Melville challenged to keep scoring (From Free Press Series)

Melville challenged to keep scoring

MARDY manager Gavin Butler has challenged dynamo midfielder Phillip Melville to keep scoring goals after bagging six in his last four games for the club.

Melville hit a hat-trick against RTB Ebbw Vale two weeks ago and Butler reckons there's plenty more goals left in the tank from the versatile midfielder.

"He's on a hot run and I hope he can keep it going. He's got great fitness and keeps running all day and I think he's well capable of scoring a few more for us yet," said a confident Butler.

Mardy's scheduled game against Undy on Saturday was cancelled because the East Gwent side had to play a rescheduled cup game.

Butler admitted he would have preferred to have played the game after the recent thumping of Ebbw Vale.

"I was looking forward to the match. We have the momentum going now and I want to keep that going. We did try to get an alternative fixture, but all the other sides were tied up. It won't affect us too much though, and we'll go into this Saturday's game with a lot of confidence," he said.

Mardy face a tricky game at home to Abercarn this weekend and will be without midfielder Ross Povey, who is serving a match ban after being sent off against Croesyceiliog. And big defender Gary Barrel could be out for the rest of the season with a serious ham string injury.

"Gary's a big loss," admitted Butler. "He's one of my three key players at the back. He's had a great season after coming back from a series of knee injuries and he certainly doesn't deserve this."

On the plus side though Butler can look forward to the ever-improving form of winger Jamie Laurent. The Gwent County under-18 cap scored against Cornwall for the representative side recently and Butler ranks him as one of the club's most talented players.

"It's his first year of senior football and he's playing some great stuff. He will get bigger as he matures, but as for skill he is awesome. In training we can't get the ball off him."

Speaking on the Abercarn game, Butler added: "We'll be looking for a win. That way we keep the pressure on the top of the table."

The match gets under way at 3pm.