10-man Melford battle for point

The Villagers had to dig deep with 10 men for 70 minutes to pick up a point in Cambridgeshire.

Minus two regulars from the last game against Wroxham, this was another very creditable result against 5th-placed March Town who are unbeaten in 13 league matches.

With a strong wind at their backs and down the slight slope, Melford showed their intentions forcing three corners in the opening four minutes of the game.

At the other end ex Peterborough Utd player Jack Friend came close with a snapshot.

Melford came even closer on 13 minutes when a George Day blockbuster was inches wide of the post.

After 17 minutes Melford fell a goal behind, a March corner was not cleared, and DEAN MILLER’s powerful header found the net, despite Dan Smith’s attempts to clear from the line.

Things went from bad to worse for Melford  on 19 minutes when referee Mr Ahmed Mohamed deemed a stretching tackle from Anthony Waugh as being dangerous and red carded the Melford centre back.

For the next 10 minutes Melford were briefly reduced to 9 men when Kyle Hurley was sent to the sin bin.

Both teams ended the half strongly with Melford custodian Matt Walker tipping over the bar a fierce shot from Craig Gillies, followed at the other end  by the home keeper Charlie Congreve rescuing an effort from Day from just under the bar.

The home team took full advantage of the fresh wind for the opening 15 minutes of the second half and laid siege on the Melford goal raining shots in from all directions, but somehow the valiant ten men of Melford held firm.

In fact Melford worked well from that particular situation and deservedly got back into the game after 61 minutes with Day releasing Hassan Ally through on goal, only to be taken out by a late challenge from home keeper Congreve, a red or yellow card?

This time the referee deemed it was a yellow so Congreve remained in goal for the penalty kick.

Up stepped GEORGE DAY with a fierce effort into the net.

The home team had a goal disallowed for offside, with both teams ending the game strongly.

A very gutsy performance by Melford who entertain March at Stoneylands next Saturday! CHENOBERET

Photo: Fenland Citizen

LONG MELFORD: Matt Walker, Dan Smith, Ben Judge, Jake Jackson, Ross Waugh, Anthony Waugh (red card, 19), Hassan Ally (79), Ollie Emsden, Jamie Griffiths, George Day, Kyle Hurley (65)

Subs used: Perry Newman (65), Ronnie Ward (79)

Not used: Jamie Bradbury, Steve Chisholm