutting the ball back from the by-line to find Hickey unmarked, but his powerful effort flew just the wrong side of the upright.

Just after the half-hour mark, Jake Davies found himself with the ball on the edge of the Melton area. He struck the ball well, but Eley-Gaunt produced another good stop.

The first real action of the second half nearly saw Melton take the lead.

Pearce-Smith cut in from the left and sent a low shot towards goal which took a deflection off Liam Bailey and shaved the crossbar.

Minutes later, Hathern almost broke the deadlock themselves.

A ball was sent into the Melton box and Izaak Longley’s half-volley smashed against the post.

What followed was a frantic scramble in the area, with Eley-Gaunt making two saves to keep the scores level.

But the deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute.

A Melton free-kick was delivered into the area and Owen was forced into two blocks on the line.

During the resulting melee, Clarke was brought down and the referee pointed to the spot.

Clarke dusted himself down, stepped up and confidently smashed the penalty underneath the keeper to put Melton ahead.

Melton nearly doubled their advantage on the hour mark when Kieran Oakes went down the side of the box before cutting the ball back to Clarke.

His curling effort looked destined for the corner, but Owen produced a brilliant save to keep Hathern in the game.

The hosts began to dominate as they searched for an equaliser and, in the 67th minute, they came close again.

A long ball over the top caught the Melton defence out and Davis beat the offside trap.

His sliding effort required a quick reaction from Eley-Gaunt, who managed to get a touch and divert it behind for a corner.

However, the equaliser did arrive in the 69th minute.

A ball down the right found Jack McLachlan, who drove forward before delivering a cross into the area and Davies was on hand to tap home from three yards.

Hathern continued to push and completed the turnaround in the 81st minute.

Melton conceded a free-kick on the edge of the area and Carrick Willcock stepped up, sending a superb strike into the top corner to give the hosts the lead.

Melton pushed for a way back into the game but could not find a late equaliser.

Both teams probably deserved a point from an entertaining contest, but Hathern took their opportunities when they mattered.

Despite another defeat, Melton's performances continue to improve and there are plenty of encouraging signs.

Melton Town are back at home on Saturday when Lutterworth Athletic Reserves visit.