Beccles captain Shaun Lake believes his side are capable of pulling off a great escape after finally winning their first match of the season.

After suffering 12 straight defeats the Bulls knew they simply had to win their home clash with fellow strugglers Canvey Island on Saturday to stand any chance of avoiding the drop. And win it they did, with an impressive 31-17 victory taking Beccles to within two points of second from bottom Old Streetonians – and suggesting they might just have got what it takes to secure a third successive season in London 2NE.

'It was certainly a big relief to finally get that first win,' said Lake. 'Nobody likes losing week in, week out and this has given everyone at the club a big boost. 'We have improved a lot as the season has gone on – but we still weren't winning matches. We knew we just had to win against Canvey – if we couldn't beat them at home then we really didn't deserve to be in this division.

'The lads knew what was at stake and they played really well, especially in the first half, to get the points we needed. Now we have got that victory under our belts I'm sure we can build on it and move away from the relegation places.

'We had a really strong finish to the season last year – and hopefully it will be the same again.'

Assuming two teams go down, Beccles appear to be involved in a three-way scrap to finish above the drop zone in 10th position, with Canvey Island and Old Streetonians also involved. The five points the Bulls picked up at the weekend took their tally up to eight, with Old Streetonians, who lost 34-10 at home to Hampstead, on 10 points and Canvey Island on 12. There is then a 10 point gap to Saffron Walden in ninth position.

'You never quite know what is going to happen at the end of the season because it depends on other leagues, and who goes up and down, but if it is two teams that are relegated then I would certainly fancy our chances,' said Lake.

'We have got a good squad now and if we can win five home games I am sure we will be fine.

'We've got a match coming up against Woodford (who are eighth in the table) later in the month which will be absolutely vital but before that we have a big game at Ipswich on Saturday.

'That will be a tough one – games against them always are – but we will be going down there with a strong squad and are confident we can take something from the game.'

While Beccles travel to Ipswich Division 2NE rivals Lowestoft and Yarmouth, who are comfortable in mid-table, play host to Hampstead, one place and six points above them in the standings.