Melville have surged eight points clear at the top of the table in the women's northern league championship after a hard-fought 3-1 home win over sixth-placed Cambridge.

With nearest rivals Onehunga Sports and Franklin United battling to a 2-2 draw, Melville's league lead was improved by two points, but their win did not come easy, as they fell behind to a 23rd minute goal to Cambridge's Bella Stark.

It was good reward for Cambridge, who shut Melville down quickly and were dangerous on the break.

But Laura Bennett equalised before half time and Melville were more assertive in the second spell.

Finally, in the 74th minute Nyah Nikau put Melville in front with a crisp near post header from a Bennett corner. It was midfielder Nikau's third goal in three matches for Melville, and one which was much-needed.

Nyah Nikau

 

Cambridge gave Melville a scare when they got the ball in the net following a free kick, but it was ruled out for offside.

Bennett played more of a wing-back role in the second half, but still came up with the goalscoring goods.

In the 74th minute she made the game safe for Melville by attacking down the right wing and cutting in. Her cross-come-shot deceived the Cambridge keeper and sneaked in at the near post to make the game safe for Melville.

It was Bennett's 16th goal in 11 matches this season and kept her second in the league's race for the golden boot.

Melville skipper Rebecca Ellis (centre) congratulates Laura Bennett on her second goal, as Maia Oxenham joins in.

 

The day marked a rare occasion in which all of Melville's senior female teams were at home.

In the W-League Melville Reserves lost 3-2 at home to league leaders Taupo, despite goals to Heather Pearson and Jaina Mathieson. Melville are third, but now seven points behind Taupo.

Melville's Waikato division one team beat Te Awamutu 3-1 with two goals from Madeline Cox and one from Kelsey Mackintosh.

In the second division Melville Epics beat Taupo 4-0 with goals to Sarathavy Kor, Gemma Hines and Jacqui McInally.

Meanwhile Melville U16 girls drew 0-0 with leaders Eastern Suburbs to be fourth on the table. And in the girls U14 northern league Melville also drew 0-0 with Eastern Suburbs and are now seventh in the 12-team league.

Melville are away to Birkenhead on Sunday (July 6).

Article added: Wednesday 02 July 2025