Walmer Road last Saturday saw another defeat for Kirkley & Pakefield FC 1st team losing 3-1 to Soham Town Rangers. The ‘Royals’ without captain Ben George serving the first of a four-match ban after his appeal for a red card was turned down, gave a start to the promising young Bailey Phipps, Kieran Wing, and Ryan Howes also starting. It was Soham that had the early attack and on 7minutes after an initial save from Alex Blowers a follow-up shot from Sam Mulready put Soham one up, just two minutes late the same player fired in a cracking shot from the edge of the area to put his team into a 2-0 lead. On 38 minutes after Bailey Phipps was brought down a Jack Hutchinson free-kick saw Harry Creamer score for the ‘Royals’ but in the 40th minute, Soham captain Ryan Sharman made it 3-1. The second half saw a very spirited home team performance but they could not beat away keeper Finley Iron who held firm to give Soham the three points in the 3-1 win.

K&PFC Reserves showed resilience despite a 1-0 loss to Bradenham & Mattishall FC, with goalkeeper Maxwell Wright sustaining an injury. This Saturday, they return to Walmer Road for their final home match against Thetford Rovers. Meanwhile, the U23s faced a tough challenge against Southwold Town, losing 4-1, with Zak Gibbs scoring the only goal. They aim for redemption against Bungay Town U23s this Saturday at the 3G Arena.

In other news, AFC Royals U18s had an intense encounter with league leaders Wroxham, leading until the 87th minute when a player injury forced the match to be abandoned. Fortunately, scans revealed no serious injuries to Samuel Boore. All at the club wish him a speedy recovery. AFC face Diss Town at home on Thursday, while K&PFC U18s take on Bungay Town at Walmer Road on Thursday 28th March.