Honours even in Boxing Day derby

Harry Whiting-Noakes looked to have won today’s Boxing Day derby but Hadleigh equalised deep into injury time.

It was a day of mixed emotions for Long Melford. The late leveller was a bitter pill to swallow, nevertheless it was a good away point bearing in mind Hadleigh sit 3rd in the table.

Melford were without goalkeeper David Leader, a trio of centre backs in Ross Waugh, Deklyn Roy and Josh Collins and suspended left back Sammy Newton.

This meant manager David Hennessey shuffled his pack with Will Wingfield playing centre back for the first time and Ben Judge also drafted into defence alongside Jake Jackson and Charlie Holmes with Max Boulter in goal.

Despite the numerous changes it was Melford who took the lead on 2 minutes, WILL WINGFIELD rising highest to head home a Lewis Brennan corner.

The hosts came back into the game in what was a fiesty encounter, not helped by some curious officiating decisions, Whiting-Noakes and Judge both going into the book.

And it was Hadleigh who scored to level things up, a dubiously awarded free kick but the build-up play leading to the goal was very good and they deserved to be level through OWEN BETTS.

Despite their frustrations at a stop/start game and some debatable decisions it was Melford who finished the half stronger and deservedly took the lead after a Ryan Gibbs free kick was spilt by the home keeper and HARRY WHITING-NOAKES was on hand to smash home from close range.

The second half saw Hadleigh come out and look to press for an equaliser, they were direct but largely ineffective as the Melford back four held strong. Melford did fashion a handful of chances themselves and could have put the game beyond reach but for some wasteful finishing in front of goal.

With the game ebbing to a close and 8 minutes of added time signalled Melford failed to see out the match. A long, hopeful punt was nodded through and despite the close attentions of Holmes and Boulter the Hadleigh substitute KYRON ANDREWS poked home.

Slightly harsh on the visitors who again fall foul to a late, late goal when they arguably should have seen out the game. But given the circumstances and those missing, a solid point away at title challengers Hadleigh.

LONG MELFORD: Max Boulter, Charlie Holmes, Ben Judge, Lewis Brennan, Will Wingfield, Jake Jackson, Frederico Dende, Harry Whiting-Noakes, Ryan Gibbs, Jacob Brown, Hassan Ally

Subs (all used): Jordan Gibbs, Ben Humphreys, Dan Smith, Hugo Hertz

• Up next we are at home to Brantham Athletic on Monday (2nd January), 2pm kick off.