Melbourn remain unbeaten

Melbourn 4 Papworth 1

MELBOURN finished 2008 by remaining unbeaten in their 2008-2009 campaign.

They took the lead half way through the first half when an excellent through ball from Jason Grey set Andy Richardson free on the left.

With work to do, Richardson cleverly lobbed the ball over the last defender and found himself one-on-one with the keeper, who he beat with a side-footed shot into the net.

The lead wasn't to last, however, and minutes later Papworth pegged Melbourn back. Sloppy defending of a free kick allowed the Papworth striker to turn unchallenged in the box and with time on his hands he slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

The second half was a different story and Melbourn, on the back of a tongue-lashing from manager Mick Walker, came out with more purpose.

Just 10 minutes in the home team countered having cleared a Papworth corner.

The prolific Kris Watters turned provider as he held the ball up before splitting the Papworth defence with an inch perfect pass into the path of right-back John Patman who raced clear and calmly placed the ball past the static keeper.

As the half continued Papworth tired and Melbourn's superior fitness showed.

They were awarded a penalty when a deep free-kick into the Papworth box resulted in Gary Norman being tripped, Andrew Grey then dispatched the penalty into the top corner and Melbourn were finally able to relax and play the kind of football that has seen them undefeated this season.

The final goal came with 10 minutes to go when Andrew Grey juggled the ball out wide before unleashing an awesome volley towards goal.

The Papworth goalkeeper could only parry and substitute Tom Barton was on hand to lob the keeper on his line.

Melbourn go into 2009 with a realistic chance of not just promotion but winning the Division 2A title.