VIDEO: Match reaction from Long Melford’s FA Vase win over Cornard United

Long Melford’s new striker Matt Hayden and Cornard United’s recently-appointed manager Chris Tracey spoke to sports editor Russell Claydon to give their views following Melford’s 3-1 FA Vase derby win on Saturday.

Hayden, signed from Mildenhall Town after a summer move from Lakenheath did not work out, got off to a good start at Stoneyalnds by netting on his debut to put his new side 2-1 ahead.

It came after the sides had gone into the break level at 1-1, with former Ipswich Town midfielder Jamie Griffiths equalising with a close-range shot after lower-league Cornard had taken the lead through Ezra Drann’s cool low eighth-minute strike.

Hayden’s goal to put Melford ahead in the tie was quickly added to within two minutes by a second from Griffiths, who rounded the goalkeeper before finishing from an angle in the 65th minute to change the complexion of the game.

From there on in it was a comfortable passage into the next round for the Villagers, who will travel to FC Broxbourne in the second qualifying round on October 3.