Reserves’ unbeaten home run ended

A disappointing day at Stoneylands as the Reserves played some of their best football this season yet found themselves on the end of a defeat.

It was the first home defeat of the season for David Hennessey’s team who stay 2nd in the Thurlow Nunn Reserve League.

The away side took the lead in the 3rd minute, an uncharacteristic slip from Deklyn Roy allowed the Halstead striker to run through and finish well into the bottom corner.

There was a delay of some 6 minutes as the home keeper Max Boulter was clattered by a Halstead forward and had to be helped from the pitch in the 20th minute. Charlie Cox donned the goalkeeper shirt and gloves for the rest of the game with Boulter unable to continue.

Despite peppering the guests’ goal with chances falling to Jack Delaune, Billy Gray, Kyle Hurley and the lively James Dormady, Melford inexplicably found themselves two goals down when a sloppy backpass was intercepted and squared for Halstead to double their lead.

The second half could have been played in one half of the field as wave after wave of Melford attacks were repelled by some excellent defending and despite having calls for two penalties turned down Melford were unable to turn all that effort into a goal.

Manager David Hennessey was disappointed with the result but also quick to give Halstead the credit they deserve.

A disappointing outcome that could have been so different with a little bit of luck but credit to the visitors who took their chances well, then defended admirably to take all three points. We look to bounce back next week away to Framlingham.