FA Vase exit

Long Melford goalkeeper Matt Walker was injured in today’s defeat against Hullbridge Sports.

Melford started the game with eight players missing from  their regular starting lineup, mainly through injury, as a consequence Manager Liam Joyce introduced a further new  young signing Charlie Inglesias recently at Walsham le Willows.

Overall there was little between the two teams, with the Essex team benefiting from two Melford defensive lapses on the half time whistle.

In steady rain disaster struck for Melford early when dependable keeper Matt Walker, skidded on the wet surface and ended up with a groin strain, although he bravely struggled on through the first half only to retire from the game at half time.

Early on Melford attacked the Hullbridge  goal with the pace and movement of Keiron Reddin and Reuben Chinnery creating problems.The Hullbridge defence was well marshalled by the dominating figure of Oliver Jenkins, who enjoyed a very successful game.

The best chance of the game arrived on 24 minutes when Hullbridge striker Louie Hunt failed to find the target from six yards out, the same player was injured before half time and had to leave the field of play.

At the other end keeper  Luis Shamshoum showed his prowess when he pushed a Melford shot round the goal post.

Disaster came for Melford on 42 minutes, when a defensive header back to keeper Walker fell short and FREDDIE MORIARTY, nipped and lobbed the Melford keeper.

This mistake was compounded on the 7^th minute of added time, when a miskick the MELFORD box, saw the ball roll  into the path of   JACK HAUSER who tucked the ball home.

For the second half  Melford put stand in centre back Ben Humphreys in goal who deputised well throughout the second half.

The Melford fightback continued, forcing several corners without final application. At the other end a shot from Jacob Wiggins shaved the Melford bar, and in another attack keeper Humphreys pushed the ball over the crossbar.

So jubilation for Hullbridge, and for Melford time for player recovery, the next game for Melford at home to Cornard 7.45 pm Tuesday September 3^rd.   CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: Walker, Aytieyeto, Vine, Birch, Humphreys, Brown (capt), Pheby, B Judge, Reddin, Chinnery, Bone

SUBS USED:Branson, Charway Jnr, Fenton-Jones, Inglesias