The alarm bells went after only three minutes when a free-kick from the right was whipped in at the near post by Goodhand, completely deceiving Croll to open the score.

Melford put this setback behind them with Potter and Dan Bull combining well to set up some attacks. Grindrod shot narrowly over the bar, and keeper Jones did well to hold a volley from Bull.

But on 38 minutes Boston went further ahead courtesy of defensive lapses. Statham lost the ball in midfield, and Croll could only push away Goodhand's cross, Kennedy getting time and space to pick his spot.

Melford were unlucky not to get a goal back when a delicate chip from Chisholm beat Jones but hit the bar.

Melford started the second half in positive fashion and some excellent work by Potter saw his pass find Bull, who shot in via the post.

Boston upped the pace and on 65 minutes went further ahead. A shot from Goodhand hit the post and Iley netted from close-range.

Five minutes later some dreadful defending allowed Mason room and time to place his shot neatly past Croll.

Melford hit back, with the determination of 16-year-old substitute Tommy Perry winning a lost ball and crossing for Chisholm to crash home.

Spurred on by this, Perry shot against the post and Potter was unlucky when his shot was hacked off the line.

In the dying seconds a long ball found Gary Bull, who held it well before shooting against the bar, Mason heading home the rebound.

Long Melford: Croll; Durell, Grindrod, Chisholm, Adams, Crissell, Wilson, (Baker 72) Statham (Simpson 86), Potter, Bull (Perry 78) Delves.

l In midweek Melford drew 1-1 at Stowmarket Town in the league, Adam Potter giving them the lead after 21 minutes with a low, left-foot shot.

Stowmarket were awarded a penalty just before the interval, but Floyd Croll dived to his left to pull off an excellent save.

Stowmarket were more on top in the second half, and levelled through Leys after 65 minutes.

Long Melford: Croll; Durell, Grindrod, Chisholm (Delves 75), Crissell, Adams, Wilson, Statham, Potter (Perry 85), Bull, B Simpson (Baker 60). Sub (not used): Cutts.