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LONG MELFORD UNDER 12 REDS 2 HALSTEAD TOWN REDS 8
(Sunday 06 April 2008)
Melford went into this game keen to show Halstead they were better than the 11-0 defeat earlier in the season suggests. The instruction was to not concede an early goal, but Melford went behind in the second minute when they allowed a Halstead player to run through from midfield to score a well taken goal. Soon after another Halstead attack saw a shot put just wide. Melford now started to get into their stride and good tackling by Dan Knowles prevented Halstead from getting forward. Jordan Gates stood firm at the back and made some timely interceptions, but when Halstead played a long ball forward, Max was out to narrow the angle and as the shot went past him he just flicked his foot at the last moment and made contact with his outstretched toe. This was just enough to deflect the shot onto the post, and Halstead followed up immediately with another shot which was blocked by Tom Alabaster and put out for a corner. It was this kind of determination which kept Melford in the game, and some good passing moves were enjoyable to watch. Mackenzie Gooch played well, holding his position as instructed. When half time came the boys were all buzzing – they were pleased with their own performance and we couldn’t get them to sit down and rest! They just wanted to get back out and carry on.
We were now playing with the wind (and snow) so should have had the advantage but when an early second half goal put us 2-0 down the boys were annoyed with their lapse of concentration and within a few minutes were attacking the Halstead end. Billy found himself in the penalty area and from a bit of an angle caught the defence by surprise when he toe punted an early shot, finding the net to make it 2-1. This fired the boys up for a while but Halstead pressed forward and a good shot squirmed through Max’s hands, 3-1.
Another soft goal a couple of minutes later and a long lob made it 5-1 and heads started to drop .Max was very unlucky for the sixth as he saved it twice before it ended up in the net. Matt Coll, who had been making some brave tackles all afternoon, got caught on the knee and had to come off for a few minutes and soon after Jordan thundered across to tackle, determined to cut out the threat from the right midfielder, and took a knock in the process – an accidental injury in a fair challenge from both players – and had to come off too. So we were down to 9 boys for a while. Matt limped back on and did the best he could, and Jordan too. With Dan Aldous at left back already nursing a thigh strain we now looked decidedly static at the back and it made it easier for Halstead to score another couple in quick succession.
The eight came quite near the end but all credit to our boys as the midfield battled to the end. Dan Knowles took on a couple of Halstead players, tore down the right side to cross to give Billy an easy tap in. Although this was virtually the last kick of the game, our boys celebrated as though we had just equalised, and deservedly so. Good performances came from Tom, Dan Knowles, Mackenzie and Billy, but team spirit was good, attitude was excellent and I think the boys should be pleased with themselves.
We now have just one league match left, at home to Tempest on 27th April.
Long Melford U12 Reds 3 Cornard Dynamos 3
(Friendly, Sunday 30 March 2008)
This was a friendly which was organised to try to keep the interest and momentum going, and to keep the boys fitness levels up. However, it being school holiday time, some players were unavailable, and the key position of goalkeeper was covered by Ollie Green from the Blues.
I was keen to use Reds players as much as possible, but in doing so had to play some boys out of their normal positions. The starting back four saw Dan Aldous move to centre back, and Joseph Salter drop to left back, with Jamie Hicks at right back. Cornard started well and ex-Melford Todd Cooper caused the defence problems with his pace, scoring twice in the first ten minutes.
It was obvious the defence were unhappy with the line up so an early decision was made to change things around. James Spurway from our Blues came on and slotted into central defence, Dan moved to his more familiar left back role, and Joseph pushed to left midfield at the expense of George Byham.
This settled things down and Melford got back into the game, winning more possession than before, with Billy Prall starting to take control in midfield. Melford created some chances, with ex-Cornard player Myles Barker playing with passion and a point to prove to his prevoius manager.
Five minutes before half time following good Melford pressure down the right Billy found the net with a lovely shot. After the break with George Byham back on Melford competed well, although at times tended to bunch instead of creating space for each other. Good play down the left saw Myles make a run with the ball into the box and was brought down, suffering a knock on the leg. Skippy smashed home the penalty to level the scores.
Cornard continued to press forward and always looked dangerous on the break due to Cooper’s pace and although James Spurway did a great job to contain him for most of the time, Cooper managed to complete his hat- trick.
Melford heads didn’t drop as they knew this third goal was against the run of play. Billy played some superb balls through for the front two but it was him who levelled the score when a poor goal kick by the Cornard keeper came straight to Billy who, seeing the keeper off his line, launched the ball back high over the keeper for 3-3.
The last few minutes were as competitive as ever as both sides tried for the winner and when Cooper broke down the right for Cornard it was Spurway who sprinted fully thirty yards to tackle and win the ball.
A draw was probably a fair result and all the boys enjoyed the game, especially Myles who had a fantastic match. Thanks to Ollie and James for their help.
Away v Earls Colne, Lost 0-5 (Sun 02 March 2008)
Melford went into this game with two players out of the side. This meant that several boys were playing out of position, and although the team tried hard, they found it hard to get going.
