Hit for six in FA Cup

What a very painful day this was for everyone connected with Long Melford Football Club.

A woeful performance by The Villagers, who were hit for six a by a rampant Wellingborough team who on the day outplayed Melford in every department.

The day started badly for Melford when there was a late call off by the newly signed striker Clarence Emeh, as his partner was rushed into a maternity unit in Essex.

The 86 mile trip to Wellingborough proved difficult as well when RTA on the A14 meant a 35 minute coach delay for Melford arriving at the Wellingborough ground at 2pm for a 3pm kick off.

Thereafter it was little short of shambolic for Melford, whilst The Doughboys a Step 5 team like Melford, looked far superior, with  Jessi Obeng and Neo Richard-Noel, running the Melford defence ragged, whilst in defence 41 year old Brett Solkon who started his youth career at Ipswich Town and Arsenal, and had featured for the likes of Kettering Town in the Non League was a beacon of strength and composure.

It could have easily been five goals to the good for Wellingborough in the first half with Matt Walker in the Melford goal making some great saves, the only player in the Melford team who impressed.

After hitting the Melford crossbar, the home team got their deserved reward after a bad Melford cross field pass, was collected by Obeng and his cross found the unmarked SEAN McBRIDE who was allowed to turn in the box and fire home.

There was hardly a goal mouth skirmish from Melford in the first half, and it was no surprise when just before half time JESSI OBENG converted from close range.

The second half saw the Melford introduction  of  Ben Judge, returning from injury and Hassan Ally who at least injected some spirit into the Melford play.

On 69 minutes the third goal came for the home team, some diabolical defending by Melford allowed  TOM IACIOFANO  to convert from close range.

At the other end Melford briefly threatened with two efforts being cleared off the Wellingborough goal line.

The Doughboys ended the game with a flurry of goals, with NEO RICHARD-NOEL running through to neatly lob keeper Walker.

On 86 minutes again NEO RICHARD-NOEL evaded the Melford defence to score a fine individual goal and in added time RICOH ALEXANDER from a full back position converted from a corner.

At the final whistle jubilation for a fine and comprehensive victory for Wellingborough, whilst for Melford a miserable end to a miserable day.

As one pundit observed and recorded, five passes back for Melford versus one pass forward is not a winning recipe, sorry to say! CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: Walker, O Judge, Brennan, Jackson, Roy, Collins, H Brown, Whiting-Noakes, Humphreys, J Brown, Wingfield

Subs used: Ally, Coy, B Judge  not used: Cobbold, Akinade, Luwabella, Twum jnr