Steady Start - Long Melford vs. Brantham Athletic

Clubhouse and stand at Stoneylands

Despite an enjoyable pre-season, I was pleased that competitive football was back. My first game of what is hopefully a long season was Long Melford against Brantham Athletic in the premier division of The Eastern Counties League. Both these sides finished comfortably in mid table without threatening the relegation or promotion places respectively. The only time I'd seen either side play before was when I caught a mid week game at The Brantham Leisure Centre and Brantham hosted Woodbridge Town on that evening.   

Start of the 2017-18 season :-D

The first half chance of the season proper comes as a result of a lofted Brantham ball forward which is cut out by the Long Melford defense. The visitors come closer when a header from a driven cross goes just over the bar. Long Melford's first chance comes as a result of a goal mouth scramble and the Brantham defense just about clears their lines.

Brantham defending a first half Long Melford corner

Brantham create a great chance at the start of the second half from a free kick to the near post which requires a fantastic save from the Long Melford keeper to keep the scores level. The Long Melford goalie is called into action from the resulting corner, this time blocking a free header. The game is now becoming more open and it takes a great last ditch tackle to prevent the shot on goal. Brantham then waste a guilt edge chance as the forward gets behind the home defense but his weak shot fails to seriously trouble the home stopper. Long Melford have the final chance of the game but they fail to make it count.

Long Melford look for the opening goal in the second half

Long Melford can be a bit of a sod to get to from London especially if the connections don't work out. First of all you have to get a train to Sudbury from Liverpool Street which involves a change to the once an hour train from Marks Tey. This section takes just over an hour. Then from the bus station you catch the once an hour 753 bus (you can see the pattern!) to Long Melford which takes around ten minutes. I didn't do Long Melford justice and should have got there earlier to look around the giant village church  or Melford Hall. Predictably, I did investigate the pubs on offer and ale wise The Crown Inn had the widest choice as well as a good beer garden. A more upmarket option is The Swan. The clubhouse had the usual selection of drinks including one from the local Nethergate Brewery. Despite it being a bit of a faff to get to, I'd fully recommend a trip to Long Melford.

Hedge side of the ground that backs on to the cricket club