U18 Captain Steve Adams reflects on Thursday night's defeat at champions Harwich & Parkeston
Long Melford U18s small hopes of winning the Ridgeons Youth League South were ended on Thursday night as they were beaten 2-1 by the now champions, Harwich and Parkeston.
On a wet and blustery night, and with the pitch very soft under foot, it was always going to be hard to play football. But Melford started the brighter and saw a lot of good territorial possession and had a few half chances, but really failed to test the keeper.
Harwich's slick pass and move football was always a danger on the break, and the slope of the pitch meant that everything was coming down Melford's left. However, Green was in fine form and any attacks were snuffed out long before shooting range.
Harwich came more into the game as the half drew on and carved out some good chances but they were easily saved by Mansfield. At the other end Melford had a few good free kicks and the aerial presence of Ridley, Adams and Barr seemed to unsettle the Harwich defence.
After 30 minutes or so, Harwich took the lead with a very good breakaway goal. A long Daw throw was flicked on but was gathered by the keeper. He then threw the ball to the winger who moved the ball onto the Harwich forward who found space on the edge of the Melford box, cut in and drilled the ball towards goal. Mansfield did well to get down to the shot, but it ricocheted off his chest straight into the path of a Harwich striker to tap in.
Melford’s reply was almost instant. A minute or so after the restart, a long ball over the top found DAW who raced away and slotted home to level the score at 1-1.
At the start of the second half, Melford simply couldn't get hold of the ball. Playing into a driving wind, with the rain now lashing down probably didn't help matters but Harwich were pouring forward in droves, but they couldn't quite find the final pass. Melford dug in and as the half drew on it evened out a bit more, with Melford seeing more possession.
This was a game that had draw written all over it until a weak clearance by the Melford defence fell straight to the Harwich winger, and he sent in a superb cross which was met by the Harwich captain, and he directed the ball wide of Mansfield and into the corner of the net.
To be fair to Melford they carried on and battled until the final whistle. Melford almost equalised with the last kick of the game. Daw slid Fernandez through on goal, but with the keeper on rushing, he slid the ball wide of the post and the ref blew his whistle for full time.
Melford should feel a little hard done by; they battled well throughout the game but switched off for a few seconds. Harwich are now winners of the Ridgeons Youth League South and in the 3 games I have seen them play, looked the best team. So well done to them.
Melford now need to win against Witham Town on Wednesday night to claim second place, which is still a very good achievement in such a competitive league.
Long Melford 2 Witham Town 3
(Ridgeons Youth League South Division, Wednesday 20 February 2008)
Long Melford U18s slumped to only their second defeat of the season on Wednesday night against Witham Town U18s. And with Harwich and Parkeston winning on Thursday night to go 4 points clear with 2 games in hand, and Melford only having 3 games left to play, the league has almost been handed to The Shrimpers who beat 3rd placed Braintree 3-1.
Melford started the game sharply and dominated play. The midfield two of Dan Ridley and Karl Delves bossing the ball and creating chances for Melford. However Melford's best chances were created from set pieces. Melford's superior size showed as numerous headers were won, with Darren Smith and Steve Adams having attempts cleared off the line and Smith again being foiled by a good save from the Witham keeper.
However Melford were undone at the back by a superb team goal from Witham, 5 or 6 one touch passes were made progressing down the pitch before the Witham striker coolly lobbed Mansfield from 18 yards out. This was a kick in the teeth for Melford and it showed as Witham came more and more into the game, and putting pressure on the Melford goal.
Melford equalised after 25 minutes and it inevitably came from a set piece. The ball floated into the box by Arron was flicked on into the path of FERNANDEZ who lobbed the ball back over the Witham keeper and into the net.Witham almost took the lead straight away as a good cross caused hesitancy in the Melford box and the ball was bundled into the net, but the referee had given a foul against the Witham striker on Mansfield.
Witham did eventually did take the lead again 5 minutes later, a deep cross to the back post player was cut out by Arron and cleared but he was judged to have pulled the player in the process and Witham converted from the spot. Melford were not finished for the half though, and battled on. They were rewarded just before half time when SMITH was released by Hardy and the striker drove into the box and slotted past the keeper to level things out at 2-2.
