Walsham Le Willows 2-4 Kirkley and Pakefield

Kirkley & Pakefield FC put in a splendid performance in their final match of the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division season last Saturday when visiting Walsham Le Willows FC and coming home victorious beating them 4-2 with leading striker Cameron Russell scoring all four goals, this win cements a high 5th place finish for the ‘Royals’. The ‘Royals’ gave a starting debut to 16 year old youth player Jake Spooner, they started very adventurous with debutant Spooner netting after just 2minutes but was ruled offside, the next minute saw Russell shoot wide from a Haylock long throw, then on 5minutes both Russell and Spooner were put through with Russell shot stopped by the keeper then fouling Russell for a penalty which Cameron Russell converted sending the keeper the wrong way for the opening goal to the ‘Royals’. On 10 minutes another log throw by Haylock saw Hammond header narrowly wide, Lopez started a good move that saw Spooner first attempt block by the keeper Steve Fenner before his second effort saw him scooping over the bar. Haylock produced more good work to Spooner before Herbert headed wide. Finally in the 20th minute the home team made an attacking move with a high ball in the strong wind being well punched clear by keeper Adam Rix, following this Rix made another fine save. In the 22nd minute Haylock was fouled in the area Russell again step up and converted well in the same place to put the ‘Royals’ 2-0 up. Shortly afterwards Walsham had a good centre kicked off the line, then in the 38th minute pulled a goal back after a cracking 25 yard shot by George Bugg smacked into the back of the net. Captain Jack Herbert had to receive lengthy treatment after the ball struck him in the face, on the restart Rix had to make a goal-line save pushing the ball over.

The players returned for the second half with young Jack Hutchinson replacing Jack Herbert at centre back with the player suffering from concussion after his first half incident. Not long after the restart ‘Royals’ keeper Adam Rix was clattered by the home centre forward Jack Brame and too had to receive lengthy treatment on the pitch before bravely carrying on. On the hour mark Bell brought down tricky winger Bugg on the edge of the area a well worked free-kick by Brame saw Sam Peters score to level the scores, in the 65th minute a Haylock shot was finger tipped over by the keeper. The home team then had two attempts with Ryan Gibbs shooting wide from 20 yards then a good shot by Brame was well defended by Lewis Flower, Haverson then went close at the other end, a great Lopez ball to Haylock then to Russell saw him sweetly complete his hat-trick with a well hit ball past the keeper put the ‘Royals’ back in front. The ‘Royals’ upped the anti with Russell, Haverson and Spooner all having good attempts on goal. Keeper Rix then made a superb save down by the post to prevent Walsham levelling the scores, in the 89th minute a well worked throw by Soares saw Lopez again involved in good play with Haylock and a ball to Russell for him to slam in his and the ‘Royals’ fourth and his 20th goal of the season. We then had time to see the ‘Royals’ in a four man break against a solo defender who somehow diverted the final ball, this ended play for the season in an excellent match with both teams putting in good performances.

Kirkley & Pakefield FC team: A.Rix, C.Bell, G.Soares, L.Hammond, J.Herbert capt (J.Hutchinson 46mins), L.Flower, K.Haylock, M.Lopez, C.Russell, J.Spooner, J.Hutchinson. Unused Subs; K.Collyer, M.Wall.

The K&PFC Reserves finished their season off in disappointing style with a 2-0 defeat at home to second bottom and relegated Reepham Town, the ‘Reserves’ finishing in a comfortable 11th place and another season in Anglian Combination Division 1.
A reminder that the K&PFC Presentation ‘Player of the Year’ Awards Night is this Friday evening (3rd May) at the Ivy Country House Hotel 7.30. The club’s ‘Sportsmans Night’ being held at the same venue on Friday 31st May 7.00 for 7.30. With Dean Saunders guest speaker and John Stiles Comedian and MC.
THE ROYALIST COLIN SMITH