Emma Meadows (pictured above) starred as Melville continued their perfect start to the women's northern league championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a useful Birkenehad United team.

The 15-year-old goalkeeper was in sparkling form, saving four one-on-ones, as Melville grafted to a precious home win which kept them three points clear at the top of the table ahead of a critical away match against second-placed Onehunga Sports on Sunday.

Birkenhead were a strong outfit who often had Melville stretched, only for Meadows to snuff out the danger on repeat occasions, particularly in the second half when defending their lead.

At the other end Melville's breakthrough came in the 33rd minute from a Laura Bennett corner.

Birkenhead keeper Hannah Halpin couldn't hold the curling cross and the ball was adjudged to have crossed the line before being batted out. (See photo below.)

It was credited as an own goal, which was unfortunate for Bennett (8 goals this season), because she has fallen further behind Franklin's Britney Cunningham-Lee (15) in the race for the golden boot.

Article added: Wednesday 07 May 2025