First win of the season!

After the 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Thetford Town on Saturday, Long Melford showed tremendous character to bounce back on Tuesday.

What a great birthday present for Melford Manager Liam Joyce. Three points gained under difficult circumstances, six regular players missing, through injury and holidays, including key figures skipper Jacob Brown and expert frontman Ryan Gibbs, the Melford youngsters acquitted well to the task and achieved an impressive victory.

The opening goal came for Melford after seven minutes Ben Judge was brought down in the Hadleigh penalty area and up stepped 18 year old and ex Chelmsford City trainee FREDDIE PHEBY to convert in a calm manner from the spot.

The Villagers were caught after 36 minutes by the pace of CHARLIE READ down the Hadleigh right flank and his shot on the angle found the Melford net.

The second half saw a competitive game with Greg Birch rocking the Hadleigh cross bar, with a rocket of a shot, whilst at the other end Mason Harvey did like wise against the Melford goal post.

The crucial winner came for Melford on 56 minutes when Melford swarmed with speed and movement into the Hadleigh half and REUBEN CHINNERY fired home for Melford, ironically Reuben joined Melford from Hadleigh ten days earlier!

Hopefully from the Melford perspective, this high energy effort will continue for the future, particularly for this coming Saturday when Melford entertain Hullbridge in the FA Vase. CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: Walker  Chirimuuta, Vine, Whiting-Noakes, Jackson, Humphreys, Pheby, B Judge (capt), Reddin, Chinnery, Bone

SUBS: Ayiteyeio, Fenton-Jones, Birch, Chance, Charway Jnr.

• Photo of Ben Judge in action against Thetford with thanks to Benie Davies (bee.dee.photography)