Up and running!

Long Melford showed character to bounce back from last week’s punishing 6-0 defeat and claim their first points of the season.

It was a hard fought win against a Norwich United side boosted by their impressive midweek victory at Kirkley.

The two sides are at very different stages in terms of how long they’ve played together. Melford probably have the longest serving squad in the league with a combined total of over 1,500 matches for the club. In contrast Norwich after a summer re-build have a completely new team.

For Melford there was a Step 5 debut for 18-year-old keeper Ben Moye and he was a strong contender for man of the match. He only needed to make one or two difficult saves but his positioning, handling and distribution impressed everybody watching.

Early exchanges were even and that set the tone for the rest of the half. Play swung from end to end but with both teams defending well, 0-0 at the break was a fair reflection.

There was a blow for Norwich before half-time when their experienced striker Matt Blake came off injured.

Early in the second half the game was held up for several minutes after Melford forward Clarence Emeh was injured in an accidental collision with the Norwich keeper Ross Bilham.

We are pleased to report Clarence is doing OK and resting up at home. A big thank you to the Norwich physio who kindly treated Clarence along with our own physio Brian Dunster and GK Coach Josh Stokes who stayed with Clarence.

Shortly after the re-start there was a good opportunity for Norwich to take the lead but Liam Roche fired wide.

Melford scored the winner around the hour mark. Hard work from Jacob Brown earned a corner and from Harry Whiting-Noakes’ excellent delivery, JAKE JACKSON rose to head home in emphatic fashion.

Melford looked in control for the remaining half an hour. But they needed a brilliant save late on from Moye – turning Jake Halliwell’s shot around the post – to secure the win.

Overall a solid team performance and after leaking goals lately a very welcome clean sheet. AC

LONG MELFORD: Ben Moye, Oli Judge, Lewis Brennan, Jake Jackson, Deklyn Roy, Josh Collins, Frederico Dende, Harry Whiting-Noakes, Clarence Emeh, Jacob Brown, Ben Judge

Subs used: Harry Brown, Will Wingfield, Hassan Ally, Charlie Coy   Sub not used: Ben Humphreys

Photo credit: Benie Davies