1ST TEAM INFLICT HEAVY DEFEAT ON PROMOTION CONTENDERS DISS TOWN (April 12, 2008)
Diss Town 1 Long Melford 4
(Ridgeons League Div 1, Sat 12 April 2008)
There were unconfirmed reports that pigs were seen flying in the air at the conclusion of this game at Brewers Green Lane, no doubt in a salute to this improbable victory by the League basement side against the would be promotion candidates. This result perhaps puts that ambition on hold and also the future of Diss Manager Tong who earlier in the week had his resignation turned down by the Diss Board.
This was no fluke result for the Villagers it was fully deserved and sweated for by the Suffolk youngsters. It looked as though the pre match prediction would be right when after only seven minutes Diss went ahead. A free kick from Ryland was swung to the Melford far post, keeper Croll struggled to control the ball and it came loose to DEACON who forced the ball home.
Play from restart went to the other end and Grindrod found space down the left flank his driven cross went across goal and evaded all players narrowly easing past the Diss far post. With the wind at their backs Diss attacked in numbers, Norman made a probing run forcing his way into the Melford box but put his shot wide,then Melford defended well to clear an effort from Deacon off the line.
The visitors replied at the other end with a rasping drive from Skeggs bringing a diving save out of keeper Hilton. Again Melford keeper Croll excelled making a fine save from a Fulcher shot and then keeping out a thirty yard shot from Lawrence.
Although under pressure Melford were defending in an impressive fashion with Player Manager Tracey having a dominating game and this spirit found the equaliser. A freekick from Brind found Grindrod who flicked the ball onto the head of Tracey, his header finding CHISHOLM at the far post and he fired the ball into the net, just reward for some hard battling by Melford.
Action at both ends before halftime Skeggs having his effort cleared off the Diss line and Ryland putting a freekick inches wide for the home team. Resuming after the interval with the wind behind them Melford went into attacking mode, a corner from the Diss left flank found Tracey and his perfect and powerful header rocked the Diss bar.
Playing with an air of confidence Melford lost momentum for a time and Diss came close to taking the lead first another freekick from Ryland somehow evaded the Melford far post and then keeper Croll again produced another good save from Cussons.
On 59 minutes Melford took the lead a long throw from Manser was headed to the far post by Tracey and GRINDROD headed the ball home. Frustrated by the situation Diss pushed forward and again Croll was the Melford saviour dealing in grand style efforts from Norman and Lawrence.
The Villagers were able to find space with both Statham and Skeggs working into space but failing to convert chances into goals. After 63 minutes Melford replicated their last goal, a long throw from Manser was again headed across the box by Tracey and CHISHOLM netted from close range.
This seemed to reduce the home team and Melford started to present some frequent pressure and on 87 minutes came the best goal of the game. The ball found Bull on the halfway line, he carved a pass for DAW to run onto and the 17 year old outstripped the home defence and fired ,on the run into the net giving Hilton no chance in the Diss goal.
Jubilation was overtaken by sorrow when in the course of celebration the Melford youngster received his second yellow card,for taking his shirt off and was sent off by the referee.. Just time for Melford to have another chance with Bull free in the penalty box firing several feet over the bar.
Great spirit won the game for Melford and perhaps complacency was the failing ingredient for Diss.
MELFORD Croll, Durell, Grimster, Statham, Crissell, Tracey, Chisholm, Brind, Manser,(81) Skeggs, Grindrod (61) Subs Bull(81) Daw(61)
CHENOBERET
Meanwhile, at Stoneylands the Reserves lost 6-2 against Stanway Rovers Reserves. More details of that match to follow shortly.
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