HALSTEAD TOWN'S first home game of the season ended in a disappointing defeat on a rain-soaked night at Rosemary Lane.
To the credit of both teams, a reasonable game of football was played out despite the weather conditions but Town, who should have gone ahead in the early minutes, failed to capitalise on their enterprising style of play.
First Jamie Williams screwed his shot wide with the goal at his mercy and then Ryan Sutton put an effort over the bar.
At this stage, Melford were soaking up the pressure, but on 14 minutes, Ashley Skeggs almost put them ahead but home keeper Ed Wootten managed to push his goal-bound shot over the bar.
Jamie Williams was a constant threat up front and could have a hatful of goals, but the missed opportunities gave Melford the incentive and they took the lead through a fantastic 30-yard belter from Skeggs on 22mins.
However, Town continued to press and five minutes later, Jack Smith popped up to head home the equaliser from a corner.
As the second half started, Town wasted a couple more chances before Melford re-took the lead through Stuart Lockwood, after 52 minutes.
Halstead continued to push for the equaliser and Adam Smith came close when his drive ran along the Melford goal with no other player in place to convert.
With five minutes to go, Melford’s keeper Paul Wood, a former Halstead player, clearly dropped the ball from a free-kick and Tom Devaux was on hand to put the ball into the net. However, the referee adjudged that the keeper had been fouled and to the dismay of the home players and their supporters, the goal was disallowed.
Town now look forward to their FA cup opener in London at the weekend.

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