Long Melford vs Parson Drove

Report

For the first time in their 157 year history, Long Melford entertained the Fenland outfit FC Parson Drove, who on the game day sat five positions higher than The Villagers in the League.

After the game Melford manager Macca McConnell, was slightly disappointed with the end result, with Melford twice taking the lead, and then witnessing Melford keeper Ben Moye saving a penalty from the visitors.

At  15.12,  the game erupted not with excitement, but  a powerful thundery interval, with the referee wisely taking the players off the pitch for some thirteen minutes.

On 15 minutes Melford went ahead when a  25 yard free kick from the Melford right flank was whipped into the Parson Drive penalty  box  and SAM MARKWICK flicked the ball into the net.

Without their experienced strikers, Andy Wood and Ollie Hughes due to injury and business trips, Melford started teenager Taylor Bunnage, who certainly showed an abundance of energy, also starting was another experienced youngster Lucas Stephenson signed hours before the match.

Also welcomed back to Melford was former player Harry Whiting-Noakes.

The visitors had a good opportunity on 26 minutes with a free kick on the edge of the Melford area but Corey Kingston fired over the Melford crossbar.

On 43 minutes Parson Drove levelled when their star player  JAE  MEAD  twisted and turned past three Melford defenders and fired home on the angle from left flank.

On the half time resumption in end to end football  Parson Drove put a good effort just wide whilst Melford had a goal bound effort cleared off the line.

On 59 minutes Melford went ahead a 40 yard free kick caused the Parson Drove defence problems and  Melford skipper  JACOB BROWN rose high to head into  the net giving keeper Charlie Jasper no chance.

On 71 minutes a soft penalty for an alleged push in the back gave the visitors a life line, but the kick taken by  Corey Kingston was saved expertly by Ben Moye in the Melford goal.

Just as it looked as Melford had taken victory JAE  MEAD again weaved his magic down the Melford right flank, to clinically finish from the angle.

For Melford an ever improving situation ready for the important  home Vase Game  on Saturday September 20^th   3pm  ko  when Melford entertain Cockfosters FC.

LONG MELFORD: Ben Moye, George Crowe, Alfie Carroll,  Jack Utting, George Bareham, Harry Whiting-Noakes, Owen Walker-Ross, Sam Markwick,  Lucas Stephenson, Jacob Brown (capt) Taylor Bunnage

SUBS USED: Ollie Ward,  Jordan Gibbs,  Brett Crisp