Long Melford vs Swaffham Town

Report

Much to the relief of all associated with the Villagers, a positive result was earned at a very crucial stage of this early season match.

Still minus four regulars, Melford continued to improve from their last encounter against Woodbridge Town. Much of the game was dominated by Melford against the Norfolk team who have struggled like the Villagers to get a consistent team line-up.

In the first twenty minutes the returning David Lopez forced Swaffham  keeper Dan Smith into a fine save with a piledriver of a shot. Although Swaffham were confined in their efforts Luke Middleton headed wide and Sary Rahma somehow cleared the Melford bar from three yards, he must have been relieved to find he was offside anyway!

Melford failed to convert the other end Hassan Ally lobbing the keeper and the crossbar and Ben Judge firing straight at the keeper from close range, and George Day rounding the keeper to smash the ball into the post and not the net.

On 41 minutes Melford were helped by Swaffham keeper Dan Smith who upended Judge in the penalty area  and WILL WINGFIELD converted from the spot.

The second half started brightly for Melford Day twice flashing headers wide and Jacob Brown putting wide from a close angle. Other than a ten minute purple patch for Swaffham it was now Melford looking hungry for goals.

On 61 minutes Melford got their second goal a bouncing ball got beyond the Swaffham back line and GEORGE DAY finished in clinical fashion from an acute angle.

On 72 minutes Hassan Ally tricked his way through the Swaffham defence and his pass found GEORGE DAY for his second goal.

The fourth goal had a bizarre link attached, the linesman flagged for offside but the referee deemed to ball had come to  GEORGE DAY via a Swaffham defender and he had a simple tap in as a result.

Melford introduced three substitutes on 82 minutes including 16 year old Thomas King, the fourth generation of the same family to play for Melford, emulating a young debut just as Perry Groves at  16 years old  did many years go at Stoneylands.

The final goal came a per the first goal on 86 minutes, a foul by keeper Smith and WILL WINGFIELD converting from the penalty spot.  Hopefully with the likes Jamie Griffiths and Steve Adams back shortly The Villagers will be firing on all cylinders.  CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: Walker, Wingfield,  Mills, Swain (82), R Waugh, Jackson, Ally (82), Brown, Day, Lopez (82), Judge

Subs used: Hurley (82), Dormady (82), King (82)    not used Bradbury, Chisholm

Attendance: 68