A goal in each half for the home team was enough to end the Melford purple patch and plant them as Ridgeons League wooden spoonists.
After the recent good results the Villagers looked a little under par against the powerful home side who, earlier in the season, had looked like title contenders.
It was the home team who took the honours early on with Taylor-Holt heading past th
e Melford upright and Crissell managing to block an effort from Barker.
After 24 minutes Debenham went ahead following a corner, former Melford player Powling heading in.
Only some good defending prevented the lead being increased, with Adams stretching well to deter Abbott, and then keeper Croll excelling to stop with his feet an effort from Barker.
Melford briefly took control. A free kick from Skeggs, who had an excellent game, was hooked just wide by Bull, and a minute later another cross from Skeggs was headed inches wide by Crissell.
Melford kept the pressure on at the start of the second half. A snap shot from Bull was pushed over by Ellis, and from the Grindrod corner Adams put his header just over. Grindrod then shot wide from in front of goal.
After soaking up the pressure the home team broke on 61 minutes, with Kemp capitalising on room down the right flank and his cross finding Jopling, who sidefooted home from close range.
At the other end Grindrod shot wide before Croll rescued Melford when he dived at the feet of Abbott.
Long Melford: Croll; Cawtheray, Grimster, Brind, Adams, Crissell, Grindrod, Jack Taylor (Wilson 66), Bull (Budgen 71), Skeggs, Chisholm. Sub (not used): Swain.
The full article contains 280 words and appears in Suffolk Free Press newspaper.
