Swaffham Town lost out 3-1 to Thetford in their bank holiday derby on Monday

Halstead Town 1, Swaffham Town 0

Swaffham should have come away with at least one point in this penultimate Ridgeons league fixture.

The heat of the day making travelling the fifty six miles uncomfortable and the competition on the field strength and stamina draining.

Early pressure by the home side bringing Dean Mayes into action in the second minute, his save knocked to safety for a corner.

Quickly taken, the cross met deep in the box, the connection hit high over the bar.

The Pedlars countered, winning a throw in taken by Matthew Parkinson, headed on by Richard Cornwall and hooked over the bar by Nathan Cross.

The 24th minute saw good inter-play between Parkinson and Jack Redhead, setting Joe Jackson to volley over.

The favour was returned, which left Redhead an opportunity from 25 yards, brushing the top of the bar.

Close to half time, Mayes was required to save again, diving low to his near post, pushing the ball for a corner. The corner lofted deep to the back post, Mayes impeded and awarded a free kick.

Swaffham started the second half strong, Will O’Brien having an early effort pushed wide by the Halstead keeper. The midfield consisting of Redhead, Cornwall and Scott Voutt working hard to provide chances for Cross and Jackson, the Halstead keeper doing enough to keep the ball from going in the net.

The damage was done in the 83rd minute and summing up the luck that the Pedlars have had this season.

Mayes gathered in his six-yard box and in an effort to make a quick break, volleied to clear, the kick striking a Swaffham player on the back, the rebound falling sweetly to the Halstead number 4 to slot home!

The Reserves play at home Tuesday evening and Saturday, hosting Freethorpe and North Walsham Town Reserves respectively, kick offs 7.45pm and 2.30pm.

The ‘A’ Team travel to Bridgham United next Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Swaffham Town Veterans are at home for their last game of their season, Sunday 1 May kick off 2.30pm.

The Hospital Cup competition continues and Thursday evening saw Castle Acre play Great Massingham. A well-contested match, Massingham taking the lead in the first half and looking by far the stronger side. Castle Acre rallied at half time and left it late into the half to equalise, forcing extra time. Castle Acre finally put the match to bed scoring their second early on into the last period of extra time.

For your diaries, the next quarter-finals will be played, Wednesday 27 April Swaffham Town ‘A’ v. Marham Wanderers and Thursday 28 April, Narborough v. Stoke Ferry. Following this game, the draw for the semi-finals will be made, to be played Thursday 5 May and Tuesday 10 May. All kick off at 7.30pm.

Admission will be free and there will be a bucket collection during the match. All contributions to Swaffham Community Hospital, please come and support this worthy cause.

It is planned to hold the final on Cup Final day, May 14 but this will be subject to the completion of the League competitions, which were affected by the winter weather.