Beccles Town 0, Norwich City XI 1Beccles came up just short in this pulsating encounter for the Jack Constance Cup. But they will take great heart from the manner of their performance.

Beccles Town 0, Norwich City XI 1

Beccles came up just short in this pulsating encounter for the Jack Constance Cup. But they will take great heart from the manner of their performance.

Manager Mick Broxup settled on his first full-strength line-up. Keeper Danny Cable was joined in defence by captain Sam Barham, and Lee Shaw, forming a resolute barrier in the centre, flanked by Neil McMorran and Chris Mayhew.

A new-look midfield featured new signings Matt Robbins and Paul Heaney, together with Kevin Waterman and the exciting Alex Holmes wide, with Ant Martin (being watched by Norwich City older brother, Chris), and tucked just behind, the fit-again leading scorer Alan Remblance.

Beccles tore at their illustrious opponents and could have been a goal to the good in the first 20 minutes. Alex Holmes curled his shot agonisingly wide of the far post. Alan Remblance's penalty kick struck the outside of the post. A neat free-kick routine saw Remblance bring out the best in the Norwich keeper.

A somewhat shell-shocked Norwich got the ball down at last and began to play. Beccles were indebted on three occasions to fantastic saves by Danny Cable.

Second half Ant Martin was causing mayhem in the Norwich defence with his aerial dominance and Heaney and Robbins both just failed to get on the end of good knock-downs.

Norwich took the lead with a crisp shot from just inside the area. Beccles re-introduced Remblance and paired him with Martin in an attempt to get the equaliser they deserved.

Beccles are in league action on Tuesday, August 25 against Loddon, ko 6.30pm. The following evening the reserves entertain Hempnall Res 6.30pm.