Whitton scrape win

Swaffham Town 1 Whitton United 2

Swaffham deserved a point from the tie against third place Whitton United, but were denied by a thunderous strike by visitor's number 8, Kevin Inglis. Alex Vincent and Richard Cornwall returning from injury, starting on the bench, but Dean Mayes unavailable through illness, Paul Hunt once again unable to field a first choice side to start a fixture. Unlucky not to go one up in the third minute, Joe Jackson hitting the post, the Pedlars came under increasing pressure after the 'Greens' wake up call. Good work by Lee Woolmore to clear convincingly and fine keeping by Jon Cockerill to beat away a free kick for a corner kept the visitors at bay. Centre forward Toby Hilliard demonstrated how well he has made the transition to adult football, not deterred or concerned about his senior opposition. Jake Platten back to his usual left side forward position posed difficulty for the Whitton defence, combining with Jack Redhead and Jackson. A single effort on the half hour from 35 yards brought the best out of the Whitton keeper, Platten still to open his goal scoring account this season. Will O'Brien latched onto a Matthew Parkinson free kick with 34 minutes gone, his volley narrowly passing the post. A late break saw David Weaver-Pope take on two, finally stopped by the right back but leading to a corner. Redhead's floated cross plucked from the sky by the Whitton keeper.

The opener came five minutes into the second half, the Green's number 4, volleying from the edge of the box, top left hand corner, leaving Cockerill no chance. Swaffham applied pressure and had the best of the play but unable to convert attempts, which has plagued them all season, a lack of self belief and confidence. Vincent replaced Hilliard and made his presence known with immediate effect, troubling the Whitton defence. He finally levelled the score in the 76th minute, picking the ball up from a great goal kick from Cockerill, bursting through the back four to score. The point seemed safe but four minutes later, Inglis let loose from 25 yards, the strike beyond the reach of Cockerill. A determined last ten minutes, but the second equaliser did not materialise, the visitors closing ranks and firmly shutting down any hope.

Monday the Pedlars contest for league position, when they are away to Fakenham Town looking to build on their victory Boxing Day home win. Next Staurday they are at home to Ipswich Wanderers, kick off 3pm.

Good results for the other Pedlar's teams, the Reserves winning 6-1 away to Blofield United Reserves, goals by Jamie Buhlemann (2), Dean Miller (2), Stephen Aspery and Blake Stangroome, the 'A' Team in Group A of the Fen Regis Invitation Cup, beating Walsingham United 2-0 Friday evening, Ryan Skeet bagging both, .

The Reserves play next Friday night, Costessy Sports the visitors to Shoemakers Lane, 7.30 Kick off. Saturday the 'A' Team are away to North Elmham in the Ambulance Cup, this semi-final will kick off at 4pm.