Long Melford 1 Saffron Walden 2 TWO second-half penalties from Kevin Vallis put Saffron Walden back on track after two consecutive league defeats. The Bloods beat Long Melford in the Ridgeons League First Division on Tuesday night and assistant coach Joh

Long Melford 1

Saffron Walden 2

TWO second-half penalties from Kevin Vallis put Saffron Walden back on track after two consecutive league defeats.

The Bloods beat Long Melford in the Ridgeons League First Division on Tuesday night and assistant coach John Butchart was pleased with his team's performance and the quality of their football.

"We had about 16 chances at their goal compared to their five," said Butchart. "We dominated the game from the start and a lot of our players put in strong performances."

A solid defensive display was led by Matthew Danbury who played particularly well, keeping the home side out of the danger area, while at the other end, Greg Strong's header ricocheted off the bar.

Only a momentary slip-up in the last minute prevented the Bloods coming away with a clean sheet.

"Richard Chadwick was a menace upfront all evening," said Butchart on his striker who won both of the side's penalties. Chadwick was fouled in the area on 65 and 76 minutes and both were converted by Vallis.

The win comes as a relief for the team after losing their last two league games despite playing some good football.

Walden lost their match on Saturday, going down 1-0 to Diss Town away from home in a hard-fought game.

After playing some good second-half football Diss eventually found a way through the Walden wall. Foster blasted a shot against the post and the rebound fell to Angel who tapped into an open goal on 85 minutes.

Walden's best chance fell to Stuart Kingham whose 40-yard shot just skimmed over the bar.

Despite the loss, Mr Butchart was upbeat about his team's performance. "We played some good, entertaining football and kept the ball on the floor. We had some young players out there today and they all showed a good attitude," he said.

The win on Tuesday puts the Bloods in seventh position in the table with 21 points. Their next league match is being played at home against Fakenham Town on Saturday.

Come along and support your local team at Catons Lane. Kick-off is at 3pm.