Derby delight!

A local derby for Long Melford on a Tuesday night, Melford extended their unbeaten streak to 5 games with a 3-1 victory against local rivals, Hadleigh United.

Melford, however, return to the Millfield on the 17th October – but in the Suffolk Senior Cup Second Round.

The start of the first half was a competitive one. Both teams created their chances. However, it seemed to be Melford who was going to take their chances and convert a goal first in this affair.

After 35 minutes, Hadleigh went on a good move through the Melford defence. After a sequence of passing and breaking through the Melford defenders, Hadleigh’s Lewis Oakes assisted to find the Hadleigh skipper, MAX DINNELL – who then calmly converted past Ben Moye in the Melford net.

5 minutes later on 40 minutes, Toby John and the Hadleigh attacker got into a bit of a tussle – however, it was deemed as an overzealous challenge by Toby John; who was shown a straight, immediate red card. Melford would then go down to 10 men.

After the half time break, Melford restarted strongly, working hard for an equalising goal in this derby game.

On 49 minutes, Melford’s JACK GRAHAM broke through the Hadleigh line and got away from the defender very quickly to neatly convert into the net.

Hadleigh had a couple more chances shortly after, but to no avail.

On 61 minutes, Melford created a lovely passing move – Harry Whiting-Noakes drove into the box on the left side and had a shot on target. This was parried in the box and when it was bouncing around several times, this is where recently new Melford recruit (and ex Hadleigh United man), LUKE SPURLING appeared out of nowhere and powerfully followed up on the rebound, pile-drived the ball into the roof of the net.

Jubilations for all representing Long Melford – as the players go and celebrate near the corner flag.

For about 10 minutes, the play was backwards and forwards – however, this was Melford having the more share of the chances in the 10 minutes that followed.

Hadleigh then had a lump sum of chances following up as Melford looked to defend very strongly.

Despite being down to 10 men; on 83 minutes, from a clearance in the Melford area – Luke Spurling took the ball down and drove to outside of the Hadleigh box, his neat pass found JACK GRAHAM – who then controlled the ball calmly and neatly tucked the ball into the Hadleigh net.

With 10 men, Melford held on effectively and strongly, to bring the 3 points back to Long Melford – and extending their unbeaten/winning streak to 5 games.

A valiant and great spectacle for all the Melford supporters who came to see the game.

LONG MELFORD SQUAD

STARTING: Ben Moye (Gk), Toby John, Jamie Barclay, Logan Bell, Seth Garza, Liam Knights, Harry Conway, Harry Whiting-Noakes, Brandon Sailsbury (Captain), Luke Spurling, Jack Graham

SUBS USED: Konnor Oughton, Charlie Glover, Evan Gledhill, Taylor Bunnage / SUB UNUSED: Jack Brame

Squad photo with thanks to Will Phillips