Villagers exit cup with pride intact

Up against a virtually full-strength Needham Market side who play two leagues higher, Long Melford were ahead for half an hour and were always in the contest.

Ryan Gibbs had Melford supporters dreaming of a shock result when he fired his team into an early lead from the penalty spot after 11 minutes.

However, the holders Needham proved too strong in the end. They came from behind with goals directly before and after half-time. A late third goal sealed the win.

Luke Ingram (2) and Luke Brown scored the goals for Needham who we wish the best of luck for the semi-finals.

LONG MELFORD: Boulter, Holmes, Newton, Jackson, Roy, Lazar, Dende, Brennan, R Gibbs, Brown, Wingfield

Subs: Smith, Newman, Humphreys, Whiting-Noakes, Ally