Long Melford vs Kirkley & Pakefield

Report

This was a fine performance from Melford who move up to 7th and look a constant threat to opponents.

Due to unforeseen circumstances we didn’t have printed programmes at yesterday’s match. However, you can read the digital version here: Long Melford v Kirkley & Pakefield.

The visitors were minus several players and The Villagers were missing keeper David Leader with a broken finger, central defender Deklyn Roy a broken toe, Hassan Ally sickness and Josh Collins work rota. So a very creditable overall performance.

Melford took the lead after 6 minutes when Jacob Brown was fouled in the box, RYAN GIBBS converted from the spot.

Visiting keeper Alex Blowers enjoyed a good game saving efforts from Ben Judge, Ryan Gibbs and a blockbuster from Frederico Dende.

On 26 minutes the referee turned down appeals for a penalty for handball in the Melford penalty area.

Twice Kirkley came close with efforts from the lively George Barber who impressed for the visitors.

On 38 minutes Melford consolidated their lead when Gibbs’ shot was parried by Blowers and BEN JUDGE followed up to score his first goal since returning to the club, the result of some hard running from a midfield position.

Soon after half time Melford were caught napping, when on 53 minutes KEENAN HUTCHINGS fired home from close range.

Melford went further ahead, the tricky Fred Dende, ran in on goal his well struck shot was deflected into play wide of the post, and the excellent RYAN GIBBS made ground to fire home from the angle.

Two scares at the other end with efforts from Barber and Connor Swan, home keeper Max Boulter making two good saves.

Melford wrapped the game up after 88 minutes when Wingfield was brought down in full flight by keeper Blowers, and from the spot kick  WILL WINGFIELD made no mistake for Melford.

Some impressive football from Melford who scored four goals in a match for the first time in over a year and recorded a fully deserved victory.

LONG MELFORD: Max Boulter,  Charlie Holmes, Sam Newton, Lewis Brennan, Ross Waugh, Jake Jackson, Frederico Dende, Harry Whiting-Noakes, Ryan Gibbs, Jacob Brown (c), Ben Judge

Subs (all used): Jordan Gibbs (82), Will Wingfield (72), Perry Newman (72), Ethan Flack (83)