Kirkley & Pakefield displayed the desire, the midfield commitment and the resilience in defence to thoroughly deserve all three points from their New Year's Day Premier Division derby.
Wroxham 0, Kirkley & P 2
Kirkley & Pakefield displayed the desire, the midfield commitment and the resilience in defence to thoroughly deserve all three points from their New Year's Day Premier Division derby.
The result left Wroxham facing a grim second half of the campaign, for it is now difficult to see how they can stage a recovery to retain their Ridgeons League title.
The visitors produced the first dangerous move, ending with Blyth delivering a bewildering banana shot that curved in to strike the top right-hand angle of the goal.
From then on, it was Kirkley in control, winning the midfield battle and first to the ball to thwart the Yachtsmen's over-elaborate passing game.
The visitors went in front in the 35th minute when they were gifted the ball in midfield and from the resulting corner, Ryan Decouteau blasted home through a ruck of players. Three minutes after the break, this game had got away from the reigning champions when they conceded a second goal.
They were arguing amongst themselves when Nathan Stone was left unmarked and he drew Woodcock from his line to score low and hard to the keeper's right.
After that, the visitors simply adopted a policy of holding what they had - and Wroxham could find no way through.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here