Home defeat to Brantham

Two first half goals ensured visitors Brantham Athletic returned home with the three points.

It was a good positive opening half from Melford, who played some excellent football, with new signing Conner Seymour fitting in well at full back.

Some good attacking football from The Villagers but a little lacking on the final ball.

The first attack from Brantham after 8 minutes saw them go ahead, new signing CALLUM GRIFFITHS strode through a hesitating Melford defence and his neat finish ended up in the corner of the net.

Despite this setback Melford continued to have more of the ball with Ryan Gibbs firing into the side netting, and the referee turning down a penalty appeal following a tackle on Ben Judge in the penalty box.

Two good efforts from Melford were headed off the line by the visiting defence, and again the referee turned down a penalty appeal from Melford for a handball in the Brantham penalty area.

As often happens in football despite all the hard work from Melford, Brantham increased their lead after 42 minute  a cross from  James Lee on the Brantham right flank , saw keeper Matt Walker make a point blank save, but the ball  then deflected off a Melford defender into the net for an OWN GOAL.

Despite this Melford fought hard throughout the second period, but the Brantham defence well marshalled by Jack Sibbons, contained any Melford threat to their two goal lead.

Towards the end of the game Brantham wee reduced to ten men when Lee Morley-Robertson was dismissed after a second yellow card, and minutes later Harry Whiting-Noakes for Melford was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle.

Plenty of promise for Melford if they can get a finish to their moves. CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: Walker, Seymour, Whiting-Noakes, Birch, Lazar, Jackson, Ayiteyfio, Brown (capt), R Gibbs, B Judge, Pheby

Subs: Humphreys, Charway Jnr, O’Byrne, O Judge, Branson