Ross reaches 300 match milestone

Well done to Ross Waugh who played his 300th match for the club today.

Jordan Maynard our Matchday Facilities Manager presented an award to Ross before kick-off.

Against the league leaders Thetford Town, Long Melford were able to bring into their team the returning Ben Judge after his brief sojourn at Whitton United.

Melford will be disappointed with the manner of Thetford’s two early goals, which ultimately cost them the game.

In the first minute Will Wingfield came close for Melford, but Thetford responded after 7 minutes. Ex loanee Melford player EMMANUEL MACHAYA found space down the Thetford left flank and his low hard cross, come shot took a deflection that wrong footed Melford keeper David Leader and nestled into another the corner of the net.

Despite their below par start to the game Melford had chances with Thetford keeper Tom Smith, just winning a through ball ahead of Wingfield, and the same Melford player coming close with a shot on the turn.

Despite the Melford flurry it was Thetford who got their second goal after 16 minutes when an excellent cross from Adam Laker was met at the far post by ANDREW CUSACK, and his half volley shot took a deflection before finding the Melford net.

Melford had two excellent chances both headers with Deklyn Roy wide of the target, followed another by Josh Collins from a Harry Whiting-Noakes corner.

On the stroke of half-time Melford nearly got back in the match when Judge burst through the Thetford defence but his low shot was well saved by the visitors’ keeper.

The second half was completely different for Melford, when they came out looking much sharper and showing greater intent, the introduction of substitutes seemed to add energy to their game.

No goals emerged but some good efforts, Whiting-Noakes saw his free kick well saved by keeper Smith, then the lively Frederico Dende saw two efforts blocked in the penalty area, followed by an effort from the speedy Ben Humphreys that hit the post.

At the other end David Leader pushed a shot over the bar from Dan Gilchrist the ex AFC Sudbury/Bury Town player.

Still Melford looked for goals with the recently signed Ryan Gibbs looking lively leading the attack, but it was not to be, and Thetford with all the points retained their top of the table position.

LONG MELFORD: David Leader, Ross Waugh, Sam Newton, Jake Jackson (85), Deklyn Roy, Josh Collins, Hassan Ally (67), Harry Whiting-Noakes (77), Will Wingfield (70), Jacob Brown (capt), Ben Judge (63)

Subs all used: Frederico Dende (63), Ryan Gibbs (70), Lewis Brennan (67), Ben Humphreys (77), Charlie Holmes (85)