Long Melford vs Fakenham Town

Report

Long Melford came from behind to beat Fakenham Town and boost their hopes of a top-10 finish.

With an eye on the important Suffolk Premier Cup Quarter Final on Tuesday night at Needham Market, manager Dave Hennessey started with an almost experimental team, giving a rest to several regulars.

There was a first team debut in goal for teenager Josh Fowler, who gave a solid performance.

It was a sluggish and sloppy start by Melford and a poor pass allowed in Fakenham after 4 minutes, with DANIEL HOGSTON able to fire home from twelve yards, with the shot taking a deflection on the way.

Soon after with Fakenham looking the better team they again found the net only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

On 21 minutes Melford were awarded a penalty and RYAN GIBBS slotted home from the spot.

The visitors had another golden chance on 33 minutes but Ben Darby shot straight at keeper Fowler.

Just before half time Melford were unlucky when a fierce shot from Ryan Gibbs hit the post and sprung back into play.

Over the second period Melford improved but never dominated with a creditable fighting performance from the Norfolk team.

On 59 minutes the impressive RYAN GIBBS charged some thirty yards through the Fakenham defence and neatly fired into net, giving keeper Tom Coombe no chance.

LONG MELFORD: Fowler,  J Gibbs, Newton, Brennan, Roy, Lazar, Ally, Whiting-Noakes, R Gibbs, Brown, Newman

Subs all used: Judge, Humphreys, Jackson, Holmes,  Boulter