Holmes on target in elementary win

Charlie Holmes scored his first ever Step 5 goal as Long Melford continued on their excellent season.

The win takes David Hennessey’s team past last season’s entire points total, with 16 matches still to be played.

There was one change to the squad that beat Brantham Athletic on Monday, Perry Newman replacing the unavailable Hassan Ally. Walsham were minus key players due to suspensions after receiving two straight red cards on Boxing Day.

Early minutes and Walsham made the brighter start, but in their first attack Melford went ahead after five minutes.

Ryan Gibbs twisted and turned and found Fred Dende, his effort squirmed across the Walsham box and CHARLIE HOLMES pushing forward from right back escaped the attention of the Walsham defence to side foot home at the far post.

The equaliser came on 15 minutes when the dangerous MATT GLOVER was allowed time and space by the Melford defence and he picked his spot from twenty yards.

Melford had much of the play and went ahead again after 30 minutes, a Lewis Brennan corner was not cleared by Walsham, and a loose ball arrived at the feet of  RYAN GIBBS and the striker bulged the net from close range.

On the half time whistle Walsham defender Jordan Southgate picked up a second yellow card for another late challenge, and was sent off.

For most of the second half  Melford were well in control, making the most of the numerical advantage.

Three great chances for the home team were not converted, whilst Max Boulter in the Melford goal was rarely called into action.

The third goal came after 79 minutes when some good inter passing between Ben Judge and Dende, saw a cross pulled back into the area by Gibbs, and the shot from HARRY WHITING-NOAKES looped off a defender into the net.

Overall a good game and great performance from Melford who now play with an air of confidence and will be pleased with their League position.

LONG MELFORD: Max Boulter, Charlie Holmes, Ben Judge, Lewis Brennan, Jake Jackson, Josh Collins, Frederico Dende, Harry Whiting-Noakes, Ryan Gibbs, Jacob Brown (capt), Will Wingfield

Subs all used: Dan Smith, Sam Newton, Perry Newman, Ben Humphreys, Ross Waugh