Notleys League Report 19th Feb

A SECOND successive full fixture list saw 18 league and two cup games being played in another eventful week in the Notley’s league.

And despite the conditions, it was certainly raining goals across Lowestoft and Waveney this week as 101 strikes hit the back of the net in the 20 fixtures.

Second division Great Yarmouth Town Hall took all the plaudits after reaching the semi final of the Norfolk Primary Cup after a fine 4-1 away win at Lynn Discovery.

Reigning double champions Hearts of Oak hit back from their league disappointment last week to smash 14 unanswered goals past shell-shocked second division side Corton A in the KO Cup second round.

In league action, the top two sides both won again to maintain in pole position in division one. Leaders Waveney Reserves strengthened their goal difference – which is still inferior to Norton – with a 4-1 away win at 11th placed Corton White Horse Seltic. Second placed Norton are still a point behind as they recovered from 2-0 down to narrowly beat third placed Oxford Arms 3-2 with goals from Dan Blewitt and a brace from Paul Harriman.

Spexhall moved up into fourth with a fine 5-2 away win at previous incumbents Barsham, who slip to fifth, while two goals from Michael Hodgson – including a last minute winner – were vital for Kirkley & Pakefield A in moving them up to sixth with a 2-1 home win over first from bottom Mutford & Wrentham.

Ole Frank remain in eighth place with a fine 4-1 home win over an off-colour Pot Black, Darren Boyd hitting the solitary goal for Danny McKinley’s ninth placed side who still have games in hand.

Blundeston Magpies returned to winning ways to put a halt to Beccles Caxton Reserves recent revival, as Ronnie Socratous’ side triumphed 7-0 to remain in tenth place, with Caxton still at the foot of the table.

In Division two, league leaders AFC Star moved five points ahead of second-placed Pakefield Re-United, as Neil Dale's men slipped to their first league defeat – and the league’s last remaining unbeaten record – of the season as they lost 3-1 away to third placed Suffolk Punch.

They still have two games in hand however on Star, who secured back-to-back 4-1 away wins, this time at tenth placed Norton Athletic Reserves.

Fourth placed Ellingham returned to winning ways with a narrow 3-2 away win at Bungay Town A, who slip again to 12th. Hopton moved up into sixth with a 5-0 home win over eighth placed Crusaders, while Tudor won for the second week running to move up to 11th with a 3-1 away win at ninth-placed Sole Bay United Reserves.

Bottom of the table Harleston Town Reserves are finally celebrating being on plus points, as they drew 2-2 away at 13th-placed Lowestoft International, who are still ten points ahead of them.

In Division three league leaders Waveney Gunners continued their impressive form with a 6-0 away win at 13th placed Factory Arms. With second placed Waveney A inactive, third placed Earsham and fourth placed Kirkley and Pakefield B failed to take advantage of their games in hand as Earsham were held to a 2-2 draw by improving Marquis of Lorne in 11th place, while K&P B slipped to a second successive defeat, this time 1-0 away at seventh placed Spexhall Reserves.

Fifth placed Corton White Horse Seltic Reserves closed the gap with a narrow 3-2 away win at bottom of the table Carlton Rangers, while sixth placed Norman Warrior surprisingly slipped to a 2-1 away defeat at 12th placed Westhall.

Ninth placed Mutford & Wrentham Reserves had a fine 4-1 home win over tenth placed Oxford Arms Reserves.