Last weekend saw a rare Friday evening league match for Kirkley & Pakefield when they travelled to play Walsham-le-Willows FC.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the Kirkley & Pakefield B v AFC Oulton match.Action from the Kirkley & Pakefield B v AFC Oulton match. (Image: Archant)

The Royals were without their captain Jack Herbert due to an eye and head injury sustained the previous match that required 20 stitches. Matthew Wilson came in at centre back for his first game in the first team for over a year after collapsing and suffering an illness.

Ian Dawson and Danny Conroy were also out injured whilst Harry Creamer and Matty Brown were unavailable.

On a wet sodden pitch after the previous heavy rain the game started eventfully with the home team having two good chances in the opening minutes, then Baker shot just wide from a good position for the Royals.

Haylock was then brought down on the edge of the area, then with just 10 minutes gone Russell shot over from only a few yards out.

On 17 minutes Russell had another good chance from the edge of the area but again fired over this after a good move by Haylock and George. Soares was fouled on the edge of the box and Baker's free kick was well saved by the keeper. Then on a break Walsham's Lee Warren hit the bar after a long range shot. Ryan Clark also shot just over, with Haylock firing wide at the other end. After an action-packed and entertaining first half the game remained goalless.

The second half commenced with the home team attacking constantly and they were rewarded on 55 minutes when centre forward Lee Hammond shot in well after a good move.

For the Royals Kyle Baker having his best game since rejoining the club superbly set up Goldspink who ran through beat the keeper and with the goal at his mercy shot wide. Shortly afterwards Haverson shot from 25 yards but keeper Stobbart saved brilliantly.

The home team had a good attacking spell with several shots well saved by keeper Smith. On 85 minutes Hammond struck a superb shot that was magnificently save by Smith on to the bar, a resulting goalmouth melee saw the ball go just over the line for the home team's second.

Straight from the kick off a move forward saw Goldspink feed Russell who was brought down by the keeper. Cameron Russell got up to score from the penalty spot. The Royals attacked looking for the equaliser but from a throw in the home team won the ball, booted forward to substitute Jack Spampanato, who took his time before firing into the net in the 89th minute for a 3-1 match winning goal.

In a good entertaining match the Royals met a team playing way above their lowly position suggests, and this season are the Royals' bogey team with Walsham winning all three matches the teams have contested.

Kirkley & Pakefield: J Smith, A Meeken, G Soares, B George, M Wilson, L Flower, K Haylock, K Baker, K Goldspink, J Haverson (J Hutchinson 86mins), C Russell (R Howes 89mins). Subs unused: R Scrutton.

The Royals are back on home soil at Walmer Road on Saturday afternoon when Godmanchester Rovers are the visitors for a 3pm kick-off.

Last Saturday the Reserves put in a good performance with a very young team to draw 0-0 with fourth-placed Yelverton. This Saturday they make the short trip to Emerald Park to play Gorleston Reserves with a 2.30pm kick-off.

Last Thursday saw both the K&P U18 and AFC Royals' matches called off due to the weather. This coming Thursday K&P U18 are at Walmer Road against Great Yarmouth Town (kick-off 7.45pm). AFC Royals travel to play Norwich United next Thursday (kick-off 7.45pm).

On Saturday the B team at home on the Team Lauren Lou 3G Arena beat AFC Oulton 4-3 after being four goals up to remain top of L&DFL Division Two. This Saturday the B team have another home match in the Suffolk Primary Cup against Ransome Sports Resources (kick-off 2pm).

The U23 team beat Redwood United 2-1 at Dip Farm to maintain third place in L&DFL Division One. This Saturday they play Waveney A at Barnards Centre Point (kick-off 2pm).