Saturday 31st October 2009

Ridgeons League Division One

Diss Town 5 Long Melford 1

 Match Report by Tony Collins

Diss Town returned to winning ways as they won their second home league game of the season against a Long Melford team which are second bottom with no wins from 12 games.

Stuart Garner sent a 5^th minute free kick to the far post for Brendan Foley to open the scoring with a powerful header. After 18 minutes Diss went 2-0 up when a centre from Steve Wright was headed in from 16 yards out by George Watts-Sturrock. A few minutes later Diss had anxious moments as Matt Webster pulled down Dean Costello. A penalty was awarded and the Diss ‘keeper was happy to see that his card was just yellow. Webster dived to his right to palm away the penalty taken by Tony French.

Jason Hunt forced Paul Wood into two first half saves from long range shots. Hesitancy in the home defence was punished when Adam Flack pulled a goal back in the 56^th minute. Xavier Huckle scored for the first time in six games when he made it 3-1 in the 71^st minute. Wright hit a shot against the underside of the crossbar and Huckle fired the loose ball into the roof of the net.

Wright sent over another fine cross in the 81^st minute for Ben Soanes to send his near post header past Wood. The final Diss goal came in added time when Soanes put pressure on Wood as he tired to clear. His hurried kick found George Watts-Sturrock and he shot in from 18 yards out.

Diss team: Matt Webster, Mark Shadrack, Stuart Garner, Brendan Foley, Dave Adams, Jon Abbott, Xavier Huckle, George Watts-Sturrock, Steve Wright, Jason Hunt, Sam Bryant.

Diss subs:  Ben Soanes (for Huckle 73 mins), Peter Hooks (for Bryant 84 mins), Jonny King (for Abbott 41 mins) and Euan Craigie.

Attendance: 124.

Match Sponsor: A group of Loyal Diss Town F C Supporters.

Match Ball Sponsor: Mr Jonathan Tidnam.