Spixworth suffered their first home defeat of the season on Saturday losing 3-1 to Watton United. Defeat was a huge disappointment for Spixworth. Early season form has been encouraging and against a team which had conceded nine goals in its previous two league games, the encouraging form should have continued.

Spixworth suffered their first home defeat of the season on Saturday losing 3-1 to Watton United.

Defeat was a huge disappointment for Spixworth. Early season form has been encouraging and against a team which had conceded nine goals in its previous two league games, the encouraging form should have continued.

Ben Gowing's unavailability ensured a defensive reshuffle, Luke Humphrey moving into the centre with Tom Hislop at left-back. The latter would have a torrid afternoon, being substituted two minutes before the break.

Spixworth opened in confident mood; Lee Askew, Ramsay Gashut and Dan Allen all going close in the opening 10 minutes.

Lee Cosgrove should have opened the scoring shortly after this early flurry, but directed a free header over the bar.

Spixworth continued to test Watton's defence for long periods but unfortunately lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. Lee Askew and Lee Cosgrove both saw shots cleared off the line but the overworked Watton defence held firm. Encouraged by the home sides failure in front of goal, Watton came into the game more as half time approached. They should have taken the lead two minutes before the interval when presented with a great chance but fortunately for Spixworth a free shot at goal was steered wide.

Within six minutes of the restart Spixworth had gifted Watton a two goal lead. Luke Humphrey conceded a penalty with a clumsy challenge (the spot kick being confidently despatched) and a dreadful howler from goalkeeper Ross Bilham gave Watton their second. Shocked by this turnaround Spixworth now struggled to gain any momentum as Watton confidently passed the ball about. Josh Barzey and Ryan Smith were introduced but the attacking prowess seen in the first half was now sadly missing. Fifteen minutes from time Mark Bloomfield reduced the arrears, steering in a shot from close range following a corner. Visibly lifted, Spixworth now poured forward. Josh Barzey powered a header against the crossbar, shortly after this the same player was upended by Wattons keeper as he burst into the penalty area. Spixworth players and supporters were convinced a penalty had been conceded. The referee however saw things differently, awarding a direct free kick a yard outside the area which was despatched narrowly over the bar.

Despite several minutes of stoppage time Spixworth failed to create any more opportunities to equalise. Indeed, with time running out Watton increased their lead and put the game out of Spixworth's reach.

Management duo Brown and Pitcher have a busy week ahead, a few players appeared out of sorts on Saturday and some did not display one hundred per cent commitment. Failure to convert any of the many chances created becomes a problem when, as on Saturday, we find ourselves trailing and having to chase a game.

On Saturday we are at home again when a large crowd is expected for the visit of Blofield United.

t John Keymer