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UPDATE - The Under 16's Alliance lost 3-0 at home to Needham Market in the league on Sunday (10 Feb). Manager Dave King commented after the match that Melford had been the better side in the first half and said: ' We struggled for a team due to holidays and injuries but the lads did very well.'
In-form striker Ryan Weaver was sent off after being wound up all game according to his manager, who also said Melford are looking forward to Sunday's match against Woodbridge Town (2.00pm kick off at Stoneylands).
Home v Sawbridgeworth Town, Drew 1-1 (Sun 03 February 2008)
Melford secured a deserved point against an experienced and very talented Sawbridgeworth team. Melford started slowly, allowing Sawbridgeworth a lot of possession in the first 20 minutes. Keeper Hounsell had to be called into action several times but showed some quick reactions and safe hands.
Melford started to get into the game after the half hour mark with Fernandez and Cook working tirelessly trying to make things happen, but it was Sawbridgeworth who took the lead on 40 minutes, when a long ball eluded the Melford defence and a well taken long range effort gave Hounsell no chance.
Melford where forced into a change at half time when King had to switch to left back to replace Hyett with a hip injury. Our influentual South American flair player,Robirosa was introduced on the left flank and immediately made an impact with his tough tacking and never give up attitude.
As the second half progressed, Melford started to believe that they could still get something out of the game and continued to press Sawbridgeworth. Front runners Katama and Weaver created openings for themselves but found the Sawbridgewoth keeper in terrific form.
On the 60 minute mark, skipper Howard was switched to the centre of midfield, Cook went to the right flank and Hunt was pushed forward. This seemed to make an immediate impact on the game with Melford taking the game to Sawbridgeworth.
Melfords pressure told on 75 minutes when Howard won a strong tackle on the half way line, allowing Weaver to slot a fantastic through ball to Hunt who outpaced the Sawbridgeworth defence and finished with confidence. Melford continued to dominate and very nearly won the game in the final minutes when the impressive Fernandez sent the quick Weaver through on goal only to see his shot graze the wrong side of the post.
This was a very solid and confident performance from the Melford lads who showed no respect to a team which was mainly made up of Premiership/Championship Academy players. A mention has also got to go our defence of Hounsell, King, Hyett, Martin, Bigg, Howard and Clark who were outstanding throughout.
The lads can now look forward to two more home matches when they entertain Needham Market on Sunday and then Woodbridge Town are the visitors the following Sunday.
Home v Whitton United, Won 2-1 (Sun 13 January)
Long Melford produced a very hard working display to overcome a very strong and physical Whitton side. The first half had many interruptions with tackles flying in from both sides. Thomas Bigg had to be replaced after only 20 minutes after being struck in the face with an elbow.
Chances were created at both ends with Melford's Weaver and Katama forcing the Whitton keeper to make two terrific saves. But it was Whitton who took the lead on 35 minutes when keeper Hounsell parried a stinging shot into the path of a Whitton player for a simple tap in.
Melford continued to battle for every ball with Fernandez, Hunt, Cook and King winning the midfield battle. Whitton were then reduced to ten men when King was hit with an X-rated tackle. Kingy actually saw the tackle coming and had already jumped, but was still caught below the knee!
Melford took advantage of their extra man in the second half and put the Whitton defence under a lot of pressure. Robirosa replaced the injured King on 50 minutes. They got their deserved equaliser on 55 minutes, when Jack Howard towered above everyone to knock down a header from Weaver's corner for Fernandez (above) to hit home through a crowded penalty area.
The winner came on 75 minutes when Weaver smashed home a sweet half volley from outside the penalty box after good work from Hunt and Robirosa. Whitton threw everything at Melford in the last 10 minutes but found the Melford defence of Howard, Martin, Clark and Hyett in terrific form. Keeper Hounsell then made two outstanding saves to secure the points for his side.
Man of the Match was Josh Martin for an outstanding defensive display.
Away v Woodbridge Town, Lost 1-4 (Sun 06 Jan)
After dominating the first half and taking an early lead, Melford finally lost their way in a match which was disrupted for two long periods while two ambulances had to be called in two separate incidents.
Melford welcolmed back their influentual striker Tommy Perry who immediately started to cause problems on the Woodbridge defence with strike partner Ryan Weaver.
The whole Melford team played with tremendous confidence and took a deserved lead on 10 minutes when Ben Hyett and Adam King linked up well on the left flank to release Weaver who cleverly slotted in Perry to finish with style.
