Kirkley & Pakefield: 1 Alan Anderson, 2 Tarren Grint, 3 Matthew Brown, 4 Kieron Baldwin, 5 Chris Bond, 6 Scott Manning, 7 Kyle Baker, 8 Ross Catchpole, 9 Ant Martin, 10 Ross King, 11 Nathan Russell. SUBS: 12 Jack Herbert, 14 Gabriel Mansbridge, 15 Max Kirkby, 16 Cameron Brooks, 17 Jamie Godbold.

Ipswich Wanderers: 1, Kevin Bugg, 2 Dan Tredray, 3 Franco Mallardo, 4 Seth Dezgun, 5 Nick Albins, 6 Dan Pleasance, 7 Luke Read, 8 Rob Canfer, 9 Jack Severy, 10 Remi Garrett, 11 Zen Young. SUBS: 12 Ross Beech, 14 Craig Jennings, 15 Aiden Woods, 16 Ross Myhill, 17 John Bradbrook.

The Royals got off to a good start with a few chances on goal. Just a few minutes into the game, they were hit by a huge injury blow. Ross Catchpole was in tremendous pain when he went down after taking a free kick after a foul on Martin. He tried to carry on but was forced off after trying to continue. Ipswich Wanderers broke from the injury and Remi Garrett was there to slot the ball across the goalkeeper to put the home team in front. Max Kirkby was introduced to the game when we got back underway.

It took just 6 minutes for the Royals to equalise. Some fantastic football from Nathan Russell down the wing with a ball to Ross King to slot the ball home. Some brilliant attacking football from Tarren Grint to win a free kick on the edge of the area. The ball lifted over towards Ross King but the ball was taken off his head by the Wanderers goalkeeper.

Another injury blow for the Royals when Anthony Martin went in for a crunching challenge. They carried on for the remainder of the first half with 10 men as it was close to the break.

Cameron Brooks came on in place of Martin to begin the second half. Tarren Grint had an early shot across goal but put behind for a corner. The Royals were unlucky when a penalty was awarded to Ipswich. Dan Tredray stood up to take it and converted.

Jamie Godbold came on to make an impact on the game. The communication from Scott Manning throughout the game was second to none as he continued to show his passion for the sport. Kirkley & Pakefield were unfortunate when the referee pulled back a free kick for Ipswich Wanderers, a mix up in the box and John Bradbrook was there to slot the ball home from a few yards out.

After falling behind once again, the Royals never gave up. Passing and communication was exceptional throughout the game and they looked the stronger team throughout. The lads look to get back to winning ways at their home match this Saturday against Wivenhoe Town. 3pm kick off.

Amy Mitchell