Match Report v Whitton Utd (h)

PICTURED: Steve Adams came off the bench to score the equaliser.

Whitton United were the visitors to Stoneylands today and they arrived in good form having won their last three matches.

By contrast Melford had lost their last three games, but the Villagers welcomed back local favourite Kieran Michaels on dual registration from Witham Town, and he came straight into the team to replace the injured Dan Smith. 

The moderate south westerly wind blowing diagonally over the pitch greeted the teams, and it did have some detrimental impact on the game. 

It was a bright first half for Whitton, and Melford found it difficult to cope with the pace, passing and movement of a gifted team. 

After only six minutes that difficulty was illustrated, when a back pedalling Melford defence failed to tackle the forward run of the talented JACOB LAY who took full advantage to fire home from ten yards out. 

It was a question of whether the Whitton lead could be improved as Melford continued to look sluggish all over the pitch, but the interval whistle came with the score line intact. 

The second half belonged to Melford, playing with increased tempo it was now the turn of Whitton to hone their defensive skills. 

The equaliser arrived for Melford on 63 minutes and a peach of a goal it was. Released down the Melford left flank Ben Judge crossed on the run to the far post and STEVE ADAMS dived full length to head home. A fully deserved reward for the home team. 

At the other end Jamie Cole came close when he turned the Melford defence but his shot whizzed inches wide of the Melford post. 

Encouraged by the goal Melford piled forward with Jamie Griffiths shooting against the post and Steve Adams crashing a header against the Whitton crossbar. 

Just before the end Melford Man of the Match Ben Judge got clear of the Whitton defence and his excellent shot was pushed round the post by the diving keeper Higgins, to keep the score line level.

The visitors will be pleased overall to take a point away from Stoneylands, whilst Melford will be uplifted by a fine second half performance. CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: Matt Walker, Kieran Michaels, Ashley Sloots (45 injured), Jake Jackson, Ross Waugh, Anthony Waugh, Nathan Rowe (75), Jacob  Brown, Jamie Griffiths, Ben Judge, Will Wingfield 

Subs used: Steve Adams (45), Archie Pether (75) not used: Haaris Khan, Kyle Hurley, Josh Collins   Att: 72