Loddon manager Rob Kelly had the daunting task of travelling to Anglian Combination League Division One table-toppers Bradenham Wanderers with a bare 11, but can be proud of the team’s efforts despite a 4-2 defeat.

On 15 minutes Wanderers played a neat triangle to set up their number nine for a tidy volley and finish.

Loddon had a let off when Hancock tried to chest back to his keeper, the home forward read it and Avery just scrambled the ball away.

Alan Dunning grew in stature as the game progressed and won the majority of his battles. Evans had a good run but was baulked as he got into the box. Weston then set him off again but there was no finish.

Bradenham extended their lead straight after the break. A low cross from the left beat everyone and an easy finish made it 2-0.

Loddon worked hard and a positive run between attackers a opened up space. Weston chased and with the defender happy to let the ball go for a goal kick he brilliantly stretched around the defender to cross to Evans who had a tap in.

With 10 minutes to go and Loddon still hopeful of getting something out of the game despite virtually being down to 10 men, Bradenham brought on fresh legs and the unmarked sub fired home with his first touch to make it 3-1.

Loddon pressed again. Dunning battled, Evans won possession and Parkin fired in a low ball which just evaded the limping Jermy. Hancock then fired in a cross, Ayre challenged, and the keeper’s punch found Evans who picked out the top corner for 3-2.

With a couple of minutes left and still pressing, a stretching Hancock sliced his clearance and Wanderers latched on and finished off a slightly flattering fourth.

At the death, Evans chased back 60 yards to stop a break, and put in a superb tackle to epitomise Loddon’s second half efforts.

Weston did well on the right, but Dunning for a great innings in the middle of the park, and Reece Evans with two strikes, and that last-minute tackle, share the Musker McIntyre man of the match award.

Loddon: Avery, Hancock, Henery, Baylis, Jermy, Weston, Parkin, Dunning, Summons, Evans, Ayre. Sub: Kelly.