Home v Felixstowe & Walton Utd , Drew 0-0 aet (Won 3-1 pens) (Sun 04 Nov)
Long Melford are through to the third round of the Suffolk Open Cup after a penalty shoot out decided a close evenly fought match against the visitors to Stoneylands Melford had chances to win the game but strikes from Jamie Bell, Craig Williams, and Jack Ash could not find the target, the back four of Sam Welsford (MoM) Josh Lawson, Andrew Bigg & Michael Parsons denied any Felixstowe attacks. Extra time could not break the deadlock so it was into penalties. Bell, Thomas Millar & Zack Clark took their chances but It was Melford keeper Matthew Jerome who won the game for Melford saving two of his penalties which enabled Melford to book their place in the next round.
Away FC Clacton Reds , Won 3-1 (Sunday 21 October 2007)
Melford played their best football yet, in a top of the table clash away to league leaders Clacton. Clacton took a early lead breaking through Melford lines and finished well. Melford responded shortly after, Craig Lallement bringing the game level, twisting through the Clacton defence and beating the keeper. Second half was all Melford ,Gavin Dunlay on top form at centre back denied any Clacton chances. Melford solid in midfield Zack Clark and Hunter Wallis creating chances wide, Melford found Craig Williams (Man of the Match) who took a scorching strike which hit the underside of the bar and bounced over the line, with no whistle, Lallement was their to make sure for his second. Jamie Bell took on the defence from a through ball and scored with a fine dipping shot to put the match well out of reach of Clacton.
Home v Tempest, Won 3-1 (Sunday 14 October 2007)
Melford maintained their unbeaten home record this week with a win against 2nd in the table Tempest. Melford had several early chances but could not complete their moves, while Tempest also struggled to keep possession or create any threat, Craig Williams and Tom Millar controlling the centre ground. Melford’s break came when Craig Lallement was brought down in the 18 yrd box for a penalty and Jamie Bell fired home the opener. Second half saw Melford raise their game and good passing play found Zack Clark out on the right who crossed to Bell who took his second. Tempest had no real chances the Melford back four giving a solid performance. Melford’s third came from Daniel Anderson who found himself with time and space in the Tempest box to stroke in Melford’s third. Man of the Match: Sam Welsford.
Away v Cornard Dynamos, Won 4-2 (Sun 07 Oct)
Melford triumph in local derby at Blackhouse Lane, Melford taking the lead after early pressure from Cornard, Jamie Bell attacking a through ball and beating Barney O’Connell at his far post. Melford’s second came from a Thomas Millar through ball, Bell outpacing to slot home. A Cornard break just before half time found Jordan Platt on the left who cut inside his strike beating Matt Jerome overhead. Second half saw Craig Williams dominating the midfield keeping Melford on top, Bell secured his hatrick shrugging off a defensive challenge and finding the corner of the net. Cornard replied, Thomas Peel broke through taking his strike well to close the gap. Melford maintained pressure and focus creating another goal from a free kick by Millar finding Zack Clark at the far post to score his first of the season. Melford Man of the Match Andrew Bigg.
Home v Clacton Town, Won 5-0 (Sun 30 Sep)
Melford settled into their passing game, their first goal coming from a through ball from Tom Millar setting up Jamie Bell Beating the keeper at his near post, Craig Lallement added another pouncing on a rebound from the post to slot home. Melford’s third came from a ball over the top by Josh Lawson which Bell netted rounding a defender. Just before half time a perfect ball from Zack Clark over the shoulder of Bell (Man of the Match) who nodded on and beat defender and then keeper at his far post for his hatrick. Melford continued to dominate in the second half the midfield Craig Williams and Millar controlling the centre ground, Sam Welsford and Gavin Dunlay breaking up every Clacton move. Daniel Anderson heading his first of the season home for No.5 from a Bell cross rounded off a convincing victory. Solid performance from the whole squad.
Away v Great Bradfords, Lost 1-3 (Sun 23 Sep)
10:00am kick off did not agree with Melford this week away to Bradford’s, Melford failed to settle or keep possession going a goal behind after 15mins, to get any chances with Bradford’s so well organised at the back Melford needed to raise their game but it did not look like it was going to happen as Bradford’s eased ahead 2-0. Changes at half time, some fresh legs saw Melford pick up their game with a few more chances but Bradford’s added another. The last 20 mins was all Melford but they left it too late to turn things around, a consolation goal came when J Bell had a tap in, following a wicked bounce beating the defender and keeper under pressure from Bell. Michael Parsons solid game as right back won Man of the Match.
Home v Boadicea Dynamos , Won 3-1 (Sun 16 Sep)
Melford Triumphed in this close fought home fixture taking the lead just before half time Jamie Bell’s strike finding its way through a tightly packed penalty box to open the scoring, good passing play found Zack Clark his volley picking out Craig Lallement in the six yard box who directed his header wide of the keeper for Melford’s second. Moments later Boadicea, who had played some good football, closed the gap by following up a great parry from Melford keeper Mat Jerome to pull one back. Melford maintained their passing play and were rewarded with a third, Josh Lawson powering his strike home from a corner, Man of the Match Thomas Millar strong in midfield.
Away v Reed Hall Sentinals, Drew 1-1 (Sun 09 Sep)
The U15's kicked off their season away to arch rivals Reed Hall who were promoted to the B league with Melford this season. A close game as usual, Melford started well controlling the first 20 minutes Sam Welsford sound at the back & Jamie Bell shooting just wide in the first minute, but Reed Hall were the first to score a good strike from outside right of the 18 yard box dipping into the net beating the Melford keeper.
Melford rallied to bring the game level a fantastic ball over the top from the right back Michael Parsons set up Bell who broke through, his lob dipping into the net to draw the game level. Second half saw chances at both ends but both teams had to settle for the draw, strong team performance from Melford earning them their first point of the season. Man of the Match, Hunter Wallis.
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