Penalty shoot-out heartbreak!

Long Melford were knocked out of the League Challenge Cup on penalties by Harlow Town at the semi-final stage.

Not a lot between the two teams, with overall Melford having the better chances but not able to convert.

A shame that like many competitions the outcome had to be decided by the straight to penalties method with no extra-time. To many supporters it slightly demeans the status of the Competition, particularly at the semi final stage.

An early blow for Melford when the recent signing Callum Dongray had to leave the field injured after only 14 minutes with Lewis Brennan coming on as a replacement.

Just before that Harry Brown fired over the bar when well placed.

At the other end a free kick from Tom Jelliman was well saved by Matt Walker in the Melford goal.

The second half saw more action from both teams, with Melford coming close with a drive from Harry Whiting -Noakes, partially saved by keeper James Pellin, the loose ball found Ryan Gibbs and keeper Pellin made a further save.

At the end of the game Jacob Brown went close for Melford, whilst at the other end keeper  Walker was quick off his line to deny Jack Cousins when through on goal.

And so to the dreaded penalties, with Melford starting well with Walker making an early save, but then two high kicks were the Melford downfall, with Harlow winning 9-8 to advance to the final.

Just sad to witness a slightly unsavoury finish when upon the winning penalty, Harlow captain Cousins had to run the full length of the pitch to make a victory gesture to the Melford team as they walked off the pitch, and in response  Melford defender  Josh Collins was red carded by the referee. CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: Walker, B Judge, Jackson, Collins, Whiting-Noakes, R Gibbs, J Brown (capt), O Judge, Dongray, Wingfield, H Brown,

Sub used: Brennan,  not used: J Gibbs, Ally, Humphreys, Davies

Attendance: 594