Report

Melton Foxes 1 - 1 GNG Tigers

The Foxes terrific away form against GNG at Christmas set the scene for this final game of the season for a confident Melton Foxes at home.

However, an early goal from GNG, sent the Foxes into panic. The first half was played end to end with the defensive duo of Bishop and Birkinshaw doing a sterling job between them, keeping things tight after the early shock goal and Dickinson, in goal, bravely doing his part to stop anything breaking free.

The midfield trio of Burt, Blair (C) and Kirk tried hard to get the ball flowing but struggled to feed Gamble with enough breaks. Both Kirk and Blair had nursed injury and illness during the week, and Kirk unfortunately struggled towards the end of the first half and was replaced by Gamble dropping back into midfield and Wigley taking on the striker role.

An own goal in the dying minutes saw things all even at half time.

As the rain poured down, the half time break gave the Foxes a chance to compose themselves and reconsider their tactics.

The second half started with added vigour from the Foxes who were determined to push ahead. An early change saw Kay join Birkinshaw to hold the Foxes back line. The Foxes then began to ply the GNG goal with shot after shot, the GNG keeper giving the performance of the season to stop every Foxes chance.

With balls continually being cleared from the GNG line, things looked inevitable that it wasn't going to be the Foxes day. Determined not to give up though, Kirk rejoined the team 10 minutes from the end, with Gamble making way for his return. The Foxes continued to push hard against an unrecognisable GNG. Towards the end of the match a terrific run, almost the full length of the pitch by Player of the Match Burt, was foiled just as he pulled back his foot to shoot.

Despite a huge percentage of play in the GNG half during the second period, Foxes still failed to close their chances and finished their final game of the season with a 1-1 draw.