THIS battle between promotion contenders Downham and lowly Melford,was a very even contest, with Melford competing with tigerish enthuaism and unlucky not to gain a point.

THIS battle between promotion contenders Downham and lowly Melford,was a very even contest, with Melford competing with tigerish enthuaism and unlucky not to gain a point.

With Melford hustling Downham all the way, and Walker and Brind taking control of the midfield, the home team did not find it easy. Home keeper McInally made a hash of an early clearance with the ball falling to Grindrod, but the Melford youngster slipped over trying to control the ball on the greasy surface.

Play went from end to end with visiting keeper Croll dealing with a Webber shot, whilst at the other end Grindrod headed wide. With a stream of silly fouls awarded by the over-fussy referee, neither side could turn the pressure into goals.

The home side took the lead on 38 minutes with the Melford team thinking the ball had gone out play, Webber from behind the line headed the ball back into play, Cook took control of the ball whipped in a cross and there was the unmarked ASH SMITH at the far post, and his shot deflected past the hapless Croll, not the sort of luck a struggling team welcomes. Just before the interval Melford came close when a Grindrod free kick shaved the Downham bar. Straight from the resumption Downham had an excellent chance to kill the game off with Webber free in the box, only to see the burly striker fire wide from three yards.

This was followed by another effort from Howling being cleared off the line, but still Melford battled. And their best chance of the game arrived, the tricky Skeggs turned two defenders down the left flank and his perfect cross arrived at the feet of substitute Kenyon, who flicked the ball wide from about two yards out.

The Villagers continued to play attractive and spirited football, pushing players forward they almost conceded another goal with keeper Croll making a save at the feet of Doy. The came another glaring miss for Downham, when from a cross Harrod headed over the bar when it looked easier to head the ball into the net. Just time for Melford to launch a further attack with this time Grindrod planting his header straight at keeper McInally, promising signs for Melford at this rate they must pick up some points soon.