Melford lost Karl Delves at half time through family reasons and Darren Beer replaced him in the centre of midfield. The second half started much the same as the first, with Melford dominating play and causing Witham problems, but again it was Witham who scored. Poor marking allowed a Witham striker to head the ball towards goal and this was half cleared towards the edge of the box where it was drilled back in. It looked as if it hit an attackers arm but the ball fell to his feet and planted the ball in the net.
This really did take the wind out the sails of the Melford boys and they struggled to get going again. To Witham's credit they defended well when they had to and made it hard for the Melford to get a shot on goal. The last 10 minutes had the most action of the half when Melford threw bodies forward trying to salvage something form the game, but it was not to be.
2nd place is still a real possibility for the boys with only Braintree and Witham only really able to challenge for that spot, and Melford have to play both teams. As well as table topping Harwich!
STEVE ADAMS
Long Melford 1 Brantham Athletic 0
(Ridgeons Youth League South Division, Wednesday 23 January 2008)
Long Melford U18’s finally reached the top of the Ridgeons Youth League South after a hard fought 1-0 over Brantham Athletic U18’s. With Harwich and Parkeston’s game with FC Clacton being called off due to the pitch, Melford had and took the opportunity after missing out earlier in the season with draws against Brantham and Felixstowe and Walton.
With Melford’s lack of games and training over the Christmas period, everybody new that fitness levels would be low and letting the ball do the work was emphasised in the dressing room before the match.
Melford started brightly though, a long ball over the top which deceived the Brantham defence released Daw who ran to the by line and drove a low cross across the 6 yard line, but no Melford player had gambled on this and the chance was gone.
Melford tried to get the ball down and play but it was soon clear to see that Brantham had set up to stop that happening. Brantham set up with a 4-5-1 and there was constant pressure and a few robust challenges on the Melford players and this seemed to unsettle them.
Brantham started to dominate possession, but didn’t really create any clear cut chances. As the half drew on Brantham started up the pace of the game with some fast counter attacks and Melford were lucky to escape a goal when a Brantham player was slotted through on goal. He rounded Mansfield only to then tamely hit his shot at Green who was covering on the line. Melford created little in the way of chances, with only Daw really having a shot on goal and this was from an acute angle.
Brantham continued to pressure the Melford goal and Mansfield had to be on his toes from a goal bound header from Scott Barr. Brantham had yet more shots on goal as the half came to a close, but luckily most missed the target and Melford left the field lucky to still be on level terms.
Melford started brighter in the 2nd half and Brantham were on the back straight away after some good pressure from Fernandez released Daw, but his shot was well saved by the keeper. Melford continued to dominate the game, with some excellent pressure being applied by Fernandez down the right flank. Brantham were penned into there half with Melford pushing for the break through. Daw saw an early free kick go wide and efforts from Ridley and Delves were easily saved by the keeper.
The breakthrough for Melford came after 60 minutes. A cross from the right flank was half cleared to edge of the box where Delves picked it up, beat an on rushing defender and then slotted the ball into the path of DAW who drove home into the far corner.
This sparked the game into life once more with Brantham almost scored a minute after the restart. A silly foul was conceded on the edge of the box and the attackers attempt crashed off the outside of the post and out of play. Brantham had further chances but some good defending and goalkeeping meant Melford’s lead was still in tact.
The half was drawing on and Melford were dropping deeper and defending resolutely. Brantham were piling men forward, leaving them open to counter attacks. A mixture of tired legs and a will to win meant some heavy challenges were going in from both sides but Melford continued to defend well and limited Brantham to half chances.
The game then fizzled out with neither team creating much in the last 5 minutes. The win puts Melford top by 2points, above Harwich and Parkeston who we face next week in a top of the table clash.
