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27th January 2007

Away-day success for thirds

Melton 3rd XI  1  Coalville Town 3rd XI  3

DTZ 3rd XI East Midlands Division One

Coalville maintained their lead at the top of the DTZ East Midlands Division One after coming from behind to beat an improving Melton side at King Edward VII School in Melton.

It was no less than Town deserved after a battling display that could have seen Coalville win by a bigger margin.

Melton settled first though and played some good passing hockey that took Coalville time to come to grips. It was in the early stages that the home side went in front with a well worked goal, but that only spurred Coalville on to show their true form.

Coalville had several chances to level the game, with a free hit from Darren Conway putting Carl Clay in on goal, only to see the Melton keeper make a good save. Dave Mee saw a reverse stick effort go inches wide too.

But Coalville's pressure had to pay off, and eventually it did when a good passing move allowed Clay to blast home into the bottom corner to level the game up at 1-1.

Town pushed Simon Wyatt further forward to join the midfield after the break, and with the old head of Simon Calkin at his very best in the centre of defence, it was clear that Melton would have to up their game even further to stay on terms with Coalville.

Within two minutes of the restart, the changes had their effect. Coalville won a penalty corner and the ball was played into the path of Simon Clare. Clare, who only scores one goal every seven years, must have felt a nosebleed coming on. He hit a shot at goal, but the keeper saved it. The rebound was kind though, and Clare was on hand to push the ball home for a rare goal that put Town 2-1 up.

Coalville continued to pile it on after this, and 10 minutes later Melton cracked again. Clay produced a trademark drag flick at a penalty corner which the Melton keeper did well to save, but Mark Webster was on hand to fire home the rebound.

Mee and Clay both had chances to further extend the lead after this, but these went begging. But it didn't really matter - the win keeps Town at least three points clear at the top.