Reserves bounce back to beat Stow

An impressive second half performance saw the Reserves get back to winning ways.

In the early stages of the game, the young Stowmarket team knocked the ball around nicely, without testing Charlie Cox in the Melford goal.

At the other end Melford had a couple of half chances but overall it was a quiet first period, with neither team really looking like opening the scoring.

Melford improved in the second half, showing why they are second in the Thurlow Nunn Reserve League. Solid defensively and playing neat, incisive football, Melford took control of the game.

Following a couple of near misses, the home team took a deserved lead midway through the half when Alfie Parnell cut the ball back across the box and JAYDEE HAMBIRA finished from close range.

The Villagers’ had the ball in the net again soon after but the goal was ruled out for handball in the build-up.

Stowmarket threatened to equalise on a couple of occasions but with Melford defending well it was a comfortable afternoon for keeper Cox.

A welcome three points and clean sheet for Dave Hennessey’s side who bounced back well from the disappointment of recent defeats to Holland and Framlingham.

LONG MELFORD RES: Cox, Coy, Williams, Marshall, Andrews, A Roy (c), Newman, Holmes, Quelch, Parnell, Hambira
Subs: Bloomfield, Allen, Delaune, Bartlett, Hertz

Long Melford and Stowmarket meet again on Saturday (2nd April) in the semi-final of the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup. The match takes place at Claydon FC.

Supporters can purchase tickets online