A talented walking football side made it four years in a row as they once again triumphed in the county cup.

Beccles Town came out on top in the Suffolk FA Walking Football Cup on Saturday, which saw even teams vying for the title at Goals in Ipswich on Saturday, June 1.

With his side having topped the table in the round-robin format, player-coach Dean Bowen said the competition was getting tougher every year.

"When we won it three years ago we entered two teams and they both got to the final, but the standard now is far higher," said Mr Bowen. "We had six games and four were difficult, so it's pleasing to win again.

"We never take anything for granted. We know we are good footballers and always think we will be in the frame, but there is no arrogance at all - we are level-headed lads.

"It was a long day playing in the sunshine, but because we are quite experienced now we know we need to protect our fitness for the duration of the tournament."

Beccles finished on 16 points following five wins and a draw against Cornard, with Kesgrave just a point behind on 15 after losing only to Beccles. Cornard, the only opponent against whom Beccles dropped points, ended with 11 points to take third spot.

The Beccles Town team - without their two former Ipswich Town players Trevor Whymark and Laurie Sivell - comprised of goalkeeper Jonathan Blankley, Dean Bowen, Dave Cullen, Peter Doubleday, Ian Holmes, Peter Milton and Gary Swift.

Darren Scoulding, who is senior football development officer with Suffolk FA and organised the tournament, said it was pleasing to see walking football thriving in the county.

"It is great to see the ongoing commitment of the players and teams and the level of skill goes up every year.

"Although Beccles Town have won the cup for the fourth time, they have been pushed all the way to the end. They remain the benchmark, but other teams are catching them up."

The competition was sponsored by Replay Maintenance.