A THREE-GOAL salvo in the opening 16 minutes put Meltham on the path to FA Challenge Cup glory.

The West Riding side blitzed District League team Newsome WMC in the early stages of an exciting final at the Galpharm Stadium.

Two goals from prolific marksman Tom Mathews followed a strike by defender Chris Kaye and it looked like an avalanche was on the way.

But to their credit, Newsome battled their way back into the match and a Luke Gibson goal gave them hope.

In the end, Meltham won 4-1 after Craig Gant bundled home after a goalmouth melee in the final minute of the first half.

There were no goals in the second half but plenty of goalmouth action at both ends to entertain the 365-strong crowd.

Many had still been taking their seats when Meltham ripped into their opponents.

Jamie Jobarteh fired wide for Newsome in the third minute but seconds later Meltham were 1-0 up.

A cross into the box was cleared out to Kaye, 25 yards from goal, and his sweet shot gave Damian Brooks no chance.

Ten minutes later it was 2-0 when again Newsome failed to clear their box and Mathews pounced to steer the ball home.

The same player was also on hand in the 16th minute, when good work by George Dawson set him up to make it 3-0 with a crisp shot.

Gibson – later named man of the match – was a constant threat on the Newsome left and he reduced arrears after 28 minutes when he swivelled in the box and found the corner of the net.

Gant’s goal in the 44th minute restored Meltham’s three-goal lead.

The second half saw less flowing football but action at both ends, with Gibson and Neil Robshaw close for Newsome and Gant and Mathews again dangerous for Meltham.

But that early impetus proved enough to win it for Meltham.

Meltham Athletic: Lawlor, Foster (Flint 87), Kaye, Shaw, Wardle, Mathews (A) (Blane 83), Hudson, Waddington, Mathews (T), Gant, Dawson. Subs: Addy, Philpott, Jacobs.

Newsome WMC: Brooks, Lyons, Preece (Slattery (N) 46), Bower (Maturine (P) 68), Maturine (L), Slattery (D), Haigh, Thornton, Jobarteh, Robshaw (McKenzie 75), Gibson. Subs: Beckley, Bradley.

Referee: C Fosbrook. Assistants I Parker, S Waddington, B Whitaker.

Bay Athletic are champions of the West Riding County Amateur League.

Richard Spychalski’s side regained the title they last won two seasons ago without kicking a ball when nearest challengers Storthes Hall drew 1-1 at Brighouse Town last night.

Champions Bay will receive the Dr Hughes Trophy after their final match of the season at Campion on Monday.