![Match Report: Southend Manor 0 – 0 Long Melford (Sat 10th Aug) [FAC 19/20 EPR 10.8.19]](https://survivor16b.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/fa-cup-image.png?w=512)
The FA Cup 2019 -20: Extra Preliminary Round
Venue: Southchurch Park
Attendance: TBA
2019 – 20 Season: Match 10
Saturday 10th August 3pm KO
S Manor: Yellow & Black Striped Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks
L Melford: White & Black Striped Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks
Manor frustrated at home to Long Melford in the FA Cup
Southend Manor 0 – 0 Long Melford
Report & Photos by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)
The FA Cup returned for the 2019 – 20 season here with the first of two matches this weekend. Fresh from their fine win at Hashtag Utd in midweek, Southend Manor entertained Thurlow Nunn Premier side Long Melford (who are celebrating 150 years in existence, a great achievement) at Southchurch Park. Boss Adam Peek elected to keep the same starting XI from that away win mentioned, with Jordan Chambers continuing as skipper with Mekhi Hyde & Callum Fitzer on the flanks. Melford have suffered defeats in both of their opening matches in their league, and named Australian goalkeeper Ben Devlin between the sticks, with Hassan Ally and Will Wingfield at either flank.
It was immediately evident prior to kick-off that the blustery wind around the ground would have a say in this contest and that was the case throughout most of the tie. In what was mostly a quiet opening to proceedings, Melford winger Hassan Ally looked tricky down the visitors’ right with pace to boot as well. As mentioned, the blowy wind was playing havoc with long punts upfield for both sides and 19 minutes in, an errant clearance by Manor right-back Josh Brocklebank could’ve ended up anywhere before it whistled wide for a corner to the visitors.
Both sides appeared a little pensive as well, perhaps realising what was at stake. Midway into the half, Manor’s Mekhi Hyde powered a well-hit strike from a narrow angle wide of the target. The hosts were gradually edging their way on top at this point. On the half-hour, forward Larry Akanbi ghosted past his marker and his centre reached the creative Callum Fitzer though his low drive was kept out by visiting custodian Ben Devlin. Fitzer was posing a threat himself moments later before being well-tackled by Melford’s Declan Roy in the area. As half-time neared, Hyde was in the thick of the action for the hosts again as his low strike was well-saved by Devlin at his near post.
Half-Time: Southend Manor 0 – 0 Long Melford
After the break, the visitors started to have a few pops at goal though on two occasions, Melford’s Will Wingfield couldn’t find the target with decent strikes. On the hour mark, a tactical switch for the hosts saw Bill Rungay replace Brad Rowland, while skipper Jordan Chambers reverted to the right flank. It almost worked a treat within minutes, as first he curled an effort narrowly wide of Devlin’s far post before then taking advantage of some at best hesitant defending by the visitors to nip in ahead of the Melford stopper though his strike at an almost unguarded net was tame and allowed a covering defender to get a telling clearance in.
In the latter stages, the visitors’ previously sluggish passing began to improve as playmaker Nathan Howe got on the ball more and showed some neat touches as well as hitting a fierce drive just beyond the woodwork. On another day, the visitors may have pinched a win in added -time though as midfielder Jacob Brown’s shot was denied well by home goalie Jacob Adams and a covering defender.
Full-Time: Southend Manor 0 – 0 Long Melford
After the final whistle sounded, both sides have to settle for a replay in midweek (Wednesday night I understand). In summary, Manor had enough chances to get themselves through in this one though I feel it is also fair to say that the league match at Hashtag three days earlier probably took a bit out of Adam Peek’s side. As for Long Melford, the travelling support seemed disappointed with their performance at times and they will certainly look to improve in midweek, after some shaky defending here.
Finally, it was good to meet new Manor Chairman Jerry Omango today and I’d like to thank the hosts for their hospitality today. Good also to speak to a few of the travelling support as well. Best wishes to Long Melford in their season in the Thurlow Nunn Premier too.
Teams
Southend Manor | Manager: Adam Peek
Jacob Adams (GK), Josh Brocklebank, Jordan Chambers (Capt), Jordon Fisher (Harry Rogers 84’), Connor Burrows, Kiah Froud, Mekhi Hyde, Alfie Walker, Larry Akanbi, Brad Rowland (Bill Rungay 61’), Callum Fitzer (Max Makaka 72’)
Booked: Fisher, Rowland, Walker | Sub Not Used: Evident, Grisili, Mosuro
Long Melford | Stand-in Manager: Mick Garbi
Ben Devlin (GK), Dan Smith, Ben Judge (Sam Newton 59’), Declan Roy, Anthony Waugh, Ross Waugh (Capt), Hassan Ally (Jake Jackson 83’), Jacob Brown, Jamie Griffiths, Nathan Rowe, Will Wingfield (Kyle Hurley 68’)
Subs Not Used: Sloots, Hemson
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