Bungay Town claim overdue win in Suffolk Senior Cup

The Black Dogs won a Suffolk Senior Cup game for the first time in exactly 18 years as a goal in each half gave them a 2-0 victory at Leiston.

The previous win came on October 16, 1999, when they won 5-0 at Long Melford 5-0, and though they have only been in the competition intermittently since, it’s good to put the record behind them.

The win was thoroughly deserved against opponents from the Ipswich & Suffolk League Premier Division, brought about by one of their best performances of the season so far.

It was based on a solid back three of Ryan Cook, Craig Hunting and Shaun Whiteman, with Tom Hunter having a particularly impressive game as left wing-back, and good movement of the ball between midfield and the strikers Sonny Artherton and Dom Mirner, who took their goals well.

John Riches tested the keeper with a free-kick as Bungay took the game to Leiston and their good approach work paid off in the 11th minute. Riches found Artherton with a searching cross and he held off a defender to finish powerfully.

Leiston came more into the game, and 16-year-old Bungay keeper Brandon Ling made a fine flying save to keeper out a well struck shot in the 23rd minute, before the home side glanced a header narrowly wide.

Black Dogs started the second half as they had the first and in the 56th minute were awarded a penalty when Mirner went down in the box, but after being persuaded to consult a linesman the referee changed his mind. But with six minutes left Bungay got the clincher their performance deserved with a textbook goal. Josh Knights’ corner to the far post was headed back into the danger area by Kevin Riches, back with the club and on as a substitute, and Mirner put a firm header into the roof of the net from six yards.

Tomorrow Bungay visit Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves for a league game.