Reserves: Saffron Walden put five past Long Melford

Michael Edwards Wednesday, October 17, 2012
3:33 PM

WALDEN put on a five-star performance to ease their way past Melford.

Four first half goals from Max Drane (2), Darren Bicknell and Tom Richardson and another in the second period from Charlie Norris heaped more pressure on Melford who have earned just six points in seven games.

Walden on the other hand are sitting pretty in fourth place in the Thurlow Nunn Reserve League Division One – just two points behind leaders Felixstowe and Walton United.

The contrasting fortunes of the sides was clear to see on Saturday as Walden fired out of the blocks, even without several key players due to injuries and call ups to the first team.

After ten minutes Drane started the rout, rounding the keeper before a neat finish. Bicknell was next on the score sheet with a vicious drive from the edge of the box that Melford could only watch as it found the net. Drane compounded the visitor’s woes as his scuffed shot evaded the keeper and trickled over the line. The first half demolition was completed by Richardson, who converted a George Powell cross.

Melford started the second half with renewed vigour but the inevitable goal came 10 minutes from the end – Charlie Norris breached the defence before coolly finishing. With the game won there was still time to give a senior debut to Luke Dorrington as Walden stretched their unbeaten run to seven games.