Kirkley & Pakefield will be aiming to carry on where they left off when the new Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division season gets under way at the weekend.

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft Town's Adam Smith jumping to head the ball. Background far left: Jacek Zielonka and Andrew Fisk. Picture: SHIRLEY D WHITLOWLowestoft Town's Adam Smith jumping to head the ball. Background far left: Jacek Zielonka and Andrew Fisk. Picture: SHIRLEY D WHITLOW (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

The Royals recovered from a poor start to the previous campaign, which saw them take just two points from their opening eight fixtures, to finish in a highly respectable 10th position.

The challenge now is to hit the ground running in 2018-19, starting tomorrow when they welcome Brantham Athletic to Walmer Road (3pm).

After a fifth-placed finish last season, Brantham should again bring a strong side and prove formidable opponents.

Next Tuesday evening sees the Royals travel to Wroxham for a 7.45pm kick-off in their second match of the season.

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft Town's Jacek Zielonka on the attack in the Kirkley & Pakefield v Lowestoft Town friendly. Picture: SHIRLEY D WHITLOWLowestoft Town's Jacek Zielonka on the attack in the Kirkley & Pakefield v Lowestoft Town friendly. Picture: SHIRLEY D WHITLOW (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

Last Saturday Kirkley continued their preparations for next season when they travelled to promoted Harleston Town and returned home with a 4-1 victory, with Liam Harvey-Cooper, Miguel Lopez, Jack Herbert and Macaulay Holt on the scoresheet.

On Tuesday evening they rounded off pre-season with a derby with Lowestoft Town in front of a crowd in excess of 200 who saw both teams start with strong line-ups.

There was some good football from both sides but it was Lowestoft who took the lead on 44 minutes with a well taken goal by Ben Fowkes.

The second half saw changes by both teams, with goalkeeper Adam Rix being the only player to play the full 90 minutes for the Royals.

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft Town's Andrew Fisk being challenged in the Kirkley & Pakefield v Lowestoft Town friendly. Picture: SHIRLEY D WHITLOWLowestoft Town's Andrew Fisk being challenged in the Kirkley & Pakefield v Lowestoft Town friendly. Picture: SHIRLEY D WHITLOW (Image: Shirley D Whitlow)

The visitors increased their lead midway through the half with a strike from substitute Armani Shaar which resulted in a final score of 2-0 in a very competitive match.

On Tuesday evening on the Team Lauren Lou 3G Arena another Kirkley & Pakefield XI took on Halesworth Town now managed by Carl Chenery, the former Royals' favourite.

It resulted in a 2-1 win for Halesworth, with Kaiden Goldspink scoring for the home team.

n Turn to Page 67 for the full Kirkley & Pakefield Thurlow Nunn Premier Division League fixtures for the forthcoming season.