WITH last week's top-of-the-table clash with Dereham Colts I postponed due to the snow, Beccles Ladies, currently second in Division One of the Martin and Acock League, had to play Watton III who are lying right below them with just one point fewer.

WITH last week's top-of-the-table clash with Dereham Colts I postponed due to the snow, Beccles Ladies, currently second in Division One of the Martin and Acock League, had to play Watton III who are lying right below them with just one point fewer.

Amy Thornton, who had turned up as reserve having not played for more than two years, found herself thrown into the deep end when a Beccles player failed to show.

Unperturbed, she threw herself into the game, and having a full squad made a big difference against a skilful Watton side.

Within the first five minutes, and slightly against the run of play, Beccles went ahead.

Annette Freeman powered a free hit towards the goal just outside the D and Debbie Mann got her stick to it, sending the ball in a slightly different direction past the advancing keeper. It hit a defender's stick on the way into the goal.

Going 1-0 early on gave Beccles more confidence, and the rest of the game was evenly matched with both teams creating scoring chances.

Watton were well organised and always seemed to have a spare player but Beccles worked very hard and closed them down well at every opportunity.

Heather Brand, switching to sweeper for this game, broke down many attacks with her well-timed tackles and distribution of the ball.

She was ably supported by Brenda Thompson and Maxine Gibbs who also put in good performances.

The overall performance was much improved compared to the previous two matches, and Beccles will be hoping for another three points when they play North Walsham II away at Cromer tomorrow.