Loddon United 0, Acle United 2LODDON started their season with a lacklustre performance against a bright Acle and were saved an embarrassing scoreline by some fine saves from Collins.

Loddon United 0, Acle United 2

LODDON started their season with a lacklustre performance against a bright Acle and were saved an embarrassing scoreline by some fine saves from Collins.

A couple of early breaks by Acle ended with wayward efforts, but Loddon went closest after seven minutes when a Dan Andersen's cross just evaded Ayton. And from a corner, Hancock rose well at the far post and headed back for Marjoribanks, who was off-balance and off-target.

Acle were allowed a free header from a corner and another stray long shot before Summons headed on a Loddon free-kick and Hancock failed to capitalise from close in. A neat Acle lay off, step over and then thunderous drive from outside the box hit the bar. This spell of visitor pressure continued and finally produced a goal, headed in from a corner.

Loddon were struggling to get the ball from their stronger and quicker opponents. When they had it they could not hang onto it. Acle knocked it forward as Loddon's defence slept and Collins pulled out a great save. Finally Loddon put together a decent move via Sadler, Hancock and Marjoribanks, but Dan Andersen's cross could only win a corner.

A Baylis error gave Acle another shooting chance, but he tried to make amends from 30 yards with a speculative effort which failed to bother the Acle keeper.

An early error in Loddon's defence second half allowed Acle a chance from 25 yards, and they extended their lead with a shot over Collins.

Acle continued to dominate and Collins was the saviour again tipping a shot onto the bar. Sayer was beaten for pace and Collins this time saved with his feet from the lively Acle No 10.

On the hour, Squires was replaced by Greenhalf, and a few minutes later Brown replaced Ayton.

A needless offside was conceded when Loddon were slow in getting back, and the stylish Acle centre half quickly hit the free-kick a full 60 yards to the far corner where it was instantly controlled and supported - epitomising the difference in attitude and quality of the teams.

Baylis headed on a Robin Andersen throw to Summons but he sliced his effort wide. Acle breached the back line again, and yet again Collins stretched to save and Baylis cleared.

Loddon thought they had a lifeline as Sadler picked up a loose Acle pass, crossed for Robin Andersen who controlled and scored only to see the flag raised. Marjoribanks received the ball via a deflection but lacked composure to test the keeper just before Matt Ayre replaced him. Sadler had a half-chance but Loddon were unable to find their touch before the final whistle.

Musker McIntyre man of the match goes to Robbie Collins for keeping the score respectable.

Loddon: Collins; Hancock, Baylis, Sayer, Andersen R; Andersen D, Summons G, Squires, Sadler; Marjoribanks, Ayton. Subs: Brown, Greenhalf, Ayre M.