STEVE ADAMS
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Ridgeons Youth League South Division |
|
Up to Wed 30 Jan 08 |
|
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|
1 |
Long Melford |
12 |
8 |
3 |
1 |
27 |
12 |
27 |
|
2 |
Harwich & Parkeston |
9 |
8 |
1 |
0 |
31 |
8 |
25 |
|
3 |
Brantham Athletic |
12 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
23 |
21 |
18 |
|
4 |
FC Clacton |
12 |
5 |
1 |
6 |
35 |
25 |
16 |
|
5 |
Braintree Town |
8 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
20 |
15 |
14 |
|
6 |
Haverhill Rovers |
11 |
4 |
0 |
7 |
17 |
28 |
12 |
|
7 |
Witham Town |
6 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
17 |
19 |
9 |
|
8 |
Felixstowe & Walton United |
14 |
1 |
4 |
9 |
21 |
39 |
7 |
|
9 |
Wivenhoe Town |
8 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
7 |
31 |
3 |
Long Melford 2 Felixstowe & Walton United 2
(Ridgeons Youth League South, Wednesday 28 November)
Long Melford U18s threw away a 2 goal lead on Wednesday at home to Felixstowe and Walton U18s. A win would have seen the boys go top of the league but a lacklustre display meant we stay 2nd, a point behind Harwich, who have 2 games in hand.
The game started with the usual U18 tempo, with neither team taking any chances and clearing their lines early. Melford's 4-4-2 formation was working well with Daw and Hardy allowed acres of space on the flanks. Melford created the first early on, with Delves clipping the ball over the defence to Daw, but his volleyed effort flew just wide.
As the game progressed Felixstowe came more and more into the game and began to threaten Melford. Failure to clear the ball and silly free kicks brought Felixstowe forward and Melford were pinned in for long spells until the ball was eventually gathered by Mansfield or cleared away. However Melford looked dangerous on the break with smith and Beer holding up well and Daw's pace on the left.
Melford almost took the lead 25 minutes into the first half, a long free kick into the Felixstowe box wasn't properly cleared and the ball fell to Adams, who drove the ball at goal, only to see his effort crash off the bar. This boosted Melford who then began pressure Felixstowe into long clearances. Melford's pressure told after 35 minutes. Smith received the ball 30 yards out and his driving run and then clever pass set up BEER who thumped home from 10 yards.
The goal then seemed to kick start Felixstowe into life and the final 10 minutes of the half were spent defending, but Melford saw out the time and went into the dressing room the happier of the teams.
However, Melford started the second half lethargically and were bombarded time and time again by Felixstowe attacks. Possession was given away cheaply and we failed to match our opponents work rate and hunger and it looked only a matter of time until Felixstowe equalised.
However, as we are so often proved, football is a funny old game. Melford extended there lead to two 10minutes into the second half. Another long free kick into the Felixstowe box was flicked onto BEER at the back post (who looked offside), who took one touch and the drove the ball home. This goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Felixstowe and Melford pressed home there advantage, not really allowing the visitors out of there half.
But Felixstowe dug deep and started to fight back into the game, and Melford allowed this to happen. Felixstowe pulled a goal back with 20 minutes remaining, a long throw deceiving the defence and the striker ran through and blasted past Mansfield.
Felixstowe were buzzing and Melford looked drained, again not matching there opponents and not playing the football they are capable of. The half wore on and wave upon wave of Felixstowe attacks were snuffed out. But eventually the pressure told with 5 minutes remaining. A silly free kick was given away on the right wing around 25 yards outs. The left footed player drove the ball in towards the Melford goal and all looked safe it was headed straight at goal. However, Barr left the ball after Mansfield had called for the ball to be cleared and the balled squirted between the keeper’s legs and into the goal.
In the last 5 minutes Melford rallied and could have won it with the last touch of the game, and in swinging Daw free kick was met by Smith, but his header was miss-directed.
STEVE ADAMS
Long Melford 2 FC Clacton 0
(Ridgeons Youth League South, Wednesday 14 November)
Long Melford U18s maintained the pressure on Harwich and Parkeston at the top of the Ridgeons Youth League South with a comfortable 2-0 win at home to 3rd placed FC Clacton last night.
