Match Report v Swaffham Town (a)

Pictured: Tom Blackwell scored his second goal for the club today. To see lots more of David Bauckham's photos in his article on last Saturday's game, pick up a copy of this week's Non League Paper (on sale now for £1.50). 

Long Melford made the long journey to Swaffham minus several regulars but welcomed back Anthony Waugh from injury, while Kyle Hurley and Jake Jackson also returned to the starting eleven.

Reserve team captain Toby Newman made his first team debut as a substitute, and U18 midfielder Haaris Khan continued his progress in the first team making his fourth sub appearance.

After their 8-match unbeaten run was halted last week by Thetford, the Villagers got the show back on the road with a hard earned victory in Norfolk today.

Kicking up the slope in the first half, Melford had to deal with a bit of early pressure, but keeper Matt Walker was equal to two Swaffham efforts early on.

The Villagers took the lead after 10 minutes when home keeper Tommy Rix dropped Kyle Hurley’s shot, and BEN JUDGE was on hand to convert the loose ball from a few yards out. 

This was followed shortly after by a chance for Steve Adams, bursting through on to a neat pass from Jacob Brown, but Rix was out to deny the Melford skipper. 

Just before half time the visitors went two up when TOM BLACKWELL cut in from the left and sent a shot goalwards. Adams sliding in caused confusion and the ball went under the keeper’s body, finishing up in the net. 

Melford made a positive start to the second half and should have put the game to bed, but Rix repelled efforts from Hurley, Adams and Blackwell, while Will Wingfield and Brown also fired wide when well placed. 

Swaffham were awarded a last minute penalty converted by RYAN PEARSON, but the points headed back to Stoneylands, as Long Melford moved back up to third in the table.

LONG MELFORD: Matt Walker, Callum Hemson, Will Wingfield, Jake Jackson, Anthony Waugh, Ross Waugh, Kyle Hurley, Jacob Brown, Steve Adams, Ben Judge, Tom Blackwell 

Subs used: Haaris Khan (for Hurley), Toby Newman (for Hemson)

unused: Jamie Bradbury   Att: 78