League Report 16th January

IT was back to action on football fields across Waveney at the weekend, as the majority of fixtures in the league and Suffolk and Norfolk cup competitions were played.

Just four games fell foul of the conditions once more, as incessant rain replaced the recent wintry thaw. And the goals certainly rained down this week, with 88 recorded in just 18 matches.

In the cup, Pakefield Re-United continued to shine in a stunning, unbeaten campaign as they reached the quarter finals of the Suffolk Primary Cup with a convincing 4-0 home win over Haughley United Reserves, with goals from Hone, Michaskli and a brace from man of the match John Attridge.

Victory means that Neil Dale’s side – who are second in division two, with ten wins and a draw from 11 league games this season – will now travel to play AFC Brickmakers away on January 30 in the last eight.

In the Norfolk equivalent, Gt Yarmouth Town Hall will have to replay their Primary Cup fourth round tie after drawing 1-1 with Norwich Medics (AET). Ellingham however bowed out, losing 5-2 at Thetford Rovers.

Hearts of Oak’s scheduled Suffolk County Junior Cup match away at Sudbury Athletic was called off, and it will now be played tomorrow.

In division one, Waveney Reserves maintained their position at the top with a convincing 4-0 home win over tenth placed Blundeston Magpies. Two goals from Scott Jermy, were added to by strikes from Ian Hunter and leading scorer Ray Winney.

Second placed Norton went one goal better in beating ninth placed Pot Black 5-0 with two goals for Paul Harriman, a penalty from Danny Hoadley and others from Richard Hudson and Steven Hak.

With third placed Barsham’s game called off, Oxford Arms took advantage to go level on points in fourth place, as they battled back from 2-0 down against bottom of the table Beccles Caxton Reserves and leave the basement side pointless after a narrow 4-3 victory.

Spexhall moved into fifth place with games in hand, after a close 3-2 away win at eighth placed Ole Frank. 11th placed Corton White Horse Seltic shared the points in a 1-1 draw with seventh placed Kirkley & Pakefield A.

In division two, leaders AFC Star took advantage of Pakefield Re-United’s cup clash, as they moved two points clear at the top with a 5-2 win over eighth-placed Corton A.

The highest-scoring game of the day saw an epic 12-goal thriller as fifth placed Suffolk Punch drew 6-6 with tenth placed Bungay Town A.

Sixth placed Hopton moved up[ the table with a 5-2 win over 12th placed Norton Athletic Reserves, whose goals were scored by Steve Rivett and Gary Crisp.

11th placed Lowestoft International drew 1-1 with 13th placed Tudor, while ninth placed Sole Bay United Reserves moved up the table with a solitary one goal win over basement side Harleston Town Reserves.

Two games were postponed in division three at Mutford & Wrentham Reserves and Spexhall Reserves, meaning the league leaders Waveney Gunners were redundant once more.

Third placed Earsham took advantage with a 2-1 win over second placed Waveney A, and K&P’s young B team moved into fourth with a 5-3 win over basement side Carlton Rangers.

Corton White Horse Seltic Reserves are fifth after a 3-0 away win at 11th placed Westhall. Eighth placed Blundeston Magpies Reserves narrowly beat 12th placed Marquis of Lorne 3-2, while Oxford Arms Reserves moved up to ninth following a 3-1 away win first from bottom Factory Arms.