A point on the road

Long Melford started the week on three points, then following the withdrawal of Norwich United from the League the points were expunged so it was back to zero!

Today’s trip to Soham would have been a good game to win against opposition just above the Villagers in the League. With the return of the game rusty Ryan Gibbs, could Melford be uplifted?

Clearly although this was the first ever game for Gibbs at Soham, he had some secret affections in the Fens, in the shape of central defenders Cameron Watson and Jordan Gent, who spent much of the afternoon embracing the Melford striker, much to the annoyance of Gibbs and to the non-plussed acceptance of the officials. It seems to be the norm in all games these days!

It was a very positive first period for Melford after only 4 minutes a Deklyn Roy header landed on top of the net, followed by a Lewis Brennan free kick that was inches wide.

The home team who have number of youngsters from Peterborough United, found a positive outlet through one of those youngsters, Byron Adiado, who twice nearly scored latching onto a long ball over the top and using his blistering pace. Prevented by a miskick and a good save by Matt Walker in the Melford goal.

Melford continued to have much of the play forcing many corners and eventually deservedly went ahead on 28 minutes with HASSAN ALLY firing home left footed from the edge of the box, a great goal.

More chances fell to Ally and Fred Dende, but keeper Finley Iron dealt with the efforts.

The second half Soham improved and they levelled when from a silly free kick given away by Melford, RYAN SHARMAN got between Melford defenders to head home.

The home team had two good opportunities to make the game a victory with Luis Cowie finding his shot well saved by Walker and Ryan Auger putting his effort well wide.

Time for Melford to nearly snatch victory at the end with Harry Brown failing to tuck away two good chances. CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: Matt Walker, Oli Judge, Will Wingfield,  Jake Jackson, Deklyn Roy, Fred Dende, Harry Whiting-Noakes, Ryan Gibbs, Jacob Brown,  Lewis Brennan,  Hassan Ally

Subs used: Harry Brown

Subs unused: Charlie Coy, Jordan Gibbs, Greg Birch, Clarence Emeh