Match Report v Norwich United (h) 2018/19

Although the scoreline was perhaps a little harsh on Melford, overall it was a deserved three points for Norwich United who have now scored 10 goals in their previous two matches.

With a strong wind blowing across the Stoneylands pitch, Norwich United looked the more cohesive unit throughout the first half. After several near misses, it was no surprise when from a set piece SAM WATTS' shot nestled into the roof of the net via a defender's head around the 20-minute mark.

Worse was to follow for Melford 10 minutes later, again not the best piece of set-piece defending by the home side and ANDY EASTAUGH headed into the net unchallenged.

Nothing was really gelling for Melford going forward, who weren't able to reproduce the excellent performance at Brantham in the previous game.

Melford's best attacking outlet was the marauding runs of 17-year-old right back Kieran Michaels. The same player was unlucky not to pull a goal back when his sweetly struck free-kick hit the post and rebounded away to safety.

In the second half Melford improved and after knocking on the door for a while, deservedly pulled a goal back on 65 minutes when a fine strike from outside the box by JACOB BROWN curled into the top corner.

At this stage Melford were back in the game and looked capable of getting an equaliser. 

However, conceding a soft goal five minutes later made it game, set and match to Norwich. 

Home keeper Michael Bett did well to save the initial effort from BEN FOWKES, but the Norwich striker bundled the ball in after picking the pocket of a Melford defender.

Ten minutes later the same player BEN FOWKES made it 4-1 with a well-taken goal to give the scoreline an exaggerated look but a deserved three points for Norwich.

Melford's recent results against Brantham, Stowmarket and Godmanchester show what the side is capable of at their best. Supporters will be hoping to see a big improvement at Wednesday night's League Cup Semi Final (at home to Benfleet, 7.45pm kick off).

MELFORD: Michael Bett, Kieran Michaels, Will Wingfield, David Lopez, Ross Waugh, Anthony Waugh, Hassan Ally, Jacob Brown, Steve Adams, Nathan Rowe, Pablo Chaves

Subs used: Scott Sloots, Dan Smith, Andy Fisher

Subs not used: Josh Collins, Max Boulter