Melee get it right as caretaker manager makes his mark

Melee produced a resolute performance in a season of adversity to finally beat their arch rivals Buckies Up 4-3. Buckies dominated possession as well as creating a succession of chances - but it was Melee who came out on top to give interim manager Chris Pils’ side their first victory against their opponents in eight times of asking. Melee’s victory tasting ever so sweet for Pils and Dell, as the last game against Buckies earlier in the season, they were Melee’s only first team players available for selection and were on the end of a 13-2 drubbing. It wasn’t all plain sailing, Melee were forced to mount a resilient rearguard action in the face of Buckies famous passing "carousel", but Moss (2) and Dell (1) converted their chances in addition to a slice of good fortune with a Buckies own goal, to reward the outstanding defensive work of Pils, Foz and Fabio in keeping key players short, blonde haired guy and short, dark haired guy at bay. A tight first opening, Melee were playing deep and deploying the usual half court press, the brain child of Kevin Webb, that works so well against the formidable opposition. It was Buckies who got an early breakthrough though, taking the lead. Melee, knowing they had to score, got a slice of luck when a high ball went up on the edge of the box. Dell, leapt up to head the ball over the oncoming keeper, but before he could make contact, a horrible barge from behind by the Buckies defender meant he was floored. However, this seemed to work in Melee’s favour – in the process the ball coming off the defender and looping into the exposed net to level the match 1-1 going into half time. Fabio in goal was peppered with efforts from distance, but the Melee No. 1 was more than equal, even with one glove – all that could be resourced before the game. Second half, and the strong tackles became more frequent as Melee started to exert some physical strength. Pils and Foz were disciplined, letting Dell commit all the fouls. Buckies, emotionless, carried on regardless and took the lead once more, the tall black haired striker working some space to prod home from distance into the bottom left of the Melee goal. However, Melee, who have had a tough season by their own standards, refused to lie down and they hit back instantly from kick off, as Moss took things into his own hands with a fantastic running barge and dribble – ending up with him slotting home to make the score 2-2. A great Melee debut for the lad, and an inspirational transfer by Pils. Again Melee caught Buckies cold, Foz playing in Pils who punted from distance, his effort coming off the post and rebounding kindly at the feet of Moss who converted again. Buckies began to pour forward relentlessly, searching for another goal. Melee legs were tired, and Dells incapability to tackle was becoming more and more apparent as Buckies were awarded with free kick after free kick. No one knows how the lad didn’t get himself booked. Fabio was making smart stops from shots raining in from all angles (including a huge ‘one for the cameras’ dive, tuck and roll), although left with little options for distribution the ball was returning far too quick. For all their incessant attacking, Buckies left spaces at the back, and these were exposed when Pils took a throw in quickly, rolling the ball through to Dell, who side footed the ball on the bounce past the keeper to give Melee a dream two goal lead. Melee were pushed right back into their own territory as Buckies probed and passed for an opening, it was backs to the walls stuff, Foz throwing his body on the line to defend with some heroic last ditch blocks on more than one occasion. Dell spurned two great openings, and was fortunate not to pay the ultimate price. Melee fans had a nail biting final few minutes as Buckies managed to pull a goal back, 4-3, but it was too little too late, as Melee did all they could to wrap the game up by booting the ball away from goal in every direction. In the end, Melee’s organisation and discipline was rewarded but Pils knows they will have to produce the same - and more besides - in the last two games of the campaign to salvage their difficult season.