Notley's league set for big kick off

AFTER a busy pre-season of work off the field, with managerial moves and transfer tradings taking centre stage, a full programme of action on the football field returns tomorrow.

The popular three division Lowestoft league returns with some new names and faces as sides battle it out once more.

With Division One champions Hearts of Oak and their nearest challengers Pot Black and Norton all having strengthened their squads in the close season, an intriguing campaign lies in store.

And starting the ball rolling on the league season last Saturday there were two fixtures played. In division one, Ronnie Socratous' Blundeston Magpies side - including four new signings - beat Caxton Reserves 8-1.

In Division Two, newly promoted Harleston Town Reserves found opening day opponents Crusaders a tough nut to crack as the visitors triumphed 2-0.

Tomorrow, champions Hearts of Oak open their campaign with a tough looking encounter against the newly merged Mutford & Wrentham side. Norton entertain the promoted Ole Frank, while Pot Black travel to a strengthened Oxford Arms side.

In division two, a strong-looking AFC Star side travel to Lowestoft International while two of the other promoted sides clash in a mouthwatering opening day encounter as Suffolk Punch host Great Yarmouth Town Hall.

Youth starlets of the future are likely to be blooded into senior football in Division Three.

The league will also be represented in this year's Suffolk FA county cup competitions, with the following draws having recently been made:

Suffolk FA Junior Cup first round (to be played October 17): Blundeston Magpies v Hearts of Oak, Beccles Caxton v Spexhall, Ole Frank v Halesworth Town, Corton White Horse Seltic v Mutford & Wrentham, Pot Black v Oxford Arms, Barsham v Kirkley & Pakefield A, Waveney v AFC Star.

Suffolk FA Primary Cup first round (to be played September 26): Crusaders v Norman Warrior, Westhall v Suffolk Punch, Corton A v Factory Arms, Carlton Rangers v Halesworth Town Reserves Lowestoft International v Corton White Horse Seltic Reserves, Waveney Gunners v Spexhall Reserves.


Beccles Caxton Reserves 1, Blundeston 8

WITH four new players strengthening the Magpies squad and the return of keeper McNamara from a broken collarbone things were looking good for Magpies.

And they took Caxton by storm finding themselves 4-0 up within the first 16 minutes, through braces from James Cossey and Crowe.

Caxton pulled a goal back, but in the second half Magpies tightened up and Harrison got the goal he deserved.

New boy Lilly then opened his account, while Martin netted from the penalty spot and assistant reserve manager Tarrant completed the scoring.

Caxton made McNamara make a truly fantastic save in the dying moments.

But the four new boys showed what good signings they are going to be during the season.