Melville missed an opportunity to reignite their men's northern league campaign when held to a 1-1 draw by Cambridge under lights on Thursday night at Gower Park.

It was the first competitive meeting between the clubs in 32 years and though Cambridge began the night in second place on the table, Melville looked well placed to seize the initiative, despite tricky conditions in wind and rain.

However they were on the losing end of some big refereeing calls and could not quite manage an Easter resurrection.

Melville looked to have taken a first half lead when Jama Boss tidily headed home a cross from the left. But after a long delay the officials ruled it out for offside. The assistant referee did not raise his flag until quite some time after a radio earpiece conversation with referee Andres Castro.

Cambridge then scored from the penalty spot through Josh Clarkin - his sixth goal of the season early in the second half. The penalty was presumed to be for pushing in the area during a corner where there was a broad spectrum of jostling, though it was unclear who specifically had fouled.

Melville then had a further goal ruled out and appeared to be heading for a frustrating loss.

But Ryen Lawrence scored his second goal of the season in the 92nd minute, after being played into space by a delightful first-time flick by Luis Hamblin.

Hamblin, a striker from Camberley Town (Combined Counties League Premier Division South) in England, was having his first run of the season in coming on as a 53rd minute sub for Thomas Cave, after having endured a messy off-field pre-season with The Unicorns.

Melville looked much better for his presence up front, where he always looked dangerous.

Elsewhere Lawrence had two good first half chances, Boss had one, and Josh Gallelty unleashed a good speculator.

In the 97th minute frustrated Melville coach Jarrod Young was red carded for sideline comments.

Young later named John Oakman as his player of the day for a strong showing in defence. 

Cambridge goalkeeper Stefan Hueberger was prominent, but Cambridge coach Jordan Shaw named Campbell Martin as his player of the day.

Melville are away to Hibiscus Coast on Easter Monday. In another Waikato derby on Good Friday Wanderers beat Ngaruawahia 2-0 to go to the top of the table. 

#On Good Friday Melville Reserves were beaten 3-1 by Cambridge. Melville trailed 0-2 at half time, scoring in the second spell through Dan Ngungambili.

Article added: Saturday 19 April 2025