Kirkley & Pakefield's had the worst possible dress rehearsal for this weekend's Ridgeons League kick-off at Newmarket when they were thrashed 7-1 at Needham Market on Saturday.

Kirkley & Pakefield's had the worst possible dress rehearsal for this weekend's Ridgeons League kick-off at Newmarket when they were thrashed 7-1 at Needham Market on Saturday.

The Royals were swept aside by last season's Premier Division champions - who have now moved up to the Ryman League.

They trailed 6-0 before teenager Tarren Grint pulled a goal back three minutes into the second half and their misery was compounded by the fact that two of the goals were credited to their own defender Ryan de Coteau.

Craig Parker led the way for the Suffolk side with a hat-trick after Nathan Stone had opened the scoring. James Evans was their other marksman.

t Wroxham were also on the end of a heavy defeat, in their case 5-1 at home to Hitchen Town.

The Yachtsmen were without several of their key starters including Scott Howie, Gary Gilmore and Josh Carus.

Tom Canafor, on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge, fired Hitchin in front after 20 minutes and the score was soon doubled by Bradley Harrison. Tom Pepper made it three before the interval, prompting Yachtsmen boss David Batch to deliver some stinging words on the pitch at the interval.

There should have been an instant response as French recruit Claudio Langlois had the perfect chance to pull one back immediately after the restart. But after trying to round the keeper he shot tamely high - and Hitchin broke immediately for Custofer to score their fourth goal.

Wroxham did pull one back when Damion Hilton headed across goal for Paul Cook to tap home. But Hitchin had the last word, claiming a late fifth

The Yachstmen have another friendly at home to Cromer tomorrow (7.45) before opening their Ridgeons League Premier Division season against Clacton at Trafford Park on Saturday.

t There was a much happier story for Gorleston, who won 4-2 at home to Woodbridge Town - Thomas Daniels (two), Scott Woodcock and Chris Sandford getting the goals.

The Greens have another friendly, at home to Corton tomorrow (7.45pm) before opening their Ridgeons League Division One campaign at Cornard on Saturday.

t Diss Town completed their pre-season warm up matches with a second successive 0-0 draw, this time at Felixstowe & Walton.

The first half was played in heavy rain with few chances created by either side. But the Tangerines had more openings in the second half than their young opponents, who will be playing one league higher when the season kicks off.

Jordan Rocastle's pace caused problems to the home defence. He set up Luke Catchpole for an on target effort before shooting just wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Diss had strong appeals for a penalty turned away when Rocastle went down when challenged by two defenders. The loose ball fell kindly for George Watts-Sturrock and he should have down better than shoot over from nine yards out.

t Dereham Town beat Soham Town Rangers 3-1 on Friday night.