Melbourn Dynamos Panthers U12s suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat away at Ashwell Academicals.

Panthers matched their opponents in every department in a scrappy, but end to end, first half.

Every player in the Melbourn team gave their all for the first 30 minutes as Steven Day and Player of the Match, Andrew Chitty, defended superbly.

Although Ashwell had the territorial advantage, Panthers always threatened with Luke Eades, Jack Brough and Sam Austin all creating chances up front.

Even so, it was Ashwell who took the lead on 25 minutes as the ball bounced kindly for their forward to fire home with an accurate finish from just outside the penalty area.

Not to be outdone, Melbourn came straight back and equalised when a curling Brough corner found its way into the net to make it 1-1 at half time.

Spirits were high at the break as the Melbourn players could sense an upset may be on the cards in the second half. Sadly for them it wasn’t to be as they failed to keep up with the pace of the game and conceded three second half goals without reply.

Encouraging signs for Panthers who must surely pick up some valuable points soon.