Long Melford 2 Swaffham Town 2 – Pedlars work hard for deserved point

Swaffham Town drew 2-2 at fifth-placed Long Melford to take a deserved point back to Shoemakers Lane in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.

The Pedlars took the lead in the fourth minute – an Alex Vincent corner was met by the head of Joe Jackson at the back post and his cross-goal pass was met by Sam Loomes to head home from seven yards. Melford came close just two minutes later but were denied by Dean 'Rocky' Mayes, saving from point-blank range and forcing a corner. Swaffham dominated the first half but were unable to add to their lead, with several attempts at goal directed at the keeper.

Melford raised their game in the second half, forcing the Pedlars deep into their own half, forcing numerous corners which threatened the equaliser. The home side equalised in the 70th minute, from a deflected free-kick two yards outside the box. Swaffham re-took the lead just three minutes later, Lewis Thompson setting Jackson free with 30 yards to goal – he rounded the keeper and shot home from 12 yards. Long Melford recovered the point in the 81st minute.

A fine performance from the Swaffham squad and an entertaining fixture for all those watching. There is no first team game this week, giving the players a rest and an opportunity to undertake some pitch maintenance.

Back at Shoemakers Lane, there was a good win for the reserves against Loddon United Reserves. An own goal and further goals from Robson Pack, Nick Castellan and Alfie Brindle gave the Pedlars a hard earned 4-1 victory. On Saturday they host Buxton, kick-off 2pm.

The Under 18s return to action tomorrow, Dereham Town the visitors to Shoemakers Lane, kick-off 7.45pm. Last Sunday the Veterans failed to continue their winning campaign, going down 4-1 to Attleborough, Darran Hewitt getting the consolation.