The existence of the club was first recorded in 1868, when they won a match against Ipswich Rangers 5–1 on the Church Green.

Although Ipswich declined, claiming that it would be injurious to their prestige if they played "little village teams", the two clubs met in the Suffolk Senior Cup semi-final, with Long Melford winning 2–1 before going on to beat Woodbridge 1–0 in a replay in the final.

[2] In 1934 the club joined Division One of the Ipswich & District League, but left after a single season.

The 1950s were one of Long Melford's most successful periods; they won the Senior Cup in 1952–53 and retained it the following season, also finishing as runners-up in the Essex and Suffolk Border League Premier Division.

[4] The club's first season in the Eastern Counties League ended with them winning the Suffolk Senior Cup for the eighth time, beating Stanton 5–0.