So near yet so far…

Until the 78^th minute of this game, it seemed that Long Melford had clutched a surprise victory.

But two quick goals, in the remaining time, saw the Norfolk team take all the points to go top of the Premier Division by one point over Thetford Town, who were held to a draw by Sheringham, who move one point above Melford at the bottom of the table.

For various reasons Melford had four late  absentees,  but nevertheless they gave a battling and very creditable performance.

The first half belonged to Melford and they played some good pressure football.

Only eight minutes into the game and Melford went ahead some great work by Caden Vine,  saw the ball find the swift stride of  WILL THORP who fired home at the far post.

Again Melford exerted with Ben Humphreys and Caden Vine having efforts well saved by Harry Sutton in the Downham goal.

You can never relax with a team like Downham who have a nice blend of youth and experience,  with the experienced Eoin McQuaid being very influential in midfield, and up front Dylan Edge who has played at a higher level in the football pyramid always a threat.

The half time whistle came with Melford looking the better team and fully deserving of their lead.

The second half was much more balanced, with Jayden Smith in the Melford goal making three outstanding saves in the opening 15 minutes.

In the last twenty minutes Melford looked to be tiring and Downham started increase their pressure.

Against the run of play Melford had a golden opportunity to double their lead when Will Thorp ran though at goal but keeper Harry Sutton came off his line to smother the ball, a great save.

The equaliser came on 78 minutes a 25 yard free kick from McQuaid, saw the Melford goal under pressure, and eventually keeper Smith saw the ball  escape  his grasp and go into the net. One of those decisions that another day  might have been disallowed for a foul on the keeper.

Almost from the  resultant kick off Downham got their winner, a rasping shot from Dylan Edge hit the Melford bar, keeper Smith made two quick saves, and eventually DYLAN KIRK fired home a loose ball into the Melford net.

Just time for Melford to almost get their leveller, with Deklyn Roy’s header tipped over the bar and in another attack Carlos Lazar heading narrowly wide.

A loss again for Melford but good to see the team spirit returning, a real bonus.

LONG MELFORD: Jayden Smith, Oli Judge, Ben Judge, Will Wingfield, Jake Jackson, Dek Roy, Caden Vine, Makhi Johnson-Reid, Ben Humphreys, Jacob Brown (capt), Will Thorp

Subs: Carlos Lazar, Greg Birch, Charlie Coy  ,

Subs unused: Jibril Akinade, Frazer Foy (gk)

Photo credit: Hannah Parnell (Parnell Photo)