Skipper Joel McMullan (pictured above) starred in a less familiar midfield role as Melville secured a 3-0 away win over Ngaruawahia United to move to third in northern league championship standings.

McMullan not only scored his second goal of the season when nicely set up by Jama Boss in the 91st minute, but impressed with his ball-winning, distribution and movement in the middle of the park and was an obvious man of the match pick.

McMullan said that as a youth he was primarily a midfielder before former Melville coach Sam Wilkinson turned him into a defender, and was happy to revert to that role. 

With John Oakman playing alongside Robbie McNicholas in the centre of defence, and Ethan Blakely and Campbell Brown as fullbacks, Melville were solid at the back. Oakman's raw pace nicely offset McNicholas' strengths. 

Melville were without Ryen Lawrence, resting an injured hip. 

Mikey Morgan made a strong showing down the right flank, having been restored to the starting lineup, while coach Jarrod Young later praised Connor Austin for his midfield work.

Boss opened the scoring in the 43rd minute with an easy finish after a Melville break down the middle.

McNicholas added a second in the 55th minute after Ngaruawahia failed to clear a corner. Josh Galletly played the ball back in and at the far post McNicholas fair leathered it home for his second goal of the season. McMullan and Boss also have two goals this season.

And while he has not yet scored, an interesting stat has emerged. Whenever Luis Hamblin has played, Melville have not been beaten - and whenever he has started, Melville have won. But there is still much scope for Melville improvement.

Former Te Atatu goalkeeper Petr Jakoubek turned for Ngaruawahia, five days after having been in goal for Wanderers in their 2-1 loss to Cambridge. Jakoubek was lucky to escape without sanction when he handled the ball outside the area in the first half, as it went unnoticed by officials. 

On Saturday Melville host 10th placed North Shore United, who were beaten 2-0 by Wanderers.

# Melville Reserves secured their second win, 3-1 over Ngaruawahia, with goals to Max Gurnick, Caleb Woodfield and Dan Ngungambili.

Article added: Monday 28 April 2025