Maia Oxenham (pictured above) netted her debut northern league goal in the 91st minute to secure a cherished win for Melville women as they three times came from behind to beat ever-dangerous Franklin United 4-3 at Drury.

It was a critical away victory which kept Melville three points clear of Onehunga Sports at the top of the table, ahead of a home game against Northern Rovers at 1pm on Sunday.

In the corresponding fixture last year Melville had been hammered 11-2, their biggest-ever loss at this level.

At this stage of her career, Oxenham, a diminutive 16-year-old midfielder, is perhaps still better known for her achievements as a steer-riding cowgirl at rodeos, and she was making her first Melville start since April 4.

But she sealed the game following a left wing corner to Melville in stoppage time. The ball was only half cleared and fell to Oxenham on the edge of the area, and she swept a right-footer through a crowded penalty area and high into the net to spark joyous celebrations.

Earlier Melville had fallen behind in the second minute, but Laura Bennett levelled from the penalty spot.

However Franklin went back in front in the 38th minute through Brittney Cunningham-Lee, scoring her 16th goal of the season to stay well clear in the golden boot standings.

Bennett struck again just before the break to make it 2-2 with her 10th goal of the season.

Franklin sub Vicky Becker got Franklin in front for the third time and it wasn't until the 87th minute that 15-year-old Freya Douglas levelled with her second goal of the campaign.

And with Emma Meadows making some fine saves in goal for Melville at the other end, that set the stage for Oxenham's dramatic grandstand finish.

Article added: Thursday 29 May 2025