But the St Patrick’s Athletic forward, who turns 17 on Sunday, once again proved that despite his age, he’s more than comfortable in the high-stakes game of men’s football, delivering one of the three goals for the Saints in their 3-0 win at home to Waterford.
Melia got, and deserved, a standing ovation from a chunk of the 4,237 crowd in Richmond Park when he was replaced in the second half, though Pat’s fans had heroes all over the park, Brandon Kavanagh delivering a brilliant display of how a midfielder should play.
Waterford had a good record in their away games in Dublin this season but they were undone by a two-goal salvo in the first half, goals from Zak Elbouzedi and Melia, and while the Blues did not take any of the chances that came their way, St Pat’s did, adding a third from sub Aidan Keena to get the win which keeps up their push for European football.
Pat’s were aiming for a third straight win in the league, aware that a winning streak was essential for them to somehow secure a place in Europe for next season, and there was a hint of menace about them from the off, Kavanagh forcing a save from Sam Sergeant as early as the third minute. Jamie Lennon then tested Sergeant who was back in the side after missing six games through injury.
The Saints were dominant for the first half hour and it seemed as if it was only a matter of time before they broke the deadlock as Waterford just could not get a foothold in the game, but having weathered an early storm, they grew in confidence.
Captain Barry Baggley’s deep cross caused panic for ’keeper Joseph Anang while Pádraig Amond was on constant alert for chances as Darragh Leahy also went close for the Blues.
But Pat’s struck back with two goals in the space of four minutes to take control. The first goal, on 35 minutes, was a stunning piece of teamwork, a ball played out of defence by Anto Breslin which central midfielder Kavanagh collected, turned his marker and, spotting the run of winger Elbouzedi, played in him in as Elbouzedi sped past his markers to score his first league goal for the club, a left-footed drive.
Waterford had an instant response with a good effort from Amond which was saved by Anang but Pat’s pounced again. Waterford’s defence indecisive and unable to clear the danger as Melia was left free just on the edge of the box and his shot gave Sergeant no chance.
Although there would have been frustration at the concession of those quick-fire goals, Waterford boss Keith Long kept faith with his players and was rewarded as they started the second half in a bright manner. They had one good opportunity early on as Amond pulled off a superb piece of skill in the box to control the ball and lay it off to Ryan Burke, whose effort was just wide.
Urged on by captain Baggley who became more influential as the game went on, the Blues asked questions of the home side but centre-halves Joe Redmond and Tom Grivosti stood firm.
Jake Mulraney saw his shot on 61 minutes almost get past Sergeant before the Blues ’keeper recovered, while sub Kian Leavy and the subline Kavanagh also had efforts for the home side. Melia got that reception from the fans when he was replaced by Aidan Keena on 75 minutes and it took Keena just two minutes to make his mark, picking up on a clever pass from Leavy and unleashing a powerful shot which came off the underside of the crossbar, the goal given after a quick glance by referee Neil Doyle at his assistant on the line.
Keena was then denied a second goal on 82 minutes with a last-gasp save from the overworked Sergeant, Waterford now well beaten by a Pat’s side who remain in the bottom four while also four points off the top four.
St Patrick’s Athletic: Anang; Sjoberg, Redmond, Grivosti, Breslin; Forrester, Lennon; Elbouzedi (Leavy 63), B Kavanagh (McClelland 84), Mulraney (Turner 63); Melia (Keena 75).
Waterford: Sergeant; Horton (Flynn 81), Radkowski, Leahy, Burke; McDonald, Baggley (McCormack 81); Power, McMenamy (Glenfield 81), Bellis (Arubi 87); Amond.
Referee: Neil Doyle
