Hardwick Res 4 Melbourn 3 DESPITE missing key players including their first choice centre-backs Melbourn gave a good account of themselves in a game where they conceded three penalties and attracted six bookings. Melbourn started the brighter but despite

Hardwick Res 4 Melbourn 3

DESPITE missing key players including their first choice centre-backs Melbourn gave a good account of themselves in a game where they conceded three penalties and attracted six bookings.

Melbourn started the brighter but despite good early possession were unable to carve out any meaningful chances and they were left to wait until 10 minutes before half time to go one up.

An excellent corner from Andy Richardson caused confusion in the box and as the impressive James Hill nudged the ball towards goal the prolific Kris Watters got the vital touch to put the ball in the net.

From the kick-off Hardwick returned the ball high at the Melbourn defence and a lack of communication between Gary Norman and keeper Paul Huzzey resulted in a tangle with the Hardwick forward, and the home team levelled from the spot.

Once again, a quick reply was in order. Melbourn broke from the kick-off, were awarded a corner and captain Jason Gray volleyed home from close range.

They were unable to keep their lead until the break, however, as Hardwick equalised moments before half time.

In the second half Melbourn felt harshly done by the officials with almost every 50-50 challenge going against them.

They were made to suffer when what looked like a legitimate Huzzey challenge in the box was deemed a penalty, from which Hardwick scored.

Huzzey however vindicated himself with a superb save from the spot kick but just five minutes later Hardwick got another penalty when Norman was penalised for what looked like a foul on him.

Norman left the field with a nasty ankle injury as Hardwick took the lead from the resulting kick.

Hardwick scored again with minutes to go but from the kick-off Melbourn pushed forward and from a corner Gray headed magnificently past the keeper only for the referee to blow for full time when there were perhaps some minutes remaining.

This led to angry scenes during which Watters was booked after the whistle.