Halesworth 1, Beccles Town 6BECCLES Town travelled to Halesworth for their opening friendly following some excellent training sessions, and fielded a mixed team of potential first team players and some established Reserve regulars.

Halesworth 1, Beccles Town 6

BECCLES Town travelled to Halesworth for their opening friendly following some excellent training sessions, and fielded a mixed team of potential first team players and some established Reserve regulars.

Indeed Beccles only started with three players who had taken the field for the Suffolk Senior Cup final at the end of last season. These were captain Sam Barham, player of the year Neil McMorran and regular goalkeeper Danny Cable.

At the final whistle Beccles had secured a fine 6-1 with goals from several directions. Perhaps more pleasing was the manner of the victory which bodes well for the battles ahead in the new Anglian Combination season.

Beccles paraded a new look midfield with Craig Paters joined by new signing Paul Heaney from Beccles Caxton and the returning Matt Robbins, resuming a Beccles career which was so successful some six or seven years ago. Wide on the right was youth prospect Danny Compton eager to stake a first-team place this season.

Up front, Anthony Martin played as the lone striker and his keen eye for goal was soon evident as he outpaced the home defence to open the scoring.

New boy Paul Heaney was showing his range of passing skills in midfield and following a right-wing run from Compton, Heaney was on hand to side foot home his first, and Beccles second goal.

Halesworth briefly appeared to be getting back into the game which changed again when Beccles smoothly went through the gears to score their third.

This time it was a fine ball out of defence from the reliable Chris Mayhew for Martin to add his second. This took all the steam out of Halesworth and opened up the game for Danny Compton to score his debut goal, a screamer from 30 yards before adding his second and Beccles fifth.

The game was finally wrapped up with the sixth goal, this one from the impressive Robbins as a reward for an impressive contribution and an instant understanding with the skilful Heaney.

Beccles introduced two further signings to the game in the second half, Mark Howard (from Caxton) and Tom Roberts (from Lowestoft) who came on a central defensive partnership.

The game ended with the vision of captain Sam Barham marauding down the left wing, which was where he started for Beccles A some ten years ago.

On the following Thursday a very much weakened team travelled to Long Stratton where they were beaten 1-0 in a very scrappy match dominated by a snappy Stratton midfield and defence on a very narrow pitch. Having said that Beccles had chances to win, but were unable to find the net, even from a penalty!

For the future it is hoped to arrange another friendly on Saturday which is to be confirmed. There will be a game on Tuesday, August 11 against Gorleston Reserves, 6.30pm kick off and the Reserves have a friendly against Norton Athletic on the following Saturday, August 18, kick off 2.30pm.

The Jack Constance Cup match against Norwich City Youth whch will be played on Monday, August 17, 6.30pm kick off and the first league game is away at Sprowston Athletic, kick off 6.30pm.