The game started brightly with Clacton immediately showing their intentions to not allow Melford time on the ball with some hard challenges, but Melford had the better start and the 1st chance fell to Darren Smith, who drove at goal from 20 yards after some good build up play down the right hand side. The resulting corner from Hardy was met by Ridley but he failed to keep his effort down and the ball flew over.
At the other end Melford were defending well, and not allowing Clacton near their goal. Green and Howard on the flanks were keeping the Clacton wingers at bay with some sharp tackles, and ensuring the ball was cleared before any danger could arise. Melford continued to dominate and could have taken the lead from another corner which was again met by Ridley but he failed to connect properly.
Eventually the pressure told on FC Clacton and Melford opened the scoring. Another corner from Hardy was again met by RIDLEY, who caused Clacton problems from set pieces all day, and this time the ball flew into the back of the net.
Melford could have extended there lead from another corner with Adams rising high, but heading wide. The goal seemed to lift Clacton who were determined to get back into the game and they almost did when a ball evaded the Melford midfield and defence and fell to a striker who was away one on one, but he delayed enough for Adams to get back and block his effort. Clacton came back into the game more and more as the half drew on although Beer and Smith were doing excellently at holding the ball upfront, but silly fouls were given away inside the Melford half which invited pressure and at one stage it took a scramble on the edge of the Melford box before the ball was cleared. Melford were definitely the happier when the half time whistle came.
The second half started with Melford a little hesitant on the ball and Clacton’s hunger shone through although they could not break through. After 5 minutes or so the boys settled down and began to spread the play and battle with Clacton and 10 minutes into the 2nd half Melford were 2-0 up. Fernandez picked the ball up the on the edge of the Clacton box and drove in and after being challenged the ball fell kindly to KNEBEL who thumped the ball home from 12 yards into the top corner.
Again Clacton surged forward, piling more and more men into the Melford half but the defence was holding firm. With challenges now flying in from both sides free kicks were again being given away and Clacton's delivery deep into the Melford box was proving hard to clear as the ball just would not stick for Melford. Clacton almost pulled a goal back from a free kick. The Clacton defender drifted unmarked into the box but his effort was well wide.
As the half wore on Clacton were tiring and Melford started to get on top of the game again, limiting Clacton to long range efforts and having a few shots at goal as well from Beer and Smith. The game closed out with no real drama, Melford were disciplined enough to not waste the possession they had and did well to keep Clacton in there half.
This win takes Melford to 23 points from 10 games. Next weeks see Melford take on table toppers Harwich and Parkeston away. With key players like Carl Daw returning from suspension and Carl Delves and Jamie Aaron from injury it will make an interesting prospect as the winning team goes to the top of the league.
Brantham Athletic 3 Long Melford 3
(Ridgeons Youth League South, Tuesday 06 November)
Long Melford U18s missed out on the chance to go back to joint top of the Ridgeons Youth League South after only managing a draw with a well organised Brantham team.
The game started like a typical U18s game, with the ball being moved quickly on the excellent playing surface with Melford just shading the play. The way Brantham set up with a 4-5-1 meant there was lots of space for Melford to play at the back, however this was never really the case as too many players were rushing when in possession and needlessly giving the ball away.
However Melford took a deserved lead after 10 minutes, an excellent lofted through ball straight onto the foot of BEER, who controlled well and drove the ball past the Brantham keeper form 18 yards. After this the game then became a scrappy affair, with tackles flying in from both sides, and most going unchecked.
Melford conceded an equaliser after 25 minutes, a needless foul given away 30 yards out after allowing the Brantham winger to cut in from the left. The in swinging free-kick missed everyone and floated in the corner of the Melford net.
The game carried on in the same fashion as before the goal with both teams battling hard but struggling to retain possession. However Melford found themselves 2-1 up after 30 minutes, an in swinging corner from Hardy wasn't cleared and the ball fell to BARR who thumped home form 2 yards out.
Brantham then changed their tactics, going to 4-4-2 and trying to pressure Melford into mistakes at the back. They got there reward on 40 minutes when Melford gave the ball away inside their half and the ball was then moved on to a Brantham striker who out muscled 2 Melford defenders before firing into the roof of the Melford net.
