Pre-season friendly round-up

On Friday night we welcomed Brightlingsea Regent to Stoneylands for what has become a regular pre-season fixture in recent years.

It was a decent performance by Melford against Step 3 opposition, two divisions higher in the non-league football pyramid.

Without five regulars (two shielding through Covid), Melford were put under pressure in the first half and had to defend well to contain the visitors’ pace and movement.

The only goal of the half came on 29 minutes when the excellent Max Booth put Regent ahead when he outpaced the Melford defence to slot home a fine individual goal.

In the second half Regent started with a different eleven, while Melford also made several changes and moved a few players into different positions.

Overall Melford had a better second half, but went further behind to a penalty after 53 minutes.

On 74 minutes Melford got a goal back when the visiting keeper was caught trying to dribble out of his penalty area.

Melford then finished strongly and created a couple of decent chances to equalise but it ended 2-1 to Regent in what was a useful pre-season run out.

PHOTO CREDIT: Many Games Have I Seen

• Yesterday our Reserves made the short journey to AFC Sudbury to play their Youth (U18) team. There was not a lot between the teams,  the extra fitness of the home side in the end was the difference. Melford went ahead after 39 minutes when a Sudbury defender put into his own net. Sudbury levelled on 53 minutes  with a fine solo effort. A Melford back pass was intercepted to give Sudbury a 2-1 lead after 65 minutes and that proved to be the winner. CHENOBERET