Earls Colne applied some early pressure and Jamie Hicks at left back was calm and collected as he won the ball and passed intelligently a couple of times. On fifteen minutes Colne scuffed a shot wide and Melford were forced to defend for a while. Colne won a free kick just outside the penalty area and the resulting free kick was struck superbly over all the players and found the net well. A couple of minutes later and it was 2-0 when Colne beat the offside trap and walked the ball into the net.
After half time Earls Colne came out with more purpose, sensing victory, and simply wanted it more than we did. Early on Max Hemson, playing in central defence, was injured and had to come off, which meant another reshuffle, again unsettling the side.Colne increased their lead on 42 minutes when, Melford having half cleared a cross, failed to deal with a second and a Colne player was on hand to head home an easy chance.
For a while we looked better, with Gooch winning some challenges in midfield. Tom Alabaster in goal tipped over superbly from another free kick. Soon after, the ball was stopped by Billy, then Myles, then Matt in a goalmouth scramble but back it came again and went in for 4-0.
The scoring was completed right at the end when Colne forced Melford to make a mistake, firing home to make it 5-0.
Max ran himself out with his enthusiastic attitude, and Skippy had a hard job playing up front on his own – never easy - after we dropped Myles into midfield to try to turn the game around.
We looked OK at times; the boys still tried to play football, which was pleasing to see and although they did try hard, were always second best. Not an easy game, but thanks for your effort, boys.
Away v Boxford Rovers, Won 5-0 (Sun 17 Feb 2008)
Melford went into this game with confidence sky high following last weeks’ result. Boxford could only field 10 players, and Melford immediately took control and dominated with plenty of good flowing football. Myles Barker had an early chance but shot straight at the keeper. The rebound fell to George Byham who fired home to make it 1-0.
Melford continued to play attractive football and a good run by Joe Salter saw him chip the ball to Skippy who flicked it with his trailing leg into the goal. Myles worked hard and forced the third goal after pressuring the Boxford defence. Melford were looking comfortable and could have had another but George Byhams’ shot hit the post, and just before half time Dan Knowles, busy down the right flank all first half, shot into the side netting. The Melford defence were rarely troubled during the first period but coped easily with what came their way. Soon after the break Myles Barker finished a good move by Skippy and Billy Prall for the fourth goal.
As we were looking comfortable we decided to experiment with the line up and try players in different positions. This actually unsettled us and Boxford were able to get back into the game, and put us under some pressure, which we did deal with, but nonetheless we did lose our way for a while. However, we did manage further attacks and Skippy fired a fierce drive over the bar, and another at the keeper. Jordan Gates impressed in midfield and he hit a first time left foot shot just wide. Concerned our tactics were beginning to work against us, Jordan dropped back into the back four from his temporary midfield position and was called on to make three challenges in quick succession.
Melford pushed forward and Mackenzie Gooch took the ball to the bye-line and shot from a very narrow angle, and his shot pinged off the keeper into the net. Skippy, gaining confidence all the time, flicked the ball up and volleyed on the turn but saw his effort go wide of the target. Boxford made a final challenge but Tom Alabaster, in goal for the second half, came out to narrow the angle and force the Boxford player to shoot wide.
Matt Coll had an excellent game at right back, and Dan Aldous put in another solid performance. All the boys played well but Les and I made a wrong decision by making so many changes to the formation in one match; I feel sure that had we kept to the tested formula, we would have scored more goals. Our last three games will be interesting since we have improved so much.
Away v Frinton & Walton, Won 3-2 (Sun 10 Feb 2008)
The steady week-by-week improvement by Melford finally paid dividends when Melford deservedly won this match. It was all the more sweeter considering we played with only 10 boys. However it was Frinton who took the lead as early as the first minute when, having shot wide, managed to latch onto the goal kick and score from just inside the penalty area.
Melford refused to let their heads drop and played their passing game well, creating some good chances. After good work between Dan Knowles, Skippy and Billy Prall, we forced a corner which Billy headed on for Dan Knowles to shoot, but his effort was comfortably collected by the keeper. The long ball from the keeper saw Max having having to save the low cross/shot. Frinton looked dangerous going forward and a clever chip just went wide.
Skippy won a free kick which he stepped up to float into the box; this was only half cleared and Dan Knowles was on hand to level the scores. Before half time another superb free kick from Skippy from 20 yards whistled into the box and Dan Knowles’ glancing header put us in front.
Max had been making some good saves and closing Frinton down well in the first half, and in the second, out on pitch he made some timely tackles. When we won another free kick Skippy again put the ball into the box, and it came out to Max who had pushed up, and he hit a screamer from 15 yards to make it 3-1.
Frinton now pushed a defender up into midfield to try to get something out of the game and we were under pressure for a while, but defended well. Matt Coll made two stops in quick succession, forcing the striker to shoot wide. Frinton got a goal back when a decent low strike found its’ way through a sea of legs.
Melford continued to play attractive football and won another free kick just outside the area. Skippy curled the ball high over everyone,and saw his effort hit the bar (which was bent – we wondered if he might have scored if it had been straight!).
