Wroxham Reserves 3, Beccles Town 2BECCLES travelled to Trafford Park knowing that nothing less than a victory would do, and even that probably wouldn't be enough to maintain a serious challenge for the Sterry Cup.

Wroxham Reserves 3, Beccles Town 2

BECCLES travelled to Trafford Park knowing that nothing less than a victory would do, and even that probably wouldn't be enough to maintain a serious challenge for the Sterry Cup.

The Wherrymen had to cope with several absentees. Wroxham, with one eye on the FA Vase, also fielded a somewhat inexperienced side.

Beccles started in full attack mode and easily dominated early proceedings. They could have been four goals to the good by half-time but Alan Remblance and Ant Martin missed several good chances.

Little was seen of the Wroxham attack and Beccles supporters clearly outnumbered the home ones.

The second half was brought to life when Lee Shaw fouled a Wroxham forward in the box, but Beccles keeper Danny Cable dived to his left to pull off yet another fine save. Beccles then took the lead when Alan Remblance regained his composure to volley home, following a headed clearance of a fine cross from Jason Clarke.

This lead was short lived as Wroxham equalised through Elliott Winter's volley.

Beccles then spurned their best opportunity when Ant Martin, unmarked and three yards out, shot wide of the open goal.

Wroxham put the Beccles defence under pressure until Elliott Winter added his second after a mazy run through a watching Beccles defence.

Elliott Winter completed his hat-rick to put the Yachtsmen 3-1 up, a scoreline that looked impossible after the first 30 minutes.

Lee Shaw then made amends for his earlier error by reducing the deficit but Wroxham saw out the remaining minutes.

So Beccles' Sterry Cup challenge which stalled at home to Blofield in midweek was completely de-railed by a side that they should have comprehensively beaten.

Beccles will finish in a creditable fifth, which will be their highest ever, and those faithful supporters are left to wonder “what if”?

However, the players will want to put on a better show when they entertain Hempnall tomorrow, ko 2.30pm, in their penultimate game.

Tomorrow the Reserves are at Foulsham, also with a 2.30pm kick-off and they continue their third division program when they entertain East Harling on Tuesday at College Meadow 6.30pm.