1ST TEAM MOVE OFF BOTTOM OF TABLE AFTER DRAW AGAINST WHITTON (April 19, 2008)
Long Melford 0 Whitton United 0
(Ridgeons League Div 1, Sat 19 April 2008)
Both teams were minus players through injury, and Melford were also without Player Manager Chris Tracey who had left to take over as Manager at Stanway Rovers during the week. The home team were out to prove themselves after a recent midweek mauling at Whitton when they were thrashed 6....0 by the Ipswich team. Overall the zero draw was a fair reflection of the game,with neither side carving out any real chances.
The game started with Daw shooting wide for Melford, and then for a period the game was fought in midfield with neither side able to complete the crucial final ball. A golden chance came to Whitton after eleven minutes,the Melford defence failed to shut down Canfer who was allowed time and space, but shot tamely at keeper Croll when it looked easier to score.
At the other end Melford responded with Grimster heading a Grindrod freekick just over the bar,followed by a Manser lob which keeper Moyes dealt with easily. With fifteen minutes left on the clock,play was held up for treatment to Whitton defender Reece who fell awkwardly after a challenge,and he was eventually stetchered off to Hospital with a hip injury.The game continued from end to end with Melford coming closest when Skeggs put a freekick two feet over the bar.
The second period started much the same as the first half with keeper Moyes clutching an effort from Statham whilst at the other end the home keeper Croll fisted away a freekick from Clarke. This proved to be the best period for Whitton with Player Manager Thompson coming on to push his side for a victory and so it continued with Brown bringing out a diving save from the Melford custodian,and Thompson through on goal putting his effort halfway to Glemsford when again it looked easier to score.
After this period of hectic defending Melford came back and a corner from Statham was headed just over the bar by Grindrod. Six minutes from time and the Melford team and supporters were more than bemused, a two footed challenge from Cunningham left Statham writhing on the ground ,the Melford midfielder taking no further part and left the field for the first aid room, rather surprisingly the referee found the challenge was in the yellow card bracket and Cunningham did not get an early shower .
Action continued at both end but no goals and in the end it was about the right result, for Melford the skilful Danny Brind the Man of the Match.
MELFORD Croll, Durell, Grimster, Statham (84),Crissell, Daw (80) , Chisholm, Brind, Manser (86) , Skeggs, Grindrod, subs Bull (84), Clark (80) , Taylor(86)
CHENOBERET
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