Historic day for Beccles

ON Saturday, Beccles Town made history and secured a place in the final of the Suffolk Senior Cup for the first time since the club was formed in 1919.

They beat Leiston St Margatets 1-0.

The reward for this is a showpiece final at Portman Road (Ipswich Town FC) against Crane Sports (date to be confirmed).

Manager Broxup kept faith in the team that beat Corton 2-0 to reach the final of the league cup last week. Cable kept the number one jersey and was protected by the ever-present back four of Mcmorran, Wigg, Barham, and Greengrass. Day and Wilson made up the central midfield partnership with Woods and young Alex Holmes on either flank. Hurren kept his partnership with top-scorer Remblance up front. New signing Malik Knight had a place on the bench along with Waterman, Peters, Shrew and Alex Knights.

The Kirkley and Pakefield playing surface was in beautiful condition and in-front of an estimated 200 spectators, this game was set up to be an intense encounter with such a big prize at stake.

The game kicked off and started in a very tense fashion with both teams trying to grab the initiative against their unknown opponents. But it was Beccles who took the game to Leiston forcing them to defend, and earning two or three successive corners, which were defended well.

Both Hurren and Remblance had long range efforts saved as Beccles searched for the breakthrough. Holmes was again having a fine game and when Beccles managed to get him on the ball, he caused endless trouble with his pace and direct play.

It took a near half an hour for Leiston to get a foot hold in the game as they forced five corners in succession, but each time the Beccles rear guard coped well with the aerial threat they possessed.

There was not too much flowing football played in this half as it seemed to be a battle of two midfields, but it looked like Wilson and Day were just edging it against the three man midfield Leiston operated with. Half-time 0-0.

Both sides came out for the second half looking for someone or something to spark this game into life, as it was such a tense affair. Passing football was at a premium as the two teams huffed and puffed to somehow try and grab that illusive breakthrough.

Holmes again was the only player on the pitch that looked like doing this as he went on another one of his runs leaving the full back for dust before crossing to Hurren and Remblance in the box but Leiston defended well.

Beccles continued to press forcing more corners and free kicks in dangerous positions but Leiston continued to frustrate Town by defending stoutly. As Beccles attacked, they always had to be aware of the treat of the Leiston counter attack, but the whole back four were fully concentrated and committed to the defensive cause.

Beccles made a change, new signing Malik Knight replaced the tiring Woods joining Remblance in attack and Hurren slotted into a left midfield role.

Beccles carried on knocking on the door and on 70 minutes Beccles came within a hairs breath of taking the lead. Wilson won the ball in midfield before finding the feet of Remblance with his back to goal, he turned and beat two defenders before bending a curling shot with the outside of his boot which cannoned off the bottom of the post before rebounding to safety and Leiston breathed again.

After this Leiston had their only real chance of the game from a corner but the excellent Greengrass was on hand to clear off the line from a downwards header and Beccles re-grouped.

Remblance was not to be denied the headlines again as on 83 minutes he grabbed a fortuitist opener, which proved to be the winner. From a long goal kick by Cable, Knights flicked header rolled harmlessly through to the keeper.

But Remblance had other ideas, he chased the lost cause down putting the keeper under pressure before amazingly, his attempted clearance struck Remblance on the knee and trickled into the net.

The goal was met with a gigantic roar as the Beccles players and supporters alike celebrated like never before as everyone connected with the club could see a dream final ahead, as long as they could hold out for the final seven minutes.

Beccles had to defend strongly as the expected onslaught materialised, Beccles were looking to see out time at any opportunity causing the Leiston players frustration to be shown with some hefty challenges and yellow cards brandished.

But all 11 men battled hard and managed to see out the closing stages sparking scenes of jubilation as the final whistle was blown, along with the singing and champagne celebrations in the dressing room after the game.

Special praise has to be shown to the manager Broxup along with assistant Lees, coach Greengrass senior and the all players for the magnificent achievement of reaching both cup finals the club is involved in this season.

But the whole club must now forget about these finals and concentrate on the league, as with the fewest games played of all the teams, Beccles must now push on as a top five finish is not impossible.

Firstly Beccles have an extremely tough trip to Cromer Town, Tuesday night, kick-off 7.30pm.