Home defeat

A disappointed Long Melford manager Macca McConnell summed up the result after the game, in a nutshell for Melford, when he said “If you do not convert chances then you do not get the required results”.

A similar analogy to catches win matches in cricket. 

Melford were minus the injured Brendan Salisbury and super sub Konnor Oughton, but introduced midweek signing Kyron Cooper from Walsham le Willows (thank you Walsham for your help!)

After three minutes and virtually the first challenge of the game Simon Whiteman  captain of Halesworth received a yellow card for a lunging challenge.  That was the pattern of the whole game, over zealous tackles and the game punctuated by free kicks.

Melford conceded a silly goal after 13 minutes, some dithering by  Melford defenders allowed the ball from a  Melford right hand corner position, to find the box  and for  HAMISH McGREGOR to convert a simple tap in. When in doubt boot it out comes to mind!

On 22 minutes Brendan McKay was through on the Halesworth goal, and on the edge of the area was tripped by Sam Fisher and the referee had little option but to show a red card to the Halesworth defender. This player reduction rather than restrict the visitors,  seemed to inspire the whole team to greater things.

In fact keeper Ben Moye saved Melford shortly after by coming off his line to block a Halesworth shot. On 39  minutes Melford were unlucky when a Charlie Glover effort hit the corner angle of the  Halesworth bar with keeper George Macrae well beaten.

Melford ended the half strongly but went in at half time still with the one goal deficit.

Kicking towards the houses Melford pressed hard at the start of the second half with the best chance falling McKay who headed over the bar from close range.

On 85 mins. Halesworth were awarded a freekick  just outside the Melford box and  TANE BACKHOUSE neatly curled the ball into the top corner of the Melford  net. 

Melford exerted more pressure but were thwarted by a resolute Halesworth team,  many of whom had played together through the Halesworth Youth system, no superstars, but good strong team performers.

After countless chances and pressure Melford eventually scored in the final minute of added time when in another goalmouth scramble  GEORGE BAREHAM forced the ball over the Halesworth goal line for a late consolation. CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: Moye, Straw, John, Carroll,  Bareham, Cooper, Glover Whiting-Noakes, McKay, Brown (capt)  Markwell  SUBS Ward, Gilson, Waller, Utting, Enderby