Melford continued to press and created many chances throughout the first half, but just before the interval, disaster struck when Ricky Cook received a very serious head injury in a clash of heads when attacking a Melford corner.
Play resumed after a long delay while waiting for an ambulance and Woodbridge took advantage of Melford's slow reactions and brought the game level just before the break.
Woodbridge started the better team in the second half and took the lead with a good finish from close range.
On 70 minutes, another Ambulance had to be called, when a Woodbridge player broke his hip after a clash with Melford keeper Hounsell. The two teams were then moved onto the main Woodbridge pitch after an under 18's game had just finished to finish their game under floodlights due to the long delay.
This second delay seemed to effect Melford, who didnt get going again and allowed Woodbridge to score two very late goals to give them a flattering scoreling.
Ricky Cook was allowed home on Sunday evening after being treated at Ipswich Hospital for a head wound. Dave and the lads would like to wish Ricky a very speedy recovery. This was a massive blow for the team as Man of the Match Ricky was having an absolutely superb game before getting injured. Get well soon mate.
Away v Melton St Audry, Drew 1-1 (Sun 16 Dec)
Long Melford came away from this game with a deserved point against league leaders Melton after giving an absolutely fantastic display of football. Every player from both sides played their part in a thoroughly entertaining game.
Melford started the game on top and played with much confidence. Melford's defence of Jack Howard, Josh Martin, Ben Hyett and Adam Hunt were organised throughout the game and protected stand in keeper Thomas Bigg very well.
Once again, Melford's front two of Lewis Kent and Ryan Weaver created many problems for the Melton defence, but it was Melton who took the lead on 25 minutes when a long defensive clearence fell to a Melton player for a neat finish. Melford continued to play excellent football with Adam Hunt and Weaver testing the Melton keeper before the break.
Melford continued to press after the break with Anthony Fernandez, Ricky Cook, Jack Robirosa and Adam King working hard in the midfield. Myles Clark was introduced into the back four allowing Hunt to push forward.
Melford got their reward against the league leaders with 5 minutes remaining when a smart move involving Adam Hunt , Anthony Fernandez and Adam King found Lewis Kent on the edge of the penalty box and with great vision found Ryan Weaver who smashed home a terrific volley.
Men of the match were all 12 Melford Players for a brilliant display. A special mention must also go to Thomas Bigg for doing a great job as stand in keeper.
I would like to wish all the 16's lads,their families and everyone associated with Long Melford Football Club a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Away v Newmarket Town, Won 7-1 (Sun 25 Nov)
Our Under 16's Allince squad travelled to Newmarket yesterday with much confidence and produced a fantastic display of football against a much improved Newmarket team.
A full strength Melford team started well and immediately adapted to the sticky pitch. Melford took the lead after 5 minutes when the impressive Ryan Weaver latched on to a Ben Hyett pass to lob the Jockeys keeper from 30 yards.
Melford continued to press and increased their lead when Adam Hunt smashed home a cracking volley from an accute angle. Anthony Fernandez then finished off a determined run in fine style to make it three for Melford after 30 minutes and Lewis Kent started his Melford tally for the season with a great finish from 25 yards just before the break.
Melford continued to press after the break and Man of the Match Weaver made it five for Melford after 55 minutes when he slotted home after good work from Ricky Cook and Jack Robirosa.
Lewis Kent then tapped in Melford's sixth after the Jockeys keeper had failed to hold a Fernandez shot and Ricky Cook smashed home a deserved goal from 20 yards to complete the scoring for the Melford Boys.
Newmarket then caught Melford napping to score a consolation goal and then Adam King hit a sweet 35 yard free kick agaist the cross bar to complete a thoroughly entertaining game.
More good news came after the game for the Melford lads when Dave King was told that 8 of his lads have been selected for the Under 16 Eastern Junior Alliance Representative team to represent the league in a match against another league rep team in the new year.
Well done lads.
Home v Stanway Rovers, Lost 1-3 (Sunday 18 November 2007)
This was another frustrating game for our 16's Alliance Lads, who gave another excellent display of entertaining football but came away with nothing to show for their tireless work and effort.
They had the worst possible start before the ref had blown his whistle when our influentual left back Ben Hyett broke down in the warm up with a bad foot injury. A quick reshuffle by Dave King saw Adam Hunt switch to right back, Thomas Bigg going left back and Ryan Weaver slotting in on the right side of Midfield allowing George Katama to partner Lewis Kent up front.
