Melbourn get revenge on Girton

Melbourn 2 Girton United Reserves 1

BIS Division 1A

MELBOURN got their revenge for their defeat earlier in the season against lowly Girton at the weekend.

The game started scrappily as could be expected with both teams having had an extended break due to weather and Christmas but Girton got into their stride earlier and despite good possession by Melbourn it was Girton who looked the more likely to score.

They found 'keeper Mark Ferrari in fine form, however, and two fine reaction saves kept the scores level.

As the half progressed Melbourn found their stride and on the half hour mark they had the lead. A long throw by Andrew Gray from the left was headed clear to the edge of the box only to find the right boot of captain Jason Gray who steered his volley into the bottom corner.

Girton rallied and five minutes later their forward spotted Ferrari a little off his line and hit a superb looping shot for goal. The outstanding Ferrari was equal to it, however, and pulled off a magnificent one-handed save to push the effort wide.

Melbourn continued to push for a second and just before half time got what proved to be the decisive second.

A Stuart Collen corner from the left was again only cleared to the edge of the box and as Chaz Hassan's shot whizzed across the goal mouth Gary Sandford was on hand to stab home for a goal his battling midfield performance deserved.

The second half was a stale affair with the physical endeavour combined with the long break taking its toll with players dropping regularly with cramp.

Melbourn continued to dominate and rarely found themselves under any threat as when Girton did bomb forward they often found the rock that is Ash Bryan standing firmly in their way.

Girton's consolation came two minutes from time from the penalty spot after a contentious foul in the box, but Melbourn were happy for a well battled result that keeps them in contention at the top end of the table.