Cooper late show sees Melbourn through to next round

Lower Junior Cup

Melbourn 1

Foxton Res 0

A LAST-GASP Russell Cooper winner saw Melbourn progress to the next round of the Lower Junior Cup after seeing off Foxton Reserves.

Foxton, who play in the league above Melbourn, started the match well but found John Sell a tough nut to crack at the heart of the defence and as a result chances were at a premium.

Melbourn were forced to defend a series of corners midway through the half, including one that was headed against the crossbar, and solid goalkeeping from Steve Wilkins ensured Foxton were kept at bay.

As the half closed, Melbourn thought they had taken the lead when captain Rhett Monahan headed home a Simon Carse free-kick, but the goal was chalked off for an infringement.

The second half saw the welcoming site of Ash Bryan following recovery from injury, and his presence and experience alongside Sell meant Foxton rarely threatened the Melbourn goal again. Melbourn took the game to Foxton and as the half continued there looked to be only one team that would win.

Further substitutes Lee Edmans and Tom Walker both went close, with the latter striking the cross bar with a rasping 25-yard drive.

The winning goal came in the final minute when a quickly taken throw caught the visitors cold and as they failed to clear, Walker headed high into the box. The tireless Ian Burt flicked the ball on and Cooper pounced to finish from the edge of the six yard box.

Foxton barely had time to kick off and Melbourn were through.

Melbourn return to league action away to rivals Barrington Reserves this Saturday.

Melbourn: S Wilkins; Smith, Sell, Monahan, Collen; Lury (Edmans), Huzzey (Bryan), Burt, Carse (Walker); D Wilkins, Cooper.