In-form Newmarket prove too strong

The Jockeys turned up on the back of three consecutive victories and gave Melford a lesson on how to score goals.

Overall the first half saw Melford for long periods matching their in-form opponents, but it to no avail for the home team.

In the first twenty two minutes George Day went wide with a free kick, and at the other end Lewis Whitehead and Ryan Swallow had good efforts saved by Matt Walker the Melford keeper. A minute later Walker brought off two magnificent saves to keep Melford in the game.

On 29 minutes Newmarket went ahead when the talented Ben Robinson ran through the Melford defence and his near post shot, was converted into the net by a Melford defender.

The home team almost levelled on  32 minutes when some great work by Jamie Griffiths, saw Hassan Ally collect the ball and his shot hit the post and went out of play.

On 39 minutes Newmarket doubled their lead when new signing  DANIEL HOBBS shot from twenty yards, deflecting off a defender, and in turn wrongfooting keeper Walker. Not the luck Melford require at the moment.

Before a restart could be made one of the floodlight pylons suddenly went out and thus the game was held up for some thirty minutes. The game restarted at 16.28 pm, with floodlights fully in operation.

The second half was taken by Newmarket their fast running, good movement and direct play put the Melford defence under severe pressure.

On 75 minutes with Melford appealing for a foul on  full back Will Wingfield, the  referee waved play on, and Lewis Whitehead crossed  for  DANIEL HOBBS to drill home and secure his brace of goals.

On 77 minutes the Newmarket lead increased when Ben Robinson threaded through a pass to JACK WHITING to pick his spot.

Melford keeper Walker produced more fine saves, although Melford also had some good chances. George Day went through on goal but delayed shooting, and the ball was cleared.

With the introduction of three young substitutes Melford looked far livelier towards the end  of the game, both Griffiths and James Dormady saw shots cleared off the line. It was again one of those days for Melford.   CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: Matt Walker, Dan Smith (78), Will Wingfield, Jake Jackson, Ross Waugh, Sam Mills, Hassan Ally, Jacob Brown, Jamie Griffiths, David Lopez (60), George Day (78)

Subs used: Perry Newman (78), James Dormady (78), Alfie Parnell (60)

Subs not used: Jack Delaune, Max Boulter