Stout defending right to the end finished a fantastic performance by all 10 players. Joe Salter had a great game at left mid, but everyone did everything right and we deserved this win. We now move up a place out of the relegation zone thanks to the other results going our way too. Well done boys!
Team: Hemson, Aldous, Alabaster, Gates (c) Coll, Knowles, Prall, Byham, Salter, Skipper.
Home v Stanway Rovers, Lost 0-1 (Sun 03 Feb 2008)
This was another excellent performance by Melford, turning round the defeat suffered in the away fixture of 10-3 to narrowly lose by the odd goal. The goal came as early as 5 minutes, from a corner which was only half cleared to Stanway’s Brice who looped a shot over Max from 12 yards.
After this the game was quite even in terms of possession and chances created. Max dealt with everything he had to with confidence, stopping shots and clearing through balls with ease. Melford’s defence worked together well and looked more comfortable than earlier in the season, the midfield making strong tackles and helping to cover when needed.
Just before half time we were forced to make a couple of substitutions as Myles Barker was caught on the knee with studs and Tom Alabaster suffered an ankle injury. At half time two other changes were made as we had a full squad, and Daniel Aldous had to move to centre back to replace Tom, doing so with ease. He seemed to relish this position and played, if possible, with even more commitment.
Dan Knowles ran and ran on the right, linking well with others and tried to make things happen. Late in the game he saw his shot just go wide after good build up play with Gooch and Prall. Myles was harshly judged to have fouled in the penalty area but the spot kick was blasted over. This inspired Melford even more and the whole team tried their hardest to get a deserved equaliser but it just didn’t come.
The whole team were exceptional and really deserved something from this game. Great displays by Billy Prall and Daniel Aldous were complimented by a great team performances and all the boys should be proud. I know myself, Les and all the parents are.
Away v Tempest, Lost 0-7 (Sun 27 Jan 2008)
Melford went into this Open Cup game with renewed confidence after recent performances, but with the memory of a stinging 14-1 defeat by Tempest earlier in the season. Following the Havant /Liverpool example, we went out to surprise Tempest and as early as the first minute forced a corner after good work by Dan Knowles and Joe Salter. This was cleared by Tempest and a couple of minutes later we allowed a cross to reach an unmarked striker who hit a first time shot sweetly to score the first goal.
A minute later Max Hemson was called upon to save but could only parry the shot, the loose ball falling to Tempest to tap home. The third came soon after when we didn’t challenge, and the cross easily found it’s player who side footed home.
Melford then woke up and defended well, and had good chunks of the play, creating the odd half chance. However, Tempest went close but were denied by Max who tipped a shot onto the post, and caught the rebound too. Just before half time Tempest were again allowed to shoot from the wing unchallenged to make it 4-0 at the break.
Max and Tom Alabaster swapped roles at half time and once again Max gave us an edge against the pace of the Tempest forwards. The fifth goal came when Tempest played the ball though the middle, and one of their front runners latched onto it and coolly slotted home.
Tom then had to save off his line, recovered and immediately had to save again. A couple of minutes later he tipped a shot over at full stretch when the shot looked certain to go in at the top corner. A sixth soft goal and another long ball through being slotted in completed the scoring.
Melford could have played a bit better, but were always facing an uphill struggle against the best footballing side in our division. We were beaten by their pace and to be honest, their ability, but good performances from the defence of Coll, Hemson/Alabaster, Gates and Aldous, and tireless running from Billy Prall showed that we have a side building good character. Our game is developing positively all the time and the boys should not be too down hearted at losing to a side like Tempest. Although we played some good football at times and our defence did a great job in the circumstances, we found it hard to stop Tempest running at us.
Away v Boadicea Dynamos, Drew 2-2 (Sun 13 Jan 08)
Melford began the game slowly and within the first couple of minutes they conceded a corner which was superbly taken and well met with a header which hit the post. Melford were defending for much of the first ten minutes or so but then began to get into their stride and the midfield got a grip to prevent Boadicea from pressurising the Melford defence.
However, Max Hemson in goal was called upon to make some timely saves and did so with great effect, diving at feet, stretching to save and coming out to narrow angles. When Joseph Salter put Billy Prall through the keeper smothered the ball at Billy’s feet, but it was a good move typical of the improved Melford team. The first half ended goal-less due to good defending by all the Melford players and some poor finishing by Boadicea.
The second half, with Max out of goal and Tom Alabaster taking over, saw Melford start slowly and put themselves under a bit of pressure. They soon perked up and a superb long ball through by Dan Aldous almost found Dan Knowles but even at full stretch he didn’t quite connect. With the game now swinging end to end, Boadicea saw a very good chance go begging when they shot wide.
On 45 minutes Boadicea took the lead when a messy scramble saw the ball slipped low into the corner from 5 yards. Boadicea seemed to lift their game a bit, sensing victory, and an attack on the Melford goal saw 3 attempts in quick succession blocked by a resolute defence. Melford raced upfield and Skipper, having a good game of superb flicks and holding the ball up, put Salter away but his shot went straight at the keeper. Soon after Salter just put the ball over.
