Papamoa got back to winning ways on Saturday with a welcome 3-1 victory over top-four rivals Melville, at Gordon Spratt Reserve.

On a clear and bitterly cold winter's day, Duncan Lowry's men took the game to their South Hamilton visitors from the first whistle.

After netting just once in their previous four league fixtures, Papamoa came flying out of the blocks and took the lead when Mitchell Hales and Dave Molloy combined to set up Strauss Boom down the right.

The striker still had a lot to do, but kept his head to give the home side the lead with a sweet finish from just inside the penalty area.

Clearly rocked by conceding an early goal, Melville threatened to collapse but found themselves level on the quarter-hour mark after Papamoa failed to add to their early dominance.

But the Bay of Plenty side regained their advantage just eight minutes later when Phillip Fletcher's pin-point cross was met by skipper Campbell Higgins, who beat the keeper with a powerful header.

Marshalled by former New Zealand international Cole Peverley, who was making his home debut, Papamoa worked hard to protect their lead after the break in front of a good-sized crowd.

An even second-half saw Melville push hard for an equaliser, with visiting midfielder Jordie Ditfort catching the eye, and only a stunning save from Ryan Foord kept the scores level as the clock ticked towards 90-minutes.

But Papamoa saved the best ‘til last, and put the game to bed in the dying seconds thanks to a stunning 30-yard volley from Dean Styles after excellent work from substitute Alex Wilson.

After the game, Papamoa coach Andy Birchenough, who was celebrating his birthday alongside forward Mitchell Hales, said: 'We're delighted with the performance.

'We can only praise Cole Peverley, who was relaxed and composed throughout, and he's really lifted the performance levels of those around him.

'I'd also make a special mention for man of the match Phillip Fletcher, who has been in great form all season.

'He turned in one of his best performances for the club, but the key moment was Ryan's great save close to the end of the game.”

Papamoa FC (3-4-3): Ryan Foord; Campbell Higgins, James Davies, Phillip Fletcher; Cole Peverley, Fawwaz Ali, Top Khamwanthong, Dean Styles; Mitchell Hales, Dave Molloy, Strauss Boom. Substitutes: Mathew De Bono, Alex Wilson, Andrew Cooper, Ashley Johnson, Isaac Bright, Harry Harris (GK).