Sixteen-year-old striker Laura Bennett netted a second-half hat trick as Melville women made a bright start to their 2025 northern league campaign with a 5-2 home win over last year's championship runners-up, Franklin United.

To put the win in context, last season Franklin beat Melville three times, including an 11-2 thrashing in late June.

Melville were never behind in the contest after skipper Rebecca Brown scored from close range in the 20th minute.

There had earlier been controversy when Franklin skipper Nikita Leishout was sent off in the 15th minute, complaining about her team not being awarded a penalty after a shot appeared to be clearly handled on the Melville line.

Franklin drew level through an own goal, but Bennett again put Melville ahead with a 55th minute penalty after she herself had been fouled in the area.

Franklin striker Britney Cunningham-Lee was dangerous all day and again drew her team level in the 61st minute.

But Bennett scored a fine second goal, after beating two defenders, in the 67th minute and scored again in the 80th minute while Brown grabbed her second in the 83rd minute.

The win was extra satisfying for Melville because they were without a number of last year's players who were playing futsal, while pacey winger Lola Williams was out with an ankle injury.

Emma Meadows was brilliant in goal for Melville, making a number of last-gasp saves. Hayley Bennett, Laura's older sister, also had a good game down the right flank for Melville.

Melville are away to Northern Rovers on Sunday.

Article added: Monday 31 March 2025