It’s success Storey as hat-trick steers Tigers to battling victory

Fairlands Youth proved a stern test for Melbourn Dynamos Tigers Under-nines, but the hosts battled well for a hard-fought win.

Melbourn took the lead after some clever play between Ben Greenway, Josh Bates, and Kieran Geraghty set up George Storey.

Fairlands started the second half in determined mood and equalised a minute after the re-start with an impressive display of interplay.

However, the Tigers gradually began to wear down the Fairlands midfield, with player-of-the-match Bates outstanding.

Storey restored his side's lead midway through the half, and then made it 3-1 to complete his hat-trick.

However, Melbourn Dynamos Panthers Under-nines slipped up against Hatfield Youth, missing a series of chances as their opponents ran out 3-0 winners.

The Panthers bombarded the Hatfield goal in the first half, with Sam Austin hitting the bar, while the Hatfield keeper made a number of good saves.

Captain and player-of-the-match Izzy Broadbent covered every blade of grass for Melbourn, while Jack Morley also impressed with a series of well-timed tackles.

They were unable to stop their opponents grabbing the lead just before half-time, with a Hatfield midfielder beating three challenges before slotting home.

And the second half continued as the first, as Melbourn camped in the Hatfield box. Olly Johnson went close, as did Broadbent who hit the post with one low drive.

But it was Hatfield who added to the score with two late goals.

Both Melbourn under-10 teams lost to their Buntingford opponents. Melbourn Dynamo Tigers Under-10s crashed 8-0 against Buntingford Cougars Whites.

Melbourn were soon trailing, with Buntingford punishing their mistakes with well-taken goals.

The Tigers did their best to pull goals back, with Jacob Rand, Edward Twyman, and Will Thompson creating chances. But by half-time Buntingford led 6-0.

Melbourn upped the tempo in the second half and spent long periods in the opposition's half, but just could not find the cutting edge in front of goal.

At the other end, Buntingford continued to push forward and they were rewarded with two more goals, despite Melbourn goalkeeper Sam Carrington's best efforts.

Charlie Owen led the way for Cougars with four goals, and William Hewer, George Woods, Jack Caine, and Dan Hornby were also on target.

Melbourn Dynamos Panthers Under-10s also came unstuck, as they lost 3-0 against Buntingford Cougars Blues.

Despite the loss, it was a vast improvement by Melbourn, with Buntingford's clinical finishing proving to be the difference.

Reece Fitgerald bagged two goals, and Thomas Burns calmly claimed a third.

The Panthers started well with player-of-the-match Willem van de Ven and James Fowkes creating opportunities.

And after Ross Cockburn was wrong-footed for Buntingford's opening goal, the Panthers continued to challenge, with Sam Bedlow, Ben Webb, and Charlie Weber linking well.

However, Buntingford were always ­dangerous on the break, and they extended their lead when a cross from the right was volleyed past Cockburn.

The hosts did have their fair share of ­possession, with James Rushton and Fowkes going close.

However, an early second half strike from the Cougars all but ended Melbourn's chances.