Defeat at leaders Holland

League leaders Holland came out on top in an eventful contest that saw 4 players sent off.

Match report from Jordan Maynard:

Today was the day where everyone was excited, everyone was fired up for taking on Holland FC away from home (not to be confused with the national team of the Netherlands) – Holland-on-Sea, near Clacton-on-Sea. Unfortunately, the Jaffas remain top of the league by defeating the Villagers 4-2.

A 2 minutes silence was taken to commemorate the upcoming Remembrance Day. Upon kick off and with less than 5 minutes into the game, the Jaffas saw BILLY WALES being sent off for a deliberate incident on a Melford player. Then about 2 minutes later from a corner on the left side, Holland took the lead from a header by JOSHUA POLLARD, who rose high and capitalised on a Melford mistake and not marking in time.

Melford then ramped up their efforts to get an equaliser – then in about 5 minutes, LIAM KNIGHTS hit a long shot from 30 yards out. When it seemed to have gone over the crossbar, the ball dipped into the net. What a first half!

The rest of the first half was mostly Melford, who at times looked to score on two occasions and take a lead, but unfortunately did not take their chances.

After the interval, the hosting Jaffas came out the ranks quite sharply, facing the nearby visible coastline. Holland had a couple chances, but then Melford then took heed of the increased ruthlessness of the Jaffas and tried to get some passing moves together.

On about 52 minutes, Holland saw another red. A foul on Liam Knights saw the Villagers dugout rise up with protest and anger – the referee sent KYLE FERGUSON for an early shower. – the Jaffas were then down to 9 men.

Then about 5 minutes later, TOBY JOHN (having returning from a 3 match ban this after) was shown a red card for what was deemed by the officials as a denial of a goal scoring opportunity.

Then about 30 seconds later, the hosts had been given a penalty from a hand ball in the Melford box. HARVEY EVANS converted from the spot and the home support then let out a massive jeer.

The next goal for the Jaffas came about 10 minutes later. A shot from a cross from the left hand side for the hosts rattled the crossbar and bounced in the path of JOSHUA POLLARD, as he found his brace as he headed home the rebound to upset the Villagers’ hopes of getting another quick equaliser.

Yet another free kick for the hosts on 80 minutes, found the head of JOSHUA POLLARD to further dent Melford’s hopes to get back in the game. On 90+2 minutes, Melford get their second goal in this game. EVAN GLEDHILL volleys the ball from controlling the ball with his thigh – in Evan’s words afterwards, it was done ‘in anger’.

The game finished 4-2 to Holland, the team who remain top of the Thurlow Nunn First Division North table. Next Saturday at 3pm, the First Team are at home to FC Parson Drove. We need all the support we can get. Come on, Melford!

Photo credit: Will Phillips