Melville’s preparation for the northern premier league season progressed with an encouraging 5-0 home win over Fencibles United. In the corresponding fixture last year Melville lost 2-1.

Melville started slowly in a contest played over three thirds, but the injection of Jerson Lagos (pictured above) into the contest in the second third was pivotal.

Ry McLeod opened the scoring with an outside-of-the-foot volley from a move started by Jerson on the left and assisted by Joey Omotani.

Jerson also scored two, as did Jacob England, another player to emerge through Melville reserve ranks.

After a 0-0 draw away to West Coast Rangers a week earlier, Melville have yet to concede a goal in pre-season.

But more importantly, they have begun to score them, which was always going to be the challenge after losing Oli Colloty, Stafford Dowling and Ryen Lawrence from the class of 2022.

Melville coach Jarrod Young described the match as an important game, which got more minutes into the Melville players legs pre-season.

“This is our third game in and we are starting to get a more clear understanding on how we are wanting to play,” he said.

“Our main focus is on the collective but a few players had some great individual moments today.

“Fencibles were missing a few players but still provided us with a tough game against a team who know exactly who they are and how they play.

“There is lots to work on in the coming weeks but some good fundamentals are now laid.”

Melville Reserves drew 1-1.

On Saturday February 25 Melville play Mt Albert Ponsonby at 12 noon on Gower Park No 6.

Campbell Brown on the charge