NEXT HOME FIXTURE

Benfleet are the visitors to Stoneylands tonight in the Thurlow Nunn League Cup semi-final. Kick off is 7.45pm at Stoneylands, New Road (CO10 9JY).

The weather forecast is good, there's no Premier League/Champions League on the TV, so why not head over to Stoneylands for a cup semi-final under the lights?

Admission prices including a programme £7 / £4 concessions, children (U16) free.  For alcoholic drinks head to the Bar. For hot food and tea, coffee, soft drinks etc visit Deb's Diner.

PREVIEW: Melford have produced some of their best football in the League Cup this season, knocking out Woodbridge Town (3-0), Hadleigh United (2-0) and Stowmarket Town (3-1) to reach their first cup semi-final in 7 years.

The Villagers were well below their best against Norwich Utd on Saturday in the league, but tonight it's a different competition and very different conditions - there won't be a 50mph gale blowing across the pitch. Hopefully Melford can get back to the level reached in the recent wins against Brantham and Stowmarket.

Benfleet (currently 10th in the First Division South) have also enjoyed an impressive run in this competition (beating Hackney Wick, May & Baker, Holland and White Ensign) so it will be a very tough test tonight. 

Both sides will see this match as a great opportunity to reach the Final with the possibility of winning a trophy at the end of the season. 

The winners of tonight’s semi-final will play Fakenham Town (who knocked out Newmarket last night in the other semi) in the Final, which is scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday, May 6th at Diss Town FC, 3pm kick off.

TOP SCORERS: Long Melford - Pablo Chaves 12, Nathan Rowe 7, Hassan Ally 6, Will Wingfield 5

Benfleet - Ben Foord 17, Robert Lacy 14, Sam Dulieu 12, Mason Shave 11

WEATHER FORECAST: Dry and mild (12°), a gentle breeze (7mph)