Melford pushed Max up into midfield to try to get something from the game, leaving 3 at the back and this worked almost immediately when Melford won a corner which was half cleared, and the ball fell to Mackenzie Gooch who hit a scorcher low into the net through several players to level the scores.
Both sides were now giving everything and the game was stopped several times for injuries to be treated. Boadicea attacked down the right and their winger cut in and shot from a narrow angle to make it 2-1.
From the restart Melford showed great character by attacking with urgency and with only a few minutes remaining pushed forward and a shot which looked an easy stop for the keeper was spilled into the path of the advancing Gooch who had followed up brilliantly. His first touch looked as if it would be cleared off the line by a defender but Gooch again followed up and forced it over the line.
Both sides still tried to get a winner but the referee called time and the draw was probably a fair result. The referee had a superb game and although there were a number of stoppages, none were for a malicious challenge.
This was another improved performance. The physical side to Melford’s game was better, as was the attitude, and the boys tried to play football throughout. Well done to everyone especially Max, Tom, Skippy, Brad and of course Mackenzie for trebling his goal tally for the season.
Home v Frinton & Walton, Lost 0-4 (Sunday 06 January 2008)
Frinton put Melford under early pressure and within minutes Jamie Hicks had to head off the line to keep the scores level. Soon after Max Hemson made a great save when Frinton looked certain to score. Melford were finding it hard to get out of their own half and when Max saved again, Frinton put the rebound wide. Frinton were getting frustrated by Melfords’ solid defending and seemed relieved when they did manage to score on 12 minutes, a corner initially stopped finding an unmarked player who finished well.
Melford tried to hit back and started to play some good passing football and a good run by Dan Knowles saw his shot hit the post. Melford were pushing forward and forced a corner which found Dan Aldous who shot wide. At the other end Melford found themselves trying to scramble the ball away but it fell to Frinton to toe poke past Max. Just before half time another Frinton corner was half cleared and a Frinton player was on hand to lob Max for 3-0.
The second half changes included Max slotting into the back four, and Tom Alabaster taking over between the sticks. This injected some pace into the defence and also allowed Max to play just in front of the defence to fill the gap when required. Melford, now playing without the disadvantage of the sun in their eyes, were now able to get forward much more and encamped themselves in the Frinton half for much of the second half. George Byham had a shot saved and other efforts by Melford proved fruitless. However, the team played good football and kept their heads up. Mackenzie linked well with Dan Knowles on the right and Matt Coll had a good game despite being charged over on several occasions. The back four were talking to each other, always a good sign, and the midfielders gave everything.
It was a good game to watch as the boys did not disgrace themselves and again played with confidence. The defence had used the offside trap perfectly for much of the game, working together well, but Frinton finally beat the trap close to the end for the fourth goal.
Home v Bergholt Heath, Won 10-0 (Sunday 16 December 2007)
Bergholt turned up with only 10 players for this last game of the year. Melford were feeling confident after their performance against Heybridge, having played so well, and I decided not to tell the boys that we were only facing a team of ten until half time.
Melford started positively and went on the attack straight away, and were awarded a penalty after just 3 minutes when Salter was brought down. Skipper stepped up to take it but shot wide. This did not seem to worry Melford as they went straight on the attack again but Dan Knowles weak shot was easily gathered by the keeper. On 8 minutes Salter failed to meet Mackenzie Gooch’s cross with his head, and the ball fell to Knowles whose first attempt was stopped, but his second squirmed it’s way into the net. 4 minutes later and Skipper’s shot was parried by the keeper, and Myles Barker was on hand to tap home. Gooch’s strong corner was met by Dan Aldous whose shot rocketed into the roof of the net to give him his first goal for the club. His celebration with his fellow defender Gates was enjoyed by everyone. Just before half time another Gooch corner was met by Salter, but his shot hit the post.
Melford were never in any trouble, with the defence having very little to do. With Max Hemson again in the back four, any potential threat was soon dealt with. His growing partnership with Jordan gives hope for the future. Soon after the restart, Skipper scored after a goalmouth melee, the ball finding it’s way just inside the post. Knowles then had his effort saved by the keeper who was quick off his line to narrow the angle. George Byham, playing a pivotal role in midfield, scored the fifth and soon after Barker got his second. He saw another effort hit the post from close range, and Skipper scored twice in quick succession to complete his hat-trick, the second of these should have been saved easily but spun off the keepers’ foot.
Mackenzie Gooch, back on for a second stint, was keen to score and a goal eventually came after a fine solo run. His team mates had a job to catch him as he ran to celebrate with his Dad! Jo Salter’s tireless running was rewarded at the very end with a goal following a teasing run. Bradley O’Hair had a really good game and Nick Robertson challenged well, and stuck close to his man on set pieces. Tom Alabaster had a quiet game in the Melford goal, but dealt with what little there was very well.
Although the game was against 10 players, Melford thoroughly enjoyed the game. They played flowing football and hopefully confidence has returned. Let’s hope next year brings some more rewards for our improved team.