In the second half Melford started slowly and Brantham sustained pressure on the Melford goal. They took a deserved lead after 10 minutes of the second half. A near post corner was flicked on and the ball fell to a Brantham defender, who sidestepped a tackle before smashing the ball into the roof of the net.
After this goal the tempo went out of the game and neither team looked like threatening the goals. Melford tried to use the slope of the Brantham pitch and apply pressure but through balls were either under or over hit and nothing came form them.
Melford equaliser came after 65 minutes and in a bizarre fashion. The Brantham keeper dropped the ball out of his hands to kick off the floor, his clearance was hit straight to DAW who from 35 yards aimed and shot at goal. However the Brantham keeper casually jogged back towards his goal, believing the ball to going wide; however the ball hit the post and went in. This gave Melford a real boost and they pressed for a winner with Smith, Mansfield and Daw all testing the Brantham keeper with efforts on goal. The last 10 minutes of the game were hard fought by both sides, but neither team could create clear cut chances and the game fizzled out.
Melford are now 2 points behind league leaders Harwich, who have a game in hand over Melford.
STEVE ADAMS
Wivenhoe Town 0 Long Melford 2
(Ridgeons Youth League South, Wed 31 October 2007)
Long Melford continued their fine run of form in the league with a 2-0 win over Wivenhoe which takes them level on points with league leaders Harwich and Parkeston.
Both teams started slowly, with the clear first, ask questions after approach adopted by both teams. However Melford were almost ahead when Ridley played in Daw over the top of the defence, but his lob was finely saved by the Wivenhoe keeper.
Neither team could take advantage of the big Wivenhoe pitch and the game was being played in a very confined space with attack after attack finishing with a long ball straight to the keepers from both teams.
25 minutes into the game Melford switched their midfield, with Fernandez moving to centre midfield and Hardy moving to right midfield. This settled Melford and they began to play football, using both flanks well and causing Wivenhoe problems.
Melford’s break through came 10 minutes before half time, a Daw free kick was nodded down by Adams to RIDLEY who crisply drove the ball into the net on the half volley, with his left foot.
The second half was a scrappy affair from the start; Wivenhoe came out with new heart and desire and brought the game to Melford. Again needless fouls were committed in dangerous places which invited more pressure from the home side. Wivenhoe's best chance came down there right flank, a good low cross was met by a striker who volleyed the ball, but his attempt was bravely blocked by Jamie Aaron with his face.
Melford were given a golden chance on 70 minutes to bury the game. From a Daw corner Adams was pulled back as he was about to meet the ball and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Daw, but his penalty was well saved by the keeper diving to his left.
However 5 minutes later Melford were 2-0 up, a long free kick into the box was half cleared by Wivenhoe but only to SMITH, who jinked his way past two defenders before firing low into the far corner of the goal.
This effectively ended Wivenhoe’s game and Melford took over, creating many late chances with the best falling to Smith and Knebel, but both failed to keep the ball down.
STEVE ADAMS
Long Melford 3 Wivenhoe Town 1
(Ridgeons Youth League South, Wed 24 October 2007)
Long Melford U18s welcomed Wivenhoe Town to Stoneylands, and even though the squad was missing a few key players, the mood was relaxed - too relaxed perhaps!!
Melford started the game very lethargically and Wivenhoe settled into the game a lot quicker. Their long game plan was working as Melford time and time again were caught out by it, and then struggled to clear their lines.
The inevitable happened 20 minutes in when a throw was not properly cleared by Melford and the Wivenhoe winger whipped in a ball which was volleyed home by their striker, after getting in front of his man.
This spiced up the game for both teams with Melford trying harder, but still struggling to maintain possession and Wivenhoe's long ball game still causing Melford's back four problems.
However, Melford found themselves all square 35 minutes in, a long ball played forward by Smith was missed by the Wivenhoe defender and this allowed in DAW who finished well to take his U18s tally to 10 this season. The half then fizzled out with neither team creating many chances.
The 2nd half started with Melford defending again. Needless free-kicks were conceded which invited pressure and Wivenhoe were not frightened to fill the box but Melford survived this scare.
