KIRKLEY & PAKEFIELD 3 LONG MELFORD 1

Kirkley & Pakefield FC player manager Jack Herbert made four changes from the previous week, bringing in new signing from Norwich United Joel Watts, together with Kaiden Goldspink, Max Kirkby and Keenan Hutchings.

The changes brought about the desired effect with a much improved performance from the Royals in a fine 3-1 win against a team they had lost to 4-1 earlier in the season.

After Goldspink hit the post in the sixth minute, a fine swerving shot from 35-yards by Miguel Lopez gave the Royals the lead on 31 minutes.

George Barber doubled the lead four minutes later with a fine shot from over 20 yards out.

Long Melford reduced the arrears on 50 minutes after sloppy home defending.

Twelve minutes later Goldspink won the ball 30 yards out and his fine curling effort made it 3-1.

On 68 minutes new signing Joel Watts produced some good skill and a fine shot that skimmed the bar, while Barber twice went close and hit the post as the Royals secured a well deserved 3-1 win to move up to 16th .

On Saturday Kirkley & Pakefield's first team will be at Walmer Road again in a league match with fifth placed Woodbridge Town the visitors, 3pm.

Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves had an excellent 2-0 away win at second placed Wells Town last Saturday to move up to sixth.

This Saturday they travel to play Holt United, 2.30pm.

The U23s beat Waveney A 2-0.

On Saturday they play Waveney FC AFC away, 2pm.

The AFC Royals remain top of the Thurlow Nunn U18 midweek league with a 6-1 win away against Waveney.

K&PFC U18s lost 2-1 against Norwich United, with the U18 club derby on Thursday, February 9 at Walmer Road, 7.45pm.

K&PFC U18s host Waveney on February 16, with AFC Royals away at Wroxham, 7.45.