Beccles Caxton Reserves 2, Reepham Town 3 New signing Kevin White hit a wonder 30-yard strike to give Reepham all three points at Beccles on Saturday.

Beccles Caxton Reserves 2, Reepham Town 3

New signing Kevin White hit a wonder 30-yard strike to give Reepham all three points at Beccles on Saturday.

Reepham went to league leaders Beccles Caxton with the knowledge that they had beaten their opponents previously this season, but with four of the first team squad missing they knew this was not to be an easy match.

A gritty affair with some frayed tempers, two competitive teams battled for supremacy. The break came when Shaun Belton sliced through the Beccles defence and hit the post and poacher Leon Huckle snapped up the chance.

The lead only lasted 15 minutes, as on the half hour a spot of confusion in the Reepham ranks following a throw in, led to a scramble in the Reepham penalty area and a spot kick was awarded. Adam White made no mistake and gave keeper Martin Failes, who had seen minimal action before this moment, no chance.

In the second half the game carried on in a similar combustible vein.

On 55 minutes Gerald Martin picked up the ball 15 yards in his own half and moved forward. Getting their Christmas presents delivered early, the Reepham players allowed Martin to run 40 yards with the ball and he then hit an outstanding strike into the top right corner to give Beccles the lead.

In the past Reepham teams may have felt sorry for themselves when going behind, but not this group of players. The red tide was continuous as the visitors pressed for the equaliser.

Beccles centre backs Mark Howard and Kevin Riches were determined and resolute, but they could not resist for ever and on 67 minutes James Brownley, who was making his debut after being drafted in from the reserves, fed in Kevin Winkworth who got past his marker, cut in and squared it to White who was in the right place to notch.

Then came the winner, and what a winner. On 75 minutes former Fakenham and Swaffham player White turned with the ball, spotted keeper Ed Wiskin off his line and drove the ball into the net.

Reepham chairman Marcus Wilkinson said afterwards: “After an inconsistent start to the season, where we lost games we should have won, we are showing more steel, more character.

“We fought for each other today and demonstrated quality and skill to beat a good Beccles team”.

On Saturday The Robins are away to Swaffham in the Cup, 1.30 kick-off.