In a fiercely contested encounter on Sunday morning , Melbourne Dynamo U16 Falcons were edged out 3–2 by Shelton U16 Tigers in what proved to be a thrilling battle from start to finish.

Both sides came flying out of the blocks, with end-to-end action keeping the crowd entertained. Shelton managed to find their finishing touch at crucial moments, but Melbourne were never out of the game and pushed their opponents all the way.

The Falcons found the net through Rory Warwick and Ed Jones, who both showed great composure in front of goal. Despite Shelton’s clinical edge, Melbourne kept creating chances of their own and came agonisingly close to rescuing a point. With virtually the last kick of the game, a strike rattled the post — leaving players and supporters alike wondering what might have been.

The woodwork was a constant feature throughout the match, with the crossbar being struck on no fewer than three occasions. It was a match that could easily have gone either way, and the Falcons can take plenty of positives from their battling display.

Next up, Melbourne travel to face Borrowash Victoria U16, where the boys will be determined to get their first points of the season on the board.