Home v Heybridge Youth, Lost 0-5 (Sunday 02 December 2007)
Melford started this game with only eleven players available, but had already decided to try players in different positions. Max Hemson came out of goal and slotted into the back four, swapping with Tom Alabaster. Dan Aldous filled in in midfield and Dan Knowles switched to the left side of midfield.
The changes seemed to make an immediate impact with Hemson playing really well alongside Gates at centre back. He covered well when required and used his pace to good effect. Melford played some excellent football and proved that passion, determination and belief go a long way to gaining confidence.
After a good passing move Skipper’s lob beat the keeper but hit the post. He also took a couple of good corners but Melford couldn’t capitalise. Heybridge had looked rattled and shocked by the quality of our play and were beginning to get frustrated until they took the lead after 20 minutes.
At the break it was 1-0 and the half-time team talk was purely more of the same please. The boys were really pleased with themselves and went out for the second half with their tails up. When Billy Prall had a shot tipped onto the post within a couple of minutes of the restart, Melford played with more belief than ever.
Despite playing the better football, Melford found themselves another goal down when they allowed themselves to get pulled out of position when a cross came in from the right.Tom Alabaster made a great save a couple of minutes later but couldn’t hold the ball and Heybridge tapped home the loose ball for 3-0. Heybridge scored again from a high cross from the left, and with a minute to go made it 5-0 when , seeing Tom off his line, played a long high ball over his head from 35 yards.
Melford can take heart from this performance because they were as good a side as Heybridge, matching them and bettering them in open play. The scoreline flatters Heybridge and the Melford lads should be proud of themselves on a day when the conditions were terrible and the squad was limited.
Away v Tempest, Lost 1-14 (Sunday 25 November 2007)
As the scoreline suggests, Melford were outclassed by a strong footballing side in all areas of the pitch.
Max Hemson in the Melford goal was called upon in the first minute to deny Tempest and within a minute was unlucky when he managed to get a hand to a shot but couldn’t prevent it creeping just inside the post. He again saved at full stretch soon after. On five minutes he was lobbed for 2-0.
Melford then settled and battled hard to stop Tempest playing but couldn’t sustain the constant pressure. A low cross beat Hemson at the near post but it looked to be headed right across the goal when it struck Gates who was trying to get out of the way, to make it 3-0.Within a minute Hemson saved superbly but couldn’t keep hold of the ball and the rebound was tapped home.
Melford were always trying and played good football at times, and when Mackenzie Gooch took a long throw deep in the Tempest half, Billy Prall was on the end to rifle home Melfords’ only goal of the game to make it 4-1.
Another two goals followed before half time following a combination of lack of challenges by Melford and some unlucky bounces of the ball.
The second half saw Melford leak goals every few minutes. On the positive side, good football was played at times by the Colts and passing between Barker, Prall and Skipper put Knowles away down the right. His cross came straight over and the keeper had to be alert to steal the ball away from Skippers’ head.
Although Melford did play some nice football at times, and although luck doesn’t seem to run their way, they did struggle to come to terms with the pace and skill of the best team we have played so far this season.
Away v Stanway Rovers, Lost 3-10 (Sun 11 Nov 07)
Melford went into the game in a positive frame of mind with an experimental line up, but found themselves a goal down after just two minutes. Max Hemson had already had to make a save in a one-on-one situation, before Rovers were allowed to cross from wide and head home superbly.
Melford then settled and defended quite well, Matt Coll blocking at the near post to deny Rovers a second. Melford tried hard to compete in midfield but found it hard to beak through into Rovers’ half. However, following good work down the right flank, Skipper shot from the edge of the box, but it was taken comfortably by the keeper. The ball went straight upfield and Rovers worked well down the right and Melford, having been drawn out of position, were unable to stop the side foot into the net.
Melford paid the price of not closing down quick enough in midfield, allowing Rovers a long shot which gave Hemson no chance. Hemson was called upon before half time and stood his ground well on the edge of the area, panicking the Rovers forward into shooting wide.
Melford started the second half with more purpose, putting together a good move which resulted in Billy Prall’s shot being blocked. From the clearance, the ball quickly found it’s way down to the Melford half and another high shot from 18 yards gave hemson no chance. Goals 5,6,7 and 8 came within a ten minute period, all from breakaways following Melford attacks. Melford then decided to start playing with passion and determination. Jordan Gates passed to Prall, who sprayed the ball out wide for Dan Knowles to race down the right side to cross for Skipper to slot home.
Rovers replied almost immediately to make it 9-1 but Melford kept going. A lapse in concentration allowed Stanway to weave their through for an easy tap in, but persistent running and determined tackling by Dan Knowles paid off for him as he crossed from the right again for Salter to find the net. Knowles and Prall linked well together all second half to create some fine flowing football, with Prall firing home a good solo effort to finish the game 10-3.
Prall immediately had to come off after scoring because of falling badly and injuring his arm, but had put in another excellent performance. The second half showed again that Melford can play football, they can challenge properly and they have got pride. It’s just unfortunate that we have to go so far behind before they show it.
