Melville slipped off the pace in northern league championship football with a 2-1 away loss to Mt Albert Ponsonby, after having led early.

Melville had made a promising start when skipper Joel McMullan scored in the sixth minute, touching home a cross-goal header from new signing Robbie McNicholas following a Josh Galletly free kick.

McNichloas, a 26-year-old central defender is fresh from Hucknall Town in Nottinghamshire and will partner McMullan at the heart of the Melville defence, though can also play midfield.

But Mt Albert Ponsonby worked their way back into the contest, and it was only a 45th minute penalty save from Max Tommy that prevented the teams from being level at the break.

The Alberts finally scored with a fine header by Maksim Manko from a free kick in the 48th minute. And then in an action-packed ending Felix van Hattum scored the winner in the 90th minute.

Melville's prospects were dented when Josh Barrymore-Uden was given a temporary dismissal in the 55th minute after a chat with the referee.

Temporary dismissals have been introduced this season to the northern league in a bid to cut down on dissent. On receiving a yellow card for dissent by word or action, the player is sent off for 10 minutes (and cannot be replaced).

Mikey Morgan, a 21-year-old winger from Port Talbot Town in Wales also made his Melville debut and made a good impression down the right flank.

Melville were again without striker Jama Boss and left back Campbell Brown was out with an injured left knee.

# Melville reserves drew 1-1, with Butros beqain scoring in the 76th minute, after being put though by Daniel Ngungambili. Nathan Marlowe made some excellent saves in goal for Melville.

Article added: Monday 31 March 2025