Once again, Melford started with much confidence and immediately created several chances for Katama. On 15 minutes, Weaver then cleverly tricked two Stanway defenders to give himself time to smash a 20 yard half volley against the bar.
Melford were then punished for not taking their chances when on 25 minutes Stanway had their second attempt on goal with a speculative long range effort which somehow dropped over keeper Hounsell. Melford continued to press with Fernandez, Cook, King and Weaver all working hard in midfield and linking up well with Kent and Katama to force the Stanway keeper into making some fine saves.
Melford were then hit with a sucker punch a minute before half time when Stanway broke away to hit a second goal. Melford once again came out in determined mood after the break and Dave King could not fault any of them for their committment and hard work.
On 50 minutes their pressure finally told, when Weaver picked up a good ball for Hunt on the 30 yard mark and unleashed an unstoppable half volly to bring Melford back into the game. For the next 30 minutes it was all Melford with King having their best chance when his goal bound shot was blocked after an unselfish pass by Weaver.
With 10 minutes remaining, Melford went with 3 attackers to try to get a result but with 2 minutes remaining, Stanway broke away to score a flattering third goal.
A mention has to go to Melford's defence of Hunt, Howard, Clark and Bigg, who all gave outstanding performances
This was a thoroughly entertaining game from two very good sides. Melford now travel to Newmarket next Sunday to hopefully pick up some much needed league points.
Home v Canvey Island, Lost 0-2 (Sunday 28 October 2007)
Our Alliance lads continued their fine form from the previous week in respect of attitude and committment and gave an absolute fantastic performance against a very well organised and experienced Canvey Island side.
Melford showed no respect to Canvey and took the game to the essex side straight from the start. New signing Ryan Weaver immediately made his presence known to the Canvey defenders making some soaring runs and giving them no time on the ball.
Ricky Cook and Anthony Fernandez dominated the middle of midfield with Adam Hunt and Adam King working tirelessly down the flanks. There was no doubt that Melford won the first half in respect of possession and chances but found the Canvey keeper, who was their man of the match, in great form.
Melford continued to push onto Canvey in the second half with George Katama and Weaver going close. Melford's defence of Hyett, Bigg, Howard and Clark were coping well with the few Canvey attacks, but in this level of football, one lapse of concentration gets punished and on 60 minutes Melford switched off and allowed a Canvey striker to slip through to score a well taken goal.
Melford continued to push with Fernandez, King and Weaver having goal attempts saved by the Canvey keeper. The game was made safe for Canvey when they were awarded a penalty on 80 minutes after Clark up-ended a Canvey striker.
Melford were bitterly disappointed on the final whistle after each and every one had given absolutely everything, creating so many chances and producing a great display of football for their supporters.
The attitude and committment is absolutely first class within the squad which has now been boosted by the news that former player Lewis Kent has agreed to sign Alliance forms. The lads now look forward to next Sunday's game against Melton St Audrys at Stoneylands - 2pm KO
Away v Needham Market, Lost 2-3 (Sunday 21 October 2007)
Well, it's certainly been an eventful week for our Under 16's Alliance team and management with players deciding to jump ship and others deciding to play pub football instead of concentrating on their Alliance commitments.
So, after the usual late call offs from the usual players, a squad of 12 travelled to Ridgeons League ground, Bloomfields, Needham Market and then had to endure what has to be the worst refereeing display seen in many years after totally spoiling the game and gifting Needham a flattering victory.
Melford took the game to Needham from the first whistle and immediately responded to Dave King's request for more work rate. Make shift Striker Adam King and the lightning fast George Katama ,who was constantly being penalised by the ref every time he touched a Needham defender, gave the Needham back four a torrid time and Anthony Fernandez, Ricky Cook, Adam Hunt and Josh Martin immediately stamped their authority on the game and dominated the midfield in an impressive first half.
It was the in form Adam King who gave Melford a deserved lead after only 10 minutes when he outpaced the Needham Defence and finished with a sweet half volley.
Melford's defence of Jack Howard, Myles Clark, Thomas Bigg and Ben Hyett gave away absolutely nothing and restricting Needham to only long range shots. Needham then came back into the game after the break and started to put more pressure on the Melford defence.Frustration was setting in, with the referee constantly making irregular decisions in favour of the home team. Needham equalised on 50 minutes when Luke Hounsell failed to stop a blistering long range effort.
