New-look Melton Town see off Friar Lane & Epworth for first win of the season

Melton Town recorded their first Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division win of the season with a hard-fought 1–0 home victory over Friar Lane & Epworth on Saturday.

With five new debutants introduced into a much-changed starting line-up, Melton were hoping for an improved performance to halt their disappointing start to the campaign—and they delivered.

The hosts were on the front foot from the opening whistle. In the sixth minute, Harry Clarke played a through ball to Cristian Bottini, who used his pace to beat Finley Kelly before forcing a good save from James Hayes at a tight angle.

Bottini was causing constant problems and went close again four minutes later, racing into the box before seeing his powerful effort saved.

Moments later, David Briggs broke down the right and sent a low ball across the face of goal, but Bottini could only smash his effort against the post.

In the 15th minute, Bottini once again beat the offside trap, but with Hayes narrowing the angle, his shot went inches wide.

Friar Lane's first effort came a minute later when Jurelle Philip broke clear and squared the ball to Jayde Abbas, whose effort was well saved by Harrison Eleg-Gaunt.

Melton continued to threaten, with Mo Sumra firing narrowly wide following a quick break.

The visitors then came close to breaking the deadlock just after the half-hour mark when Bradley Young delivered a deep cross to an unmarked teammate three yards from goal, but the resulting header sailed over.

Melton responded immediately. A poor clearance fell to Clarke, whose rasping drive flashed across goal and narrowly missed the far post.

Just before half-time, Briggs outmuscled Ryan Patel before testing Hayes from the edge of the box, the keeper parried the effort, and Mikey Baird collected the rebound 20 yards out, only to see his first-time strike shave the outside of the post.

Melton continued to dominate possession after the interval and finally got their reward in the 52nd minute.

Sumra made a driving run down the wing before finding Briggs, whose shot was deflected into the path of Bottini.

His follow-up was saved, but from the resulting corner Melton made the breakthrough.

The ball was delivered to the far post, where Tom Rood rose highest to send a looping header into the top corner and give Melton a deserved lead.

Friar Lane responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, with Joe French firing a speculative effort over following a scramble in the Melton half.

Melton came close to doubling their advantage in the 86th minute when Baird raced into the box and found Clarke, whose shot was well saved.

Deep into injury time, the visitors almost snatched a point. A long throw found French, whose header beat Eleg-Gaunt but struck the upright.

Melton held on to secure a much-improved performance and a well-deserved three points.

The five debutants certainly made the impact manager Rob Peet had hoped for, providing plenty of encouragement for the games ahead.

Melton will now travel to Hathern on Saturday, looking to build on this result and maintain their momentum.

Also, Melton’s U12 MJPL team finished third at the weekend’s All Stars Super Cup at St George’s Park.

A fantastic tournament saw them top their group after winning all three games without conceding a goal.

They then drew 0-0 in the semi-final, narrowly missing out on the final after a penalty shoot-out.

They bounced back strongly to win the thrd place play-off 1-0, finishing the tournament without conceding a single goal all day.