Home v Earls Colne, Lost 0-2 (Sun 04 November 2007)
In an evenly contested match with few chances being created, this was never going to be a high scoring game. Earls Colne had the first shot but Hemson narrowed the angle, forcing the forward to scuff wide. A minute later Gates blocked well, conceding a corner, which Melford cleared. Prall found himself through but was barged (fairly) off the ball. Good work by Prall and Salter in the corner went unrewarded. Hemson again was quick off his line when a striker ran through unchallenged, forcing him to fire into the side netting. Soon after Hemson came out a full 25 yards to clear.
After half time it was more of the same, Melford defending OK but not creating much going forward. Matt Coll won a few timely tackles at right back, Gates covered well in the centre of defence and Aldous was as solid as ever at left back. Prall was denied a chance when the Earls Colne keeper smothered the ball at his feet. Hemson had another superb game in goal and was unlucky when he saved from a free kick but the loose ball was fired home by Scorer with about eight minutes left. A couple of minutes later Earls Colne increased their lead through Lee-Allen. Unable to get going again Melford held out ‘til the end with Hemson, Coll and Gates combining well to clear in the dying moments. Good effort was put in by Byham, Robertson and Barker, but Melford simply didn’t play enough football to create many chances.
Away v Harwich & Parkeston, Lost 0-4 (Sun 28 October 2007)
Melford started this game with the same determination that they finished last week's game with. They were determined, made positive challenges and closed down a very good Harwich side. The Melford managers nerves were tested in the first minute when Harwich’s cross managed to find it’s way right across the penalty area. Melford responded and won a corner at the other end. This was cleared by Harwich but was dealt with easily by Jordan Gates in the heart of the Melford defence.
Harwich continued to pressurise but with Melford in such a determined mood and Max Hemson in such awesome form in the Melford goal, they couldn’t find a way through. When they finally did, Hemson was quick off his line to narrow the angles and several chances by Harwich were put wide. For the whole of the first half Hemson owned his own penalty area.
The second half saw Melford with the slope advantage but early on Harwich broke through. Hemson came out to tackle the forward who ended up sitting on top of the keeper, making no attempt to get off, immobilising Hemson and allowing another forward to slot home into an empty net. The referee saw nothing wrong with this and allowed the goal. Melford heads dropped a little and it wasn’t long before a stray high ball was bundled over the line for 2-0. A third came when Harwich latched onto a short goal kick and the fourth from a penalty for handball by Gates, who otherwise had a very strong game.
Salter was bundled over on the edge of the penalty area but reacted quickly to cross the ball, Myles Barker failing to just connect with his head. Jamie Hicks, George Byham and Mackenzie Gooch were good in midfield. Nick Robertson and Daniel Knowles chased hard and Matt Coll worked hard at right back. His tackling gets stronger and surprises the opposition, his lack of height not bothering him at all.
Although this was another defeat, Melford get better and stronger with every game. Good passing moves at times are encouraging, the team spirit is high considering the results, and determination improves all the time. The fitness training proves to be worthwhile and again, the players should take heart from this performance. Harwich are pushing for promotion and will probably get it, so to get a performance like this gives us all hope. If we could get the run of the ball a bit more our confidence would be sky high.
Away v Halstead Town, Lost 0-11 (Sun 21 October 2007)
Melford travelled to Halstead with the bare eleven players so against an in form Halstead side this was always going to be a hard game.Melford didn’t help themselves by allowing Halstead to walk through with the ball unchallenged from the kick off and score after just ten seconds.
Just after the restart Matt Coll suffered an ankle injury when the referee failed to spot a Halstead player lead with his studs. Matt came back on after 5 minutes but struggled the whole game, unable to run the injury off.
Max Hemson in the Melford goal was quick off his line to clear another Halstead attack. At the other end Prall’s free kick found Skipper who shot was saved. Halstead responded by attacking down the right wing but shot wide. Soon after, Halstead made it 2-0 when a superb pass from midfield was met and taken well. A third soon followed, when Melford again failed to challenge. Daniel Knowles, covering well at the back cleared off the line.
A good one – two between Skipper and Knowles offered some hope but it wasn’t long before Halstead added a fourth, tapping home after the ball rebounded off the post. More goals followed with Melford giving Halstead far too much room and time on the ball. Occasional good work by Gates, Prall and Salter couldn’t stop the rot and by half time the score was up to ten.
Obviously morale was very low and the half time talk asked for the team to show some pride. The players responded magnificently and showed passion and determination all over the pitch. Tackles were made solidly, passes were strung together and chances created. The two halves couldn’t have been more different.
Salter shot wide after good play between Prall and Barker. Pressing forward, Melford were awarded a free kick which Skipper headed just wide. Joe Salter caused Halstead a few problems but suffered two bad injuries, the second leaving him flattened by a bad aerial challenge in which he was kneed in the face, although the referee saw nothing wrong with the challenge.
Halstead were rarely allowed to threaten but any pressure was easily soaked up by the Melford defence, helped out by a much more determined midfield. Melford created a few half chances but couldn’t quite finish.
