Melbourn Dynamos U12s were desperately unlucky to succumb to a last-minute Arlesey Town Youth winner to lose 4-3 on Sunday after playing the entire match with 10 players.

Melbourn Dynamos U12s were desperately unlucky to succumb to a last-minute Arlesey Town Youth winner to lose 4-3 on Sunday after playing the entire match with 10 players.

Arlesey took control early on as most of the first half was played out in the Melbourn half, however Luke Eades and Sam Austin created some nervy moments in the Arlesey defence with quick counter attacks.

As the game flowed from end to end it was Arlesey who took the lead with a stunning shot from outside the penalty area which curled into the top right corner. Not to be outdone, Melbourn quickly took the initiative and their perseverance paid off as they forced a mistake in the Arlesey defence which left Austin with a simple tap in for 1-1.

The game flowed from end to end but Arlesey’s pressure paid off just before half time with another powerful strike which gave Connor Patel in the Melbourn goal no chance.

The second half was pretty dominated by Melbourn as Ryan Lees won every header and tackle in the middle of the park. Melbourn continued to dominate the game with Robbie Dingwell linking up well with Eades and Austin and it was no surprise when Eades made it 2-2 with a neat strike into the corner of the net.

Melbourn continued to force the play but were cruelly caught on the counter attack as Arlesey regained the lead for the third time. Back came Panthers, though, and skillful play by Austin forced a rash challenge on him in the penalty area and from the resulting penalty Panthers missed the opportunity of a third equaliser as Lees effort went just over the bar.

Panthers persevered and finally got their reward as Eades hit an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net for 3-3. At that point Panthers looked the more likely to get the winner but Arlesey had the final say in the last minute with another brilliant strike from outside the area to take all three points.