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Bourne Town beat Melton Town in the United Counties League




Bourne Town are continuing to enhance their credentials in their first season back at step five of the non-league pyramid.

The Wakes followed up their recent away win over table-topping Eastwood CFC with another prized scalp at the Abbey Lawn on Saturday.

A hat-trick from the in-form Zac Allen helped the Wakes secure a 3-1 home win over promotion-chasing Melton Town in the United Counties League Premier Division North clash.

Zac Allen. Photo: Dave Mears
Zac Allen. Photo: Dave Mears

It was an eighth successive win in all competitions for Michael Goode's side who remain in third spot, seven points off pole position with three games in hand.

The Bourne boss was full of praise for his charges for their performance in a game which attracted a crowd of more than 430 to the JJ Mac Stadium which bettered a number of step three attendances.

Goode said: "We had good shape and discipline against a good footballing side.

Robbie Ellis pressures the Melton goal. Photo: Dave Mears
Robbie Ellis pressures the Melton goal. Photo: Dave Mears

"They've got good players and play a formation which is fluid to allow them to move the ball well but our discipline behind the ball was unbelievable.

"The work-rate was phenomenal and it's going to take a good team to out-work us.

"We looked dangerous every time that we stole the ball high and we just played really well again."

Zac Allen is congratulated. Photo: Dave Mears
Zac Allen is congratulated. Photo: Dave Mears

Mikkel Hurst had flashed an early shot wide for the visitors before Bourne broke the deadlock in the 14th minute.

Henry Dunn burst forward against his former club before playing a fine pass to release Allen who curled a trademark finish beyond goalkeeper Will Harrison.

Bourne had chances to extend their lead with a flurry of openings coming just after the half-hour mark.

A superb last-ditch tackle from Harris halted Will Bird who looked to make the most of an inviting through ball from Robbie Ellis before Sam Beaver got back to cover with Zak Munton waiting to pounce.

Allen brought a superb save out of Harrison from a free-kick and also saw an effort blocked by Lewis Carr while Beaver got in a crucial header to clear a set piece with Ellis poised to nod home.

Bourne were then rocked by a 35th minute equaliser as Brad Gothard was adjudged to have clipped the pacy Kalis Gore and Damien McCrory stepped up to convert the resultant spot kick.

Zac Allen with Will Bird. Photo: Dave Mears
Zac Allen with Will Bird. Photo: Dave Mears

The equaliser would test Bourne's resolve but they passed it and came close to regaining the lead with Richard Jones seeing a header blocked from a corner and Munton firing wide from the follow-up as the half finished all square.

Dunn sent an early effort over the crossbar after a strong run while Munton was denied by a smart stop from Harrison.

Bourne then went back in front in the 53rd minute as Allen robbed Beaver of possession before cooly and calmly taking his time to slot home his second of the afternoon.

The Wakes now looked to assert their authority on the game and Ellis tested Harrison with a smart shot on the turn that the visiting goalkeeper was equal to.

Allen fizzed in another two shots that were repelled before Munton connected well with a volley but his sweet strike was deflected over.

Melton frontman Harry Wakefield tested Bourne goalkeeper Dan Swan with a stinging shot that he safely grasped before full-back Dan Flack made a vital block on a goalbound effort to deny the visitors a second equaliser.

Zac Allen. Photo: Dave Mears
Zac Allen. Photo: Dave Mears

Bourne then wrapped up the win with five minutes remaining with Allen the initial instigator as he broke free of the Melton defence.

Referee Craig Forbes over-ruled his assistant's flag for offside having felt that a Melton player had had the final touch on the ball.

Allen was firstly crowded out but, when goalkeeper Harrison collected the loose ball, he decided to carry it outside his own area expecting a free-kick for offside which never materialised.

He was cautioned and a free-kick was awarded to Bourne that Allen duly despatched into the bottom corner to seal the success.

The hat-trick hero then had a late claim for a penalty turned down as Bourne continued to threaten to add to their tally after another impressive performance.

Goode added: "Melton played open and expansive football and, when you've got the likes of Zac Allen, Zak Munton and Will Bird up top, you can always exploit those spaces.

"Henry Dunn gave us some control in the midfield and then we could bring Aaron Eyett on who has been as good as anybody in the league in that position this season.

"Shaun Archer and Robbie Ellis were also outstanding and it was just a good all-round performance.

"It was a really good day all round with a brilliant attendance and to also get three points against a good side."

Bourne are in FA Vase action next when they travel to United Counties League Premier Division South side Northampton ON Chenecks on Saturday.



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