Holders Melbourn out of Creake Shield at first hurdle

Ashdon Villa 2 Melbourn 1

Creake Shield First Round

HOLDERS Melbourn were knocked out of the Creake Shield on a tricky pitch against a resilient Ashdon Villa side who ultimately deserved their victory.

Melbourn never got going and despite missing a number of first team regulars they still fielded a team that should have been too much for their lower division rivals.

Villa rarely threatened the Melbourn goal and much of the attacking play was in the Villa half as Carl Chadwick's tireless running up front caused a lot of concern.

The only first half highlight was a rocket header from Jason Gray that smashed a post and somehow bounced off of a defender and over the bar as Villa worked hard and defended stoutly to deservedly go into half time level.

The second half saw Melbourn take the game to Villa for the first five minutes and two clear opportunities were spurned.

On the hour mark, Chadwick had to retire injured and with him the only real attacking spark left the Melbourn team.

With 15 to go a deep cross from the right saw Charlie Norris slip between defenders to plant a firm header home.

This appeared to motivate Melbourn who then camped around the Villa box and with five minutes to go Gray nodded home from a corner to draw level.

However, in the finals minutes a quick break away by Villa resulted in a fine finish from the edge of the box by Mark Dowsett to send the holders crashing out at the first hurdle.