Lakenheath vs Long Melford

Report

Long Melford’s challenging start to the season continued with defeat at league leaders Lakenheath.

Second half goals from Jacob Brown and Greg Birch made the scoreline more respectable. But overall another tough day for Melford with some contentious refereeing and individual defensive errors proving costly.

After a fairly even opening 10 minutes there was a controversial moment as a Melford attack was thwarted and instead of awarding a corner the referee gave the home side a free kick. Several Melford players engaged the referee at this decision as they clearly felt he was wrong. As they were doing this Beckwith pumped a ball long looking to free Thurlbourn. The assistant flagged for offside which no doubt impacted Melford’s defenders and the home side were in front via a deflected shot that went in off Humphreys.

Lakenheath doubled their lead with a set piece goal, their centre half getting the better of Brown (who felt he was blatantly tugged) and Walker (who was also impeded) to slam home from close range.

The third goal saw the lively Thurlbourn set off from his own half and despite the attentions of Dende, Brennan and Holmes was still able to thread through Young whose shot from a tight angle took a deflection past Walker.

Shortly after half time it was four and any chance of a comeback was over. Melford failed to clear their lines and a ball tossed into the box saw Thurlbourn nip in ahead of a Melford defender to smash home. Better defending needed from the visitors who were half asleep it seemed!

Humphreys had a fantastic opportunity to pull one back when sent clear by Ally but shot wide.

Changes were made with Verdades, Birch and Coy entering the fray replacing Humphreys, Harry Brown and Holmes and immediately Melford looked livelier.

Some lovely link up play from Brown and Verdades set Dende free and he forced an exceptional save from Beckwith.

Melford did pull one back with Ally and Verdades involved before Brown slammed home from the edge of the box.

Shortly thereafter there was a first goal in a Melford shirt for Greg Birch, a Verdades shot was blocked and the rebound was nodded home from close range.

The visitors pushed for more goals and a couple of half chances were fashioned, Lakenheath held firm and offered a threat on the break before seeing out the last few minutes.

A frustrating afternoon for a Melford side that just can’t seem to catch a break with every mistake seemingly punished by a goal. But some positives in attack with the lively Verdades impressing along with an excellent performance in midfield from Brennan (with Jackson deputising at centre back with Dek Roy out injured).

Even at this very early stage of the season, next Saturday’s bottom of the table clash at home to Walsham feels like a crucial six-pointer.

LONG MELFORD: Walker, Holmes, B.Judge, Jackson, Collins, Dende, Brennan, Humphreys, H.Brown, J.Brown (c), Ally

Subs (all used), O. Judge, Coy, Birch, Wingfield, Verdades