Hemson was good off his line again and made another fantastic save in a one on one with their striker. However he was lobbed in the dying minutes for the final goal.
I don’t think I have ever seen a team play so bad in one half and so well in the second. However I am really proud of the way the boys picked themselves up, chasing absolutely everything.
Full marks to everyone, especially to Matt for playing with the injury, Billy for his tireless running, Jordan for his tackling, Jamie for helping out at left back and George Byham for stepping in at the last minute. We have worked a lot on fitness in training and this paid off as we ran and ran until the final whistle.
This wasn’t an easy game, because of the way Halstead play and our players getting no protection from the referee, but all the boys did fantastically. All we have to do now is to get them to play like that for a whole game and we should have some closer games!
Home v Boadicea Dynamos, Lost 0-6 (Sun 14 Oct 2007)
Melford went behind to two early goals which made the rest of the game difficult. Melford earned a corner after 3 minutes but couldn’t connect with Skippers’ superb cross. From the clearance, Boadicea raced down the other end, earning a throw in deep in Melford’s half. This was worked to the bye-line, cut back and tapped in for the first goal.
Melford went further behind within a couple of minutes when a toe poke from Boadicea caught Melford unawares from the edge of the penalty area.
Melford kept their heads up and George Byham was unlucky not to score, shooting wide after being clean through. A third goal followed, but Hemson was brilliant in the Melford goal, making several great reaction saves, and being quick off his line to keep the score down.
Boadicea scored a brilliant fourth goal when their left sided player received the ball and volleyed it first time from the corner of the penalty area to beat Hemson who had no chance.
Just before half time Hemson was again the hero when a Melford defender headed the ball backwards, allowing Boadicea to run onto it and shoot but Hemson saved brilliantly.
Melford made half time substitutions and Gooch made an immediate impression on the game. However, in a mirror image of the first half volley, Melford went 5-0 down when Boadicea volleyed from the right side corner of the penalty box. After this, for the first 20 minutes Melford competed a lot better by closing down early and making decent challenges. Skipper forced a corner after good work down the right wing but Melford were unable to capitalise on this.
Hemson was called upon to make another close range shot, the ball rebounding out for another shot which Hemson stopped again. A few minutes later he made another great save in a one-on-one, conceding a corner. Boadicea scored from this, having a free header when Melford failed to pick up the scorer.
Late in the game Prall had a shot saved and Skipper worked hard on the left to win the ball but his shot was easily saved. In the dying seconds Boadicea hit the post.
The Melford back four played the offside trap to near perfection throughout the game (as always), catching Boadicea offside on countless occasions. Melford, although outplayed for much of the game, showed some character and never gave up against a very quick Boadicea side.
Home v Boxford Rovers, Lost 1-2 (Sunday 7 October 2007)
Melford started brightly and put Boxford under some early pressure, forcing a couple of corners early on. Billy Prall headed just wide from the second of these.
Boxford then settled and after some even play, Kyle Parker put Boxford ahead when Melford failed to tackle.Melford then tried to get back into the game, and when Salter split the defence with a lovely through ball he found Myles Barker who saw his shot saved by the Boxford keeper.
Melford then made a tactical substitution, bringing Skipper on to play up front and he immediately got involved, working well down the right side. He shot from the wing, trying to catch the keeper by surprise, but his effort was just high and wide.A minute later he linked well with Joseph Salter, threading a pass through for Salter who was unlucky to see his shot clear the crossbar.
Early in the second half Mackenzie Gooch took a series of well worked throw-ins down the left, eventually finding Skipper who crossed for Salter who headed wide. Boxford were always competing in the midfield and broke through for Young to make it 2-0. Melford were now chasing the game and changed the formation to 3 at the back.
This seemed to help, and pushing forward, Skipper managed a shot which the Boxford keeper tipped onto the post and out for a corner. Prall also shot wide following a long throw from Gooch.
Boxford persevered and broke away, but Hemson, who was always alert in the Melford goal, collected the ball and kicked from his hands. He found Knowles who passed to Salter who fired home to make it 2-1.
This inspired Melford and they pressed forward with the determination they should have shown throughout the match, pressurising Boxford until the final whistle.
Matthew Coll had a good game as usual at right back, and Nick Robertson chased everything. Melford switched off a couple of times during the game but in the end probably deserved a draw.
Away v Bergholt Heath, Won 3-2 (Sun 30 Sep)
Melford took advantage of a free week last weekend by resting and all injuries seemed to have healed.They were fired up for this game and played good football throughout. Dan Knowles and Billy Prall linked well early on, with Tom Alabaster chasing hard at the back. The whole side worked hard for each other so it was disappointing when Bergholt broke after 20 minutes against the run of play. They forced a superb full length save from Hemson in the Melford goal, but already at full stretch he couldn’t hold on to it and Bergholt scored from the loose ball.
Melford got straight back to it and didn’t let their heads drop, trying to pass the ball about, tackling well and closing down quickly. On the stroke of half time, following a spell of Melford pressure, with the Melford defence pushed well forward, the ball came towards centre back Jordan Gates who caught it sweetly, and it sailed from the edge of the centre circle high over everyone’s heads and under the bar for the equaliser. Enthusiastic celebrations followed by everyone in the Melford camp, and the referee blew for half time as soon as the game had restarted.
