Melville pocketed an important 2-0 away win against Bay Olympic in men's northern league football - but suffered a record home loss in northern premier women's league when beaten 10-0 by leaders Auckland United.

The women's match was moved forward a day to accommodate forecast cyclonic weather. 

In the men's league Melville now sit sixth, with two away wins to their credit. Co-coach Harry Trethowan called it "a patient performance" which was quite distinct from Melville's first-up away win, 4-1 against Tauranga City.

"There was not chance after chance, perhaps not the killer instinct," Trethowan said. "We pinched the ball, but it was not cut-throat stuff.

"It was more similar to our showing against Eastern Suburbs in that we were patient and organised, comfortable moving the ball from side to side."

Melville took the lead in the 25th minute when Luis Hamblin won the ball, played it to Ryen Lawrence who neatly returned it from where it was played square to Lucca Lim. Lim stroked it home from near the penalty spot for his second of the season and then danced a little jig.

Hamblin picked up an injury from a collision in the build-up to the goal and was later subbed off but team management are hopeful he will be right for next week.

Lawrence potted his first of the season a couple of minutes into the second spell from a Lim corner, swivelling and turning the ball home from close range.

Lawrence was later named player of the day for the manner in which he won the ball so often and showed discipline with the press when out of possession.

There was also much to admire in the steadiness of Melville's back four of Ethan Blakeley, Luke Searle, Robbie McNicholas and Campbell Brown. McNicholas and Searle were particularly comfortable, according to Searle.

Bay Olympic had a lot of the ball, but never created clearcut chances.

"In fact I don't recall Max (Tommy) having to make any big saves," Trethowan said. 

It was Tommy's first clean sheet since Melville's 1-0 home win over Onehunga Mangere on August 2 last year, according to club statistician Ron Anorak.

Melville Reserves picked up their first point, drawing 2-2 with Noah Harrison-Old scoring a goal in each half.

Melville are at home to league leaders Birkenhead United on Saturday April 18.

Melville defend a corner

Meanwhile Melville women's 10-0 loss to Auckland was not unexpected, but it did easily surpass the club's biggest women's defeat at premier level since losing 0-6 to champions Lynn-Avon United in 2003.

Melville kept Auckland scoreless for 18 minutes, but it was 3-0 by half time, when there was a pre-determined change of goalkeepers, with Elin Gainsford replacing Emma Meadows. 

Hairy Melville goalmouth action

Three more goals came in a rush between the 54th and 58th minutes and despite the gulf, Melville may well reflect that all these were avoidable. Former Wellington Phoenix pro Olivia Ingham scored five goals.

Lola Williams was the most eyecatching of the Melville players with some speedy, determined breaks down the right flank.

Lola Williams tested the Auckland defence

Melville women are at home to West Coast Rangers at 1pm on Sunday April 19.

Melville women's reserves lost 5-2, with their goals coming from Isa Green and Sienna Casson.

Article added: Sunday 12 April 2026