West Wratting Reserves 1 Melbourn 1

MELBOURN were thankful for the point after a lethargic performance against lowly Wratting on Saturday.

A lot will have been down to a difficult and large pitch which, combined with the heat, made for an energy sapping afternoon.

Melbourn started brightly, though, with right-back Morris breaking into the box in the opening minutes and hitting straight at the ‘keeper.

As the half drew on Wratting gradually got themselves into the game and ‘keeper Mark Ferrari had to be at his best to tip over a stinging drive, after the Wratting forward was allowed to dribble to the edge of the box unchallenged.

Melbourn’s chance of the half fell to Andrew Gray who put over from a yard out after the ball unexpectedly got to him through a crowd of people.

The second half saw Melbourn playing down the slope and it looked as if Wratting would not get out of their half. Melbourn could have taken the lead early, when following a jinking run into the box by Chaz Hassan, Kris Watters’ diving header was again straight at the ‘keeper.

Despite their dominance in the half, Melbourn failed to create clear chances, and were made to pay with Wratting’s first attack of the half. A quick counter-attack and the substitute’s shot deflected off of Ash Bryan to leave Ferrari stranded and the ball in the back of the net.

With the game entering the closing stages, Melbourn pulled level when a deep corner from the right by Michael Wagstaff was met by Watters 16 yards out and his header powered over the ‘keeper and nestled in the net.

Melbourn came alive and in the final minute the home ‘keeper just about kept out a rasping drive from Hassan.

It was too little too late from Melbourn, however, they can be proud that they have extended their unbeaten run to six games and go to Comberton this Saturday looking to extend the run.

Melbourn: Ferrari, Morris, Staley, Bryan, Monahan, Hill, Gray, Wagstaff, Hassan, Fox, Watters.