Beccles Town travelled to Lowestoft for a league match against Waveney and came away with an excellent 1-0 win.

The Wherrymen started well and were immediately in action with a thrusting run down the left by Luke Bailey who hit a fierce shot high and wide.

Seconds later Bailey collected a pass virtually on the halfway line and spotting the home keeper well off his line blasted a left footer high, clearing the keeper and bouncing into the net to give Beccles the lead.

Three minutes later, taking advantage of Waveney’s shock, Bailey fed Bishop and his cross found Brown whose first time shot was blocked. The next 20 minutes became a constant battle for Beccles as Waveney launched attack after attack but the defence were strong and resilient.

On 35 minutes Bishop battled well through two defenders and managed a good strike which whistled just wide. Then Beccles were awarded a free-kick 30 yards out on the right and a well-placed cross was flicked just wide from the head of Brighton. After a couple more attacks from Waveney, well defended by Shaw, Boyd and Cable the referee signalled the end of the half.

The second half started with Waveney surging forward with attacks down both wings, one of which was broken up by a great save from Cable.

On 56 minutes another surging run and cross from Bailey fell to Bishop but the ball was stolen off his toes just as he was setting up for a shot. On 69 minutes another long ball needed a quality save from Cable to smother the shot and he caught a flying boot, needing attention from the Beccles physio.

Another swift break from Waveney almost got through but was intercepted by a strong tackle by Newman. That was the final opportunity for the hosts and Beccles went home with the full three points from a very spirited effort from all involved.

Beccles Town (4-3-3): Cable, Newman, Boyd, Shaw, Squires, Hunt, Brown, Udell, Bishop, Brighton, Bailey. Subs: Booker, Bee, Ellis.

Meanwhile, the Reserves travelled to Wymondham Town for a league match against their reserve side and came away with all the points from a 4-0 win with two goals each from: Keiron Bale and Kyle Godbold.

Tomorrow the first team are off travelling again, this time to Long Stratton for a clash with one of the league contenders (2.30pm) while the Reserves have no game.

Bungay Town had a free weekend but it was a good one for them, with leaders Yelverton suffering a surprise defeat. The Black Dogs remain just two points off top spot, having now played the same number of games as the front-runners, ahead of tomorrow’s home game against second from bottom Reepham Town (2.30pm).

In Division Three promotion-chasing Beccles Caxton return to action after a blank Saturday with a home game against Hempnall (2.30pm).