KIRKLEY & PAKEFIELD 2 WOODBRIDGE TOWN 3

For the visit of sixth placed Woodbridge Town to Walmer Road last Saturday Kirkley & Pakefield had to call in their young U23 goalkeeper Maxwell Wright plus Daniel Munro to replace the injured Alex Meeken.

The Woodpeckers attacked from the start and took an eighth minute lead when Mark Ray fired home a 25-yard free kick.

It was 0-2 on 15 minutes when Andrew Crowe doubled the advantage.

It remained 0-2 at the interval.

Munro and Kirkby combined well on the right after the break, before a fine centre by Watts saw George Barber on hand to reduce the arrears on 55 minutes.

With 10 minutes to go Joel Watts' shot from the edge of the area gave the keeper no chance.

But the Royals were only on level terms for two minutes when Luke Mallett fired in from close range to seal the win.

On Saturday Kirkley & Pakefield FC's first team travel to third place Hadleigh United, 3pm ko.

Next Tuesday, February 21 The Royals entertain Bury Town from the Isthmian League North at Walmer Road in the Endeavour Automotive Suffolk County FA Premier Cup second round, 7.45pm.

Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves went down to an 18th minute goal at Holt last Saturday. This Saturday they host second placed Sprowston 2.30pm.

The Under 23s team moved up to fourth with a 1-0 win against Waveney FC AFC. On Saturday they host Crusaders FC on the Lauren Lou 3G Arena, 2pm.

The AFC Royals remain top of the Thurlow Nunn Under 18s midweek league after a 5-1 win against K&PFC U18s.

On Thursday, February 16 K&PFC U18  host Waveney with the AFC Royals away at Wroxham, 7.45pm.

Next Tuesday, February 21 K&PFC U18 are away at Bungay Town, with the AFC Royals at home next Thursday to Norwich United, both 7.45pm.