Match Report v Whitton Utd (h)

PICTURED: Talented U18 keeper Michael Bett had another good game for Melford tonight. Photo by Stan Baston.

Every game for Melford at the moment is a battle for survival in the Premier Division. 

After being on top over the first half Melford will rue once again not converting some excellent chances, and losing by the solitary Whitton second half goal. 

After 12 minutes Josh Collins found space down the Melford right wing, and his subsequent cross ran along the Whitton area without a Melford player finding the finishing touch. 

At the other end Josh Stevens got through into the Melford box, but his shot was not a problem for teenager Michael Bett, the excellent Melford keeper. 

More chances came Melford's way Steve Adams shooting straight at Whitton keeper Lewis Higgins and David Lopez repeating the exercise shortly after. 

The golden chance for Melford came after 35 minutes, some neat build up play allowed Emmanuel Machaya space in the Whitton box but from four yards his shot went wide. 

At the other end keeper Bett again made a fine save from Liam Wales from close range. 

On 39 minutes Machaya was brought down on the edge of the Whitton penalty box, and the resultant free kick taken by Machaya was tipped over the bar by Higgins in the Whitton goal. 

It was Whitton who took much more of the game in the second half. with Melford struggling to find any real fluency. 

The killer goal arrived after 53 minutes, the Melford defence lost the ball to Jamie Cole down the Whitton left flank and his cross found JOSH JECHE who headed home. 

After several more close efforts from Whitton which Melford defended well the final minute of the game arrived, and Melford looked for a penalty when Steve Adams was pulled down in the box. Fairly obvious to most people observing but unfortunately for Melford not the same view from the match officials! CHENOBERET

LONG MELFORD: Michael Bett, Kieran Michaels, Will Wingfield, Ross Waugh, Josh Collins (67), Anthony Waugh, Emmanuel Machaya, Jacob Brown, Steve Adams, David Lopez (76), Pablo Chaves (76) 

Subs used: Archie Pether (67), Conor Howard (76), Dan Smith (76) 

not used: Stefan Robson, Deklyn Roy

Att: 93