The turning point in the game came 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Melford had battled well and made there way to Wivenhoe penalty box, the ball then fell to STEPHENS who had only been on the pitch a few minutes, and he drove the ball into the bottom corner with the outside of his boot to open his U18s account for this season.
Long Melford then stepped up a gear and started to spread the play better but were always weary of the early long ball used by Wivenhoe. The second half drew on with Melford dominating play but no making the most of the possession and chances created and the 1 goal lead never really seemed comfortable.
The game was put to rest by Long Melford with 10 minutes left to play. A long throw into the Wivenhoe box was flicked on at the front post and after a failed clearance; the ball fell to KNEBEL who coolly volleyed home from 10 yards to notch his 1st U18 goal this term.
The game then closed out with neither team creating anything but Melford were definitely glad to hear the referee's whistle blow after a such a poor performance, which could have easily been a lot more costly.
STEVE ADAMS
FC Clacton 1 Long Melford 2 (Wed 17 October 2007)
Long Melford U18s moved to 13 points from their opening 6 games of the Ridgeons League South with a battling 2-1 win at FC Clacton on Wednesday night.
Melford started off with a new face in goal, Luke Hounsell of the U16s Alliance side replacing the injured Sam Mansfield in goal. The game started off in a scrappy fashion with little or no chances being created, and neither team making use of the excellent football surface.
As the game progressed both teams became more settled on the ball and started creating chances. Hounsell was tested after good build up play from Clacton was finished with a header, which fortunately went straight into his arms. At the other end Daw's pace was always causing problems for the Clacton defence and he saw a shot go just wide with the keeper left stranded.
The deadlock was broken after 30 minutes or so. An in-swinging free kick from Daw was met by ADAMS, who just beat the keeper to the ball and deftly flicked over the oncoming keeper. Almost straight from the restart Clacton attacked and almost equalised, with Condon's effort coming back off the bar.
In the last 10 minutes of the half Melford could have extended there lead, with Smith hitting the side netting from a one on one and Ridley missing an open goal. The 2nd half began the same as the first, scrappy and contested mostly in Midfield.
However Clacton started to push Melford as the half drew on, Auger latched onto a through ball and his pull back was converted by FOX. After this the game opened up, with both teams pushing for the win.
The last goal of the game and the sucker punch to Clacton came with 20 minutes left to play from a Melford corner, literally. DAW swinging it in from the right, and the ball somehow hit the under-side of the crossbar and went in to make it 2-1.
The last 20mins of the game were hard fought with Melford defending hard as Clacton came back trying to equalise again. But Melford held out. A late scare came when Condon's effort, which everyone in the ground thought was in, struck the bar and bounced out for a goal kick.
STEVE ADAMS
Long Melford U18's 3 Braintree Town U18's 3 (Wed 10 October 2007)
Long Melford’s U18s welcomed last years Ridgeons Youth League South Champions to Stoneylands and the game couldn't have started better for them.
2 minutes in DAW was released down the left hand channel and he showed pace and skill to cut inside 2 defenders and slot the ball right footed past the on rushing keeper. Almost straight from the kick off Braintree came back at Melford. A smart turn on the edge of the box and a neat chip was almost rewarded with a goal from a Braintree forward, but the ball crashed off the bar.
Melford then continued to press Braintree and after 5mins, Daw was released over the top of the defence, he then coolly chipped the ball over the Braintree keeper for SMITH to make it 2 in 2 games as he tapped the ball into and empty net.
Braintree then came into the game more, moving the ball quickly and fluently, reminding everyone why they were last year's champions. After 15 minutes sloppy defending and missed clearance opportunities cost Melford their 2 goal after cushion. The ball was given away and Braintree broke down the left. A good cross was met by a Braintree player and his first effort was blocked but the ball bounced straight back into his path and he tucked the ball home.
The game evened out for the next 25 with both teams playing good passing football. After 40 minutes or so Melford were 2 goals up again. An excellent run by Fernandez into the Braintree box caused problems and the ball fell to DAW who with his right boot, from 12 yards out, and an acute angle lofted the ball over the Braintree keeper and into the net. The goal was almost identical to the one he scored against Stowmarket for the 1st team last season but this time with his right.
