Defeat in the heat for Melford

In sweltering conditions newly promoted Harleston Town made it three wins on the bounce.

The day started with a setback for Melford manager Dave Hennessey, when his twin centre backs called off, the influential Deklyn Roy (Covid) and firefighter Josh Collins (emergency fire calls).

So in came Ross Waugh for his first game since April to be paired with Jake Jackson who switched from midfield.

Melford looked positive in the opening minutes with Alfie Parnell flashing a header wide.

Gradually the big and robust Harleston side started to dictate matters, and after Melford keeper David Leader saved well from Nathan Russell, the pressure produced results minutes later when on 19 minutes the much travelled but talented player RYAN CRISP found time and space to curl the ball home from 22 yards out.

The Villagers responded on 28 minutes a freekick to the far post from Harry Whiting-Noakes found Alfie Parnell and his header across the goal was knocked home by skipper JACOB BROWN.

Some great defending by Charlie Holmes when he cleared off the goal line from Russell kept Melford in the game.

But three minutes before the interval Melford conceded when in a goalmouth scramble RYAN CRISP poked the ball home via a deflection.

The Norfolk team started the second half strongly and on 51 minutes the third goal arrived when  Melford failed to clear the ball from their goal area, and the experienced NATHAN STONE fired home from the angle.

Despite the setback Melford continued to battle and on 61 minutes, after Parnell was brought down in the box Melford were awarded a penalty, with JACK BRAME converting from the spot.

For some fifteen minutes Melford took control but were unable to level the scoreline.

At the other end Lawrence Cheese got through on goal but shot straight at Leader in the Melford goal, whilst Melford looked for another penalty when Perry Newman was barged in the back in the Harleston area but the Referee waved play on.

Just before the final whistle Leader again made a good save from Robert Turner.  CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: David Leader,  Charlie Holmes (63), Sam Newton (76), Jake Jackson, Ross Waugh, Alfie Parnell (63), Ben Humphreys,(71), Harry Whiting-Noakes, Jack Brame, Jacob Brown, Frederico Dende

Subs used: Max Williams (76), Dan Smith (63), Perry Newman (63), Ricky Verdades (71) not used: Rob Fayers

• The Villagers are back at home again next Saturday (20th August) when early season league leaders Woodbridge Town are the visitors to Stoneylands (3pm ko).