Acle United 3 Beccles Town 2 (after extra-time)

Beccles travelled to Anglian Combination Premier Division champions Acle United on Saturday for the Mummery Cup match that was postponed the previous week.

Rob Bishop made his first start for the first team this season after impressing in recent weeks for the Reserves and Under 18s. Beccles also brought John Remblance, James Bemment and Jon Lovelock back into the squad after being unavailable in previous weeks.

The first half was evenly contested, Acle having a lot of the possession with the Beccles defence under pressure. Bishop went close and nearly put Beccles ahead in the 20th minute but his shot flew narrowly wide. Beccles then took the lead in the 31st minute through Jason Clarke. James Bemment drove forwards towards goal with his effort being blocked, the ball fell to Clarke who nipped in and expertly finished. Bemment went close again with a long-range effort which went just over the bar before being substituted after injuring his knee in a challenge.

Shortly afterwards, Acle drew level, a ball driven across the six-yard box deflected in off of an Acle shin. Danny Cable went on to make a number of outstanding saves to prevent Acle taking the lead. On the stroke of half-time, Luke Pearce made an exceptional goal-saving challenge. As the ball came across, the Acle striker was poised and ready to finish but Pearce managed to slide in and with an outstretched leg, divert the ball from danger.

The second half was again tight, with both sides having chances to score, Clarke, Bishop and Bailey all going close for Beccles, while Pearce made an excellent clearance.

In extra-time Acle soon took the lead before Beccles made changes in midfield. The changes had the required effect with Beccles drawing level in the second period of extra-time. Bailey’s cross was met by Jason Clarke who rose to head home.

But with two minutes left to play, Acle drove forward again with pace and scored the winner. The ball was switched out to the right with the Acle winger avoiding the challenges of two Beccles defenders and able to play the ball into the striker to finish.

Despite the disappointing result, the team played exceptionally well and showed they can compete with one of the leading teams in the Premier Division and should use this to drive their promotion challenge.

Beccles will be looking to bounce back this week in their home match against Bradenham Wanderers (2.30pm).

Bungay Town were 5-4 winners over visiting Sheringham.