Melford made three substitutions at half time, bringing on Mackenzie Gooch, Myles Barker, and Joseph Salter. Gooch immediately got involved and linked well with Barker on the left. The midfield battle was fairly even most of the time but Melford were determined and Gooch picked out Prall who shot on the turn to make it 2 – 1.
Melford were really buzzing now and it wasn’t long before Prall stretched to toe poke the ball past the advancing keeper. 3-1.Max Hemson had little to do for much of the game but did well when called upon to narrow angles and was quick off his line to close down any Bergholt threat.
Five minutes from time Bergholt had a free kick on the wing, the ball somehow managing to find it’s way through all the players before being tapped home easily. Melford however were determined not to lose this game and battled till the final whistle. Salter was on the end of a pass from Prall and tried to lob the keeper but watched it clear the crossbar as well.
This was a great performance by Melford. Other players to mention are Dan Aldous, solid as ever, Matt Coll, who tackled well and used the line to good advantage, and George Skipper who made life difficult for the Bergholt defence in the first half.The game was played in good spirit by both sides and parents.
Team: Hemson, Aldous, Alabaster, Gates, Coll, Knowles, Robertson, O’Hair, Prall, Byham, Skipper, Salter, Gooch, Barker.
MANAGER’S NOTE
I hope you will allow me to be a little self-indulgent by mentioning my son Jordans goal today. It was something special in it’s style, but also because it was his birthday this week-end, and his first goal at 11 a side. I think he always puts in a solid performance and the goal was a great reward for his efforts.
I probably should apologise for my goal celebrations – I shouldn’t “enter the field of play” but it wasn’t a conscious decision, I just couldn’t help myself. I did apologise to the referee, and the Bergholt Manager, but neither had a problem with it. I think if it had been against one of the more competitive teams I may have found myself in trouble!
Les (Salter) and I were really proud of the boys today and glad they got the result. Their determination, attitude and confidence shone through. Well done boys!
Away v Heybridge Youth, Lost 0-7 (Sun 16 Sep)
With four players unavailable Melford were forced to field 3 boys nursing injuries. To make matters worse Jordan Gates turned an ankle in the warm up.
Melford were immediately forced to defend and Heybridge were unlucky not to score from a couple of early corners. Max Hemson had to be quick off his line to make a vital clearance outside of his area, and Melford soaked up constant pressure for the first quarter of an hour before Heybridge managed to scramble the ball over the line from another corner. Melford battled well in midfield but were outclassed by a fitter Heybridge side. A surging run down the wing resulted in Hemson having to be alert to tip a shot round his near post.
Soon after Heybridge were fortunate when a high cross went right over the keeper to make it 2-0. Straight from the restart Heybridge quickly gained possession, broke through the Melford midfield to make it 3-0. Melford were now demoralised and lack of cover at the back allowed Heybridge another shot which caught Hemson off balance. A weak shot trickled through his legs and just about made it over the line.
Myles Barker, plagued with an ankle injury, was forced to sit out the second half. In an effort to get something from the game, Melford changed to 3 at the back. From another corner, Heybridge mis-hit the ball but somehow it just about made it into the goal.
The sixth came when a shot hit the post and a Heybridge player was on hand to tap home the rebound. Number seven was the result of the ball being charged in following a bad bounce in front of the unlucky Hemson.
Throughout the game Melford tried to battle hard but were ultimately outplayed in midfield, despite good effort by Billy Prall. Nick Robertson and George Byham were busy, but in the end the effect of injuries proved too much for Melford to compete.
Home v Harwich & Parkeston, Lost 0-1 (Sun 09 Sep)
Melford were immediately under pressure but managed to weather the storm enough to settle and gain some composure.The Melford back four coped very well with Gates in the middle controlling the line throughout the match, catching the Harwich forwards offside on several occasions. When allowed to clear their lines, Melford worked hard in midfield and created one or two chances before in the 20th minute Knowles fired over the bar.
Melford tried hard to keep up the pressure and Skipper blocked a clearance by the keeper, and was unlucky when the rebound was cleared. Harwich then pushed forward and a shot from the near bye-line hit the bar. Melford keeper Hemson made several good saves and was quick off his line to make some vital clearances.
Harwich finally broke through when the ball broke from midfield to Zak Knight who hit a scorching 25 yard shot high into the net.
Melford made a few changes at half time, which seemed to inject new life and were soon on the attack. Salter was unlucky to hit the post. Harwich fought back and shot wide.
More pressure from Harwich meant that Melford spent long periods defending but coped well. The flow was disrupted by one or two injuries near the end but excellent commitment by Prall in the centre of midfield inspired Melford to play to the end. Salter went close when he hit the bar in the dying minutes, and Harwich hit a post at the other end.
This fixture at the start of last season ended with Harwich winning 8-0 so a huge improvement was seen over that game. Melford should take several positives from this result and gain confidence from it.
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