Late drama in festive cracker!

Hassan Ally’s last second equaliser earned an excellent draw with Newmarket Town.

The galloping Jockeys rode into the Skyline Networks Stadium, some 43 points between the teams, Newmarket second in the League, and Melford second from bottom but boosted by Saturday’s draw at Thetford Town.

Not pretty to watch, but at times a frenetic game, full of guts and determination.

Only four minutes into the game, and the brilliance of home keeper Matt Walker, with a reflex save kept the score line intact.

With Newmarket having far more possession, Melford were resolute in defence, but sharp on the break.

Just 21 minutes into the game Melford came close with a snapshot from Harry Brown that was only inches wide.

On 29 minutes it was the real thing, when a Harry Whiting-Noakes free kick found the Newmarket box, bounced around and finally a looping header from BEN JUDGE found the net.

The lead was short lived when on 33 minutes Newmarket levelled, a low cross was fizzed in from the Newmarket right flank, defeating the Melford defence and JAMES SEYMOUR had a simple tap in at the far post.

Another goal was added by The Jockeys but was ruled out by the offside flag.

The home team put on a more attacking display in the second half with Harry Brown firing into the side netting and Jacob Brown clearing the top of the bar with a fierce drive.

Both sides forced corners, with Melford in particular defending in diehard manner.

As the game looked to end with shared points, and a single goal draw, the spirit of Santa Claus appeared from the Melford direction and in the 90^th  minute,  a  Melford defender played the ball straight to the feet of a Newmarket player on the edge of the Melford penalty area, and BEN ROBINSON drilled the ball into the net.

Not quite the end! In the last minute of added time, HASSAN ALLY got on the end of a Melford free kick, to force the ball home from close range, and to ensure Melford cleared the last hurdle with another point.

A game of raw endeavour, but enthralling all the same. CHENOBERET

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

Subs used: J Gibbs, R Gibbs, Ally,  not used: Jarrett, Birch.

Photo with thanks to Sean Doyle.