A tough week for the First Team, having to replay Division Champions Great Yarmouth Town, the match, contentiously ordered to be replayed, the result of the League's decision following the 'Bloaters' having played an ineligible player in their earlier encounter. The Pedlars going one down in the eighteenth minute and Captain Kieran Bruce leading by example, levelling fifteen minutes into the second half with undoubtedly the best goal of the match, his shot from eighteen yards curling across the face of the goal and finding the left hand top corner. The restored balance not lasting long, two further Yarmouth goals in the sixty second and sixty sixth minute sealing the game. Following the final whistle, the Bloaters were presented with the Division One North trophy and mementos by Peter Hutchins, Chairman of the Thurlow Nunn League.
Saturday in their final game of the 2023/2024 season they collected three points away to Whitton United despite going one goal down in the twelth minute. The Pedlars equalised seven minutes later, Whitton going down to ten men for a hand ball in the area, Kieran Bruce converting the penalty. The initiative gained in the twenty sixth minute, Bruce playing Luke Clemenson through, he carried the ball to the right hand corner of the box and smashed it across the goal into the top left hand corner of the net. Bruce claimed his second in the sixty eighth minute, a free kick on the left hand touchline thirty yards out, the ball missed by every player, one bounce beating the keeper and nestling into the far top right hand corner. Due to other results, the Pedlars finishing in nineteenth position in the division, their fate for season 2024/2025 will lie with the Football Association and other possible contributing factors.
The Reserves concluded their season with a mid-week away game against Scole United Reserves. Scole eventually winning the game two one, Joey Ellis on target for the Pedlars, Swaffham finishing the season respectfully mid table.
The 'A' Team had mid-week league action on Wednesday at home to West Row Gunners, a good performance to claim the three points, goals from Harry Exley, Jack Cropley and Kevin Lopes securing the three one victory. On Saturday they bowed out of the Ben Smith Memorial Cup with a close semi-final match against Yaxham First Team who play two Divisions above the Pedlars. They managed to bring the game back to a five four finish, despite being five two down. On form for the Pedlars was Harry Exley with a brace, Lewis Garner with a single goal and an own goal scored by the opposition. Swaffham Town wish Yaxham all the very best for the final.
Back to League action this Wednesday, Rockland United Reserves make the trip to the 'Uncle Luke's Stadium' for a 7.30pm kick off. Next Saturday the Pedlars travel to Tacolneston Reserves. Both opposition sides nestling at the base of the Division table.