The second half started with Braintree on top. A mixture of tactical changes on their side, and tired legs on ours.Braintree were moving the ball well and Melford were left chasing shadows. On 65 minutes a long ball into Melford box was met by a Braintree midfielder who took a touch and slotted past Mansfield.
Melford tried to play but the ball just wouldn't stick and time after time Braintree came, but Melford’s defence was holding strong. The game was levelled after 75 minutes by a freak goal. An attempted clearance at powerful driven cross was looped over Mansfield and into Melford's goal by Barr. The game then closed out with both teams having chances to win the game, but none were converted.
STEVE ADAMS
WIN AGAINST HAVERHILL LAST NIGHT COMPLETES EARLY SEASON DOUBLE (October 03, 2007)
Long Melford U18's completed an early season double over their local rivals Haverhill Rovers with a convincing 3-1 home win.
Melford came out of the traps first and settled. The game was then delayed for 10 minutes or so due to a Haverhill player being carried off on a stretcher after making a tackle. After this the game was a bit scrappy but Melford carried on a good passing play, with the centre midfield pair of Ridley and Delves spreading the play well.
The break-through came after 25 minutes or so, an in swinging corner from Daw and a lot of Melford pressure causing havoc in the Haverhill box and the ball ended up in the back of the net courtesy of a Haverhill OG.
Melford then took control with some good one touch football. Melford were 2-0 up 10 minutes later when Darren Smith showed great strength and skill to make his way to the 18 yard line and blast the ball left footed past the Haverhill goalie.
The second half started off with both teams competing well, and both creating chances. But Melford were 3-0 up when Daw was released with a long ball and he coolly slotted home his 5th U18 goal this season. It could have been more as Melford's set pieces caused more problems with Ridley having his headed attempt cleared off the line and Beer's striking the post.
The game looked dead and buried but Melford relaxed and got sloppy which invited Haverhill back into the game. With 60 minutes gone Haverhill made it 3-1 with a through ball catching Melford cold at the back and a good finish from Haverhill's forward.
The game finished with Haverhill on top and Melford defending hard but the team held out. Another good U18 performance which keeps them 2nd in the Ridgeons Youth League South behind Harwich & Parkeston
STEVE ADAMS
UNDER 18'S RECORD EXCELLENT VICTORY AT HAVERHILL ROVERS (September 06 2007)
Long Melford Under 18's won 2-0 at Haverhill Rovers yesterday evening to move up to 5th position in the Ridgeons Youth League South Division. It was their first victory of the season, and the perfect way to bounce back after losing at home to Harwich & Parkeston on the first day of the season.
Although it took a while for Melford to break the home side down they took the lead on the stroke of half time through captain Steve Adams. 10 minutes after the break Carl Daw latched on to a through ball from Jamie Aaron and after a mazy run found the back of the net.
UNDER 18S' SEASON BEGINS WITH DEFEAT - TREVOR WARREN'S REACTION (August 30, 2007)
Long Melford Under 18's lost 1-0 at home to Harwich & Parkeston last night in their first Ridgeons Youth League South Division match of the season. Manager Trevor Warren made the following remarks about the match:
"Lack of training and the inability to get the squad together prior to the game was our downfall. Our first half performance was poor, we were unable to string passes together, close the play down in defence and allowed the opposition too much time in all areas of the pitch.
The second half saw a marked improvement in attitude and with three Dawsy chances being well saved by their keeper and a Dan Ridley header hitting the bar we were unlucky not to get a point out of the game."
Pre-Season Update - July 30 2007
Training attendance has been poor due to holidays, but this is normal. The squad is still being shaped but looks like we will be calling on the Under 16 Alliance team to guarantee a full squad each week which will hold them in good stead for next year when they will form the majority of the team.
The spine of the team is as last year - Sam Mansfield, Steve Adams, Dan Ridley, Kirk Hardy and Carl Daw. We are hopeful of a couple of signings which will give us a chance of challenging at the top end of the League.
Trevor Warren ~ Under 18's Manager
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