Melford book semi-final spot

Will Wingfield scored a hat-trick as Long Melford advanced to the semi-finals of the Thurlow Nunn League Challenge Cup.

A minutes silence was observed before kick off for Sam Parsons, the young Cornard player who recently lost his life in a road accident in the Sudbury area.

The visitors Hutton FC who play a step below the Villagers were bolstered by the addition of some youth players connected with Colchester United.

Overall other than a fifteen minute spell at the start of the second half  Melford looked well in control.

Early on Ryan Gibbs saw his shot parried by Hutton keeper Jamie Grossart, with the ball looping in the air for Santiago Davies to head against the Hutton cross bar. This was followed with a shot from  Ben Judge shaving the goal post.

At the other end Hutton forced a couple of corners, with Freddie Mattock and Josh Boxall, featuring in most of the approach play.

On 28 minutes a shot from Ryan Gibbs found the Hutton crossbar.

On 35 minutes Melford went ahead, a long throw in from Ben Judge caused havoc in the Hutton penalty area, and eventually WILL WINGFIELD cheekily back heeled in to the net.

The second half saw Hutton seemingly up their game and in the early minutes Melford keeper Matt Walker had to make two saves of note.

On 83 minutes a great flick pass with the outside of his boot from Harry Brown released Ben Judge into the Hutton penalty area and as he rounded keeper Grossart, he was brought down by the Hutton custodian, and it was a fairly easy penalty decision for the referee.

The kick was taken by WILL WINGFIELD who made no mistake to send the keeper in wrong direction.

A minute after this Ryan Gibbs in full flight at goal, was fouled by Mason Hall who was already the recipient of a yellow card, and was very lucky not to get an early shower.

On 92 minutes RYAN GIBBS rounded keeper Grossart to get a deserved goal.

A minute later Hassan Ally was upended in the box and the resultant penalty was  converted by WILL WINGFIELD for a great hat trick. CHENOBERET   

LONG MELFORD: Walker, B Judge, O Judge, Jackson, Collins, Brennan, J Brown (capt), R Gibbs, Whiting-Noakes, Wingfield, S Davies.

Subs all used: Akinade, Ally, Dende, J Gibbs, H Brown

• Hat-trick hero Will Wingfield is pictured with the match ball (photo with thanks to Will Phillips).
• Long Melford join Harlow Town, Downham Town and Lakenheath/Thetford Town in the semi-finals.