BUNGAY Town Ladies began the build-up to the forthcoming season with a friendly against a strong Swanton Herons team.The result was a narrow 3-2 defeat but, more importantly, it demonstrated the talent of Bungay's up and coming team.

BUNGAY Town Ladies began the build-up to the forthcoming season with a friendly against a strong Swanton Herons team.

The result was a narrow 3-2 defeat but, more importantly, it demonstrated the talent of Bungay's up and coming team.

For the ladies were joined for the first time in a competitive game by some of this year's U17 team who, once early nerves were settled, showed that they will be a very useful addition to next season's squad.

The opening period of the first half was relatively uneventful with the midfields and defences dominating with Lauren Mickleburgh covering any gaps that developed, however when a right-wing cross was not cut out a Swanton forward was left with an easy task to turn the ball home.

To their credit, Bungay came back and soon levelled when Leo Dalby let fly from fully 30 yards to beat the keeper into the top corner.

In the second half things were again relatively even and the younger side of Bungay's team sometimes showing how things should be done with Bob working hard up front and Rachel and Alice showing up well on the right-hand side and Sophie looked a very bright prospect, despite playing out of position on the left.

As the half progressed the stronger Swanton team began to create a few more chances but Gemma Holiday, in goal, was showing good handling and pulled off two excellent saves to keep the scores level.

But from a left-wing corner Bungay failed to clear and a Swanton player was able to shoot home off the far post.

Bungay did push forward again with Holly going close, and from a well-built move Rachel Oakley put Lucy O'Hara through to calmly beat the advancing keeper, but almost straight away Swanton scored the winner with an almost identical goal - again from a corner not cleared.

So a good workout for both teams and things look bright for the future of Bungay Ladies but they still need to fill a few places - notably up front where a new striker would undoubtedly benefit from the strong midfield.

Contact David 01502 716066 or Graham 01508 522740.

Training continues on Thursdays at 7pm and the next friendly is on Wednesday against Freethorpe at home, 7:30pm.