BECCLES Ladies, fourth in Division One of the Martin & Acock Norfolk League, hosted a UEA side one from bottom, who had three players returning from long-term injury.

BECCLES Ladies, fourth in Division One of the Martin & Acock Norfolk League, hosted a UEA side one from bottom, who had three players returning from long-term injury.

Beccles, on the other hand, were without three of their regular players, but the recent addition of Grace Ashford to the squad has been an immense benefit to the team.

The visitors immediately took control and pressurised the Beccles defence for the first 10 minutes, defying their league position.

In midfield, Ali Foreman, Carol Maycock and Elane Gardner played with their usual strength, determination and positive attitudes.

This paid off, albeit against the run of play, when a cross from the right from Carol Maycock found Elane Gardner, who swept the ball across the face of the goal and into the back of the net to give Beccles the lead after 25 minutes.

Both teams created scoring chances and the Beccles keeper saw plenty of action, but despite making several saves, she could not stop UEA equalising with a minute to go to half-time.

A misunderstanding in defence and a rare mistake from the Beccles keeper three minutes into the second half gave UEA the lead.

However, within two minutes Beccles had equalised through Carol Maycock.

Lorraine Calver intercepted the ball in her own half and put through a long, accurate pass to Elane Gardner who crossed for Carol to hammer home.

This was a hard-fought game and despite both teams continuing to put pressure on each other, the sides sharing the points with a final score of 2-2.

This week Beccles play the Division One winners, Loddon, at 12.15pm