No joy for ''Pedlars'' in Essex

Halstead Town 4 Swaffham Town 1

HALSTEAD TOWN:-1 Matt Walker,2 Adam Smith,3 Simon Newnes,4 Jack Smith,5 Nico Farthing,6 Lewis Cunliffe,7 Jordan Hutchings,8 Dan Sakal,9 Jon Root,10 Ryan Crush,11 James Raby,12 Reis Farley-Hearn,14 J Skipper,15 Ashley Drew, 16 Jordan Palmer,17 Chris Ryan.

SWAFFHAM TOWN:-1 Dean Mayes,2 Dwayne Hockton,3 Tom Grass,4 Lee Woolmore,5 Matt Parkinson,6 Nathan Cross,7 Will O'Brien,8 Scott Voutt,9 Richard Cornwell,10 Joe Jackson,11 Jake Platten,12 Daren Hockton,14 Shane Twaite-Smith,15 Stephen Asprey,16 Lewis Hemeter.

The ''Pedlars'' travelled to Essex for the return fixture against Halstead with the endeavour to balance the season's accounts. It wasn't to be, the home side starting strongly forcing an early clearance by Nathan Cross and moments later a fine save by keeper Dean Mayes. An opportunity in the 15th minute, Joe Jackson floating a free kick into the box, Wil O'Brien's attempt to bring the ball down, blocked and cleared. The Halstead opener came in the 25th minute a lob from way outside the box, fortunately dropping into the top left corner of the goal. A chance to even the score in the 39th minute, Jackson breaking free to the right his volley striking the side netting.

The home side put the game to bed early in the second half, an easy knock in for the number 11 at the far post from a free kick 25 yards out. The third coming in the 51st minute from a corner, the ball sweeping past all to be met by the number 4 to tap in. A glimmer of hope in the 68th minute, Jackson brought down in the box, picked himself up and sent the keeper the wrong way. Five minutes later, a controversial penalty at the other end, brilliantly saved by Mayes diving to his left, a strong arm forcing the shot wide. The final and best goal of the afternoon ten minutes from time, the Halstead centre forward with the perfect finish, no chance for Mayes.

Back in Norfolk, a good home win for the Reserves, beating previously on-form Martham 1 - 0, Ashley Choppen the scorer. The 'A' Team away to Thetford Rovers Reserves, claiming all three points, winning 3 - 2, a season opener for Ashley Rowland and a brace for Luke Askew.

This week the Under 18's travel to Newmarket Town on Thursday, 7.45pm kick off. Next Saturday, the First Team are without a fixture, an opportunity to re-group, the Reserves are at home to Sprowston Athletic Reserves, the 'A' Team travel just up the road to meet Sporle in the Ben Smith Memorial Trophy, third round. Both matches kick off ay 2pm.