The turning point of the game came on 65 minutes when the referee awarded a penalty to Needham for a perfectly good challenge when postioned some 60 yards away from the incident. This obviously rattled Melford and in the early moments of trying to come to terms with this decision, they conceded again.
To their credit, Melford responded immediately with George Laflin making the Needham Keeper save from his close range shot. On 80 minutes Melford were awarded a penalty when Fernandez was chopped down by the Needham keeper and being the last man had to be sent off.There was further confusion after the referee had no red card to show! but the lad did eventually leave the field.
After Fernandez was treated from this horrid tackle, Howard stepped up and missed the penalty. He did however recover from his disappointment with 5 minutes to go by scoring a bullet header from a trademark King corner.
Needham held out and Melford came off the pitch wondering how they didn't get something from a game in which they controlled and dominated so much. Each and every player produced the performance that the Club, their parents and Dave King can be proud of.
Away v Stanway Rovers, Chairman's Cup Section A, Lost 0-3 (Sun 07 Oct)
Our Under 16's Alliance team slipped to another defeat yesterday after playing their best football all season.Melford had the edge in the first half but failed to take their chances leaving a blank scoreline at the break. A lapse in concentration in the Melford defence allowed Stanway to take the lead on 50 minutes.With Melford chasing the game, Stanway scored two breakaway goals in the last 10 minutes.
Home v Melton St Audrys, Lost 0-1 (Sun 30 Sep)
Our Under 16's Alliance lads had the worst possible starts, both on and off the pitch. Dave King was firstly disappointed to receive two very late call offs and then watched his team start the game very slowly and go a goal down within 5 minutes.
The team were then hit with another blow, when influentual striker Lewis Cawtheray had to be carried off with a serious knee injury after 10 minutes.
Melton looked comfortable with the lead in the first half with Melford looking to have no confidence on the ball.A reshuffle at half time going back to a 4-4-2 formation with make shift strikers Adam Hunt and Josh Martin gave Melford more of the ball and brought the wide midfielders Adam King and Ricky Cook into the game.
Melford pushed continuously for the equaliser but lacked that final finish. Man of the Match Joe Boreham gave absolutely everything for his team once again and very nearly scored ona couple of occasions after being told to stay up front in the final 5 minutes and Anthony Fernandez had another solid performance.
Luke Hounsell then made a great one on one save with Melford pushing more players into the Melton half. Melton held out for the victory but Melford should take alot out of the second half performance.
Home v Newmarket Town, Won 9-0 (Sun 16 Sep)
Adam King continued his superb form from the previous week to score four well taken goals to help his Melford side to their first Eastern Junior Alliance league victory.
Melford took the game to Newmarket from the start and played with tremendous confidence throughout the game.It was King who opened the scoring on 10 minutes, when he contolled a great through ball from Joe Boreham and unleashed a 20 yard shot giving the Newmarket keeper no chance. Tommy Perry then opened his account for the season with a well taken goal after good work from Ricky Cook and Adam Hunt.King then completed a first half hat trick with two more very good finishes.
The second half saw a constant Melford dominance with Perry completing his hat-trick and King finishing well to take his tally to four. Lewis Cawtheray then smashed home the goal of the game with a 35 yard stunner and Anthony Fernandez scoring a well deserved individual goal.
Away v Stanway Rovers, Lost 1-3 (Sun 09 Sep)
Dave King went into this game with three of his influentual players out, but was really pleased with the way the rest of the squad performed.
Melford took the game to Stanway from the start with Ricky Cook and Joe Boreham winning the midfield battle and George Katama making some excellent runs, causing problems up front.
Melford continued to press and control long periods of the first half leaving keeper Luke Hounsell only being called into action threetimes.Melford could not break down a strong Stanway defence leaving a blank scoreline a half time.
Stanway came into the game midway through the secong half with Melford starting to tire. A lack of concentration in the Melford defence allowed Stanway to score two quick goals on the 70 minute mark.
To their credit, the Melford lads continued to play some great football with man of the match Adam King continuously linking up well with Lewis Cawtheray on the left flank.
George Katama then forced the Stanway keeper into a great one on one save but Melford were caught chasing the game when Stanway scored a flattering third goal on 80 minutes.Melford then scored a deserved goal on 85 minutes when Anthony Fernandez smashed in a good penalty after Cawtheray was brought down.
Overall, this was a good performance from the Melford lads, who just run out of steam at the end with a depleted squad. Dave King will have a full squad back next Sunday and is confident of a victory when they entertain Newmarket Town at Stoneylands with a 2pm kick off.
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