In a one-sided game, Town struggled to score in the first half but ended up comfortable winners with three goals after the break.

Ed Cussons' early corner was headed narrowly wide of the target by James Wilson.

Cussons was again involved in setting up Luke Catchpole, who forced Melford keeper Floyd Croll to make a good save with a shot from just inside the area.

With quarter of an hour gone, Deacon broke free of his shackles but with only the keeper to beat, saw Croll again make a fine save.

Brendan Foley headed wide before another telling cross from Cussons found Andy Moody who could only put a weak effort wide of the mark.

Deacon should have sent his side in 1-0 up at the break after superbly turning his marker eight yards out but failed to find the target, shooting just wide.

After 62 minutes, Catchpole finally broke down a resolute Long Melford defence with a wonder strike from 25 yards.

The introduction of Osiris Gomes injected some fizz into the play.

Deacon had another great opportunity to score but was again denied by Croll.

The Tangerines got their second with a comical goalkeeping error when Gomes shot from a narrow angle was sloppily dealt with by Croll, who only managed to fumble the ball over the line.

Diss were awarded a penalty after 90 minutes when Catchpole was scythed down inside the box and Danny Partridge slammed home the spot kick.

Long Melford were reduced to ten men in stoppage time.

Diss Town: Camidge, Pauling, Shadrack, J Wilson, Foley, Jones, Partridge, Catchpole, Deacon (Leggett 86), Moody (Best 86), Cussons (Gomes 60).

Man of the match: Luke Catchpole – An unsung hero, who is rarely given the credit he deserves.

n FORMER Diss Town striker Lee Gilman has been suspended by his club, Kirkley & Pakefield, following an incident which saw Saturday's Ridgeons League Premier Division game at Harwich and Parkeston abandoned after 39 minutes.

Gilman was involved in an altercation with the referee after been sent off and the official subsequently called off the game.