Kirkley & Pakefield went down to a 2-1 defeat at Newmarket Town on Saturday afternoon.

The Royals lined up missing three regulars in Flower, Haverson and Russell, all serving a one match suspension, but had new signing Declan McAvoy as substitute and Daniel Conroy starting after injury as well as young Ryan Howes.

Early play saw Jordan Smith in the Royals goal make a brilliant double save to prevent the Jockeys from scoring, then a quick break up field saw Kyle Haylock fire in a good shot which the keeper kept out with his legs, more good work from Conroy saw another Haylock shot blocked on the line.

On seven minutes after a good run along the right wing and centre to Joe Robinson, he put the Jockeys ahead with a neat lowdown header.

Ross Patterson shot the home team further ahead on 13 minutes, Smith made another fine save in the away goal, then Carter shot over from close range for the Royals.

The second half saw the Royals come out with more intent with Carter going just wide with a shot and Conroy firing just over the bar. On 56 minutes Kyle Baker was introduced to replace Ryan Howes and immediately the Royals showed more impact and on the hour mark Ian Dawson pulled a goal back with a great shot on the volley from 25 yards that sailed over the keeper's head high into the top of the net.

On 70 minutes the Royals brought on both McAvoy and Goldspink for Carter and Conroy who had both had good games. There was then a one-on-one with keeper Smith making a great save, Jockeys Ben Robinson then skimmed the top of the bar after which man of the match Smith made yet another brilliant double save to prevent the home team increasing their lead.

The latter stages saw the Royals putting in several good attacks but could not find that elusive goal to salvage a point in a good hard fought game.

Team: J Smith, A Meeken, G Soares, R Horton, J Herbert, B George, K Haylock, I Dawson, D Conroy (K Goldspink 73), B Carter (D McAvoy 70), R Howes (K Baker 56).

Subs unused. M Wilson.

This coming Saturday sees the last 32 teams in the Buildbase FA Vase fourth round, the match of the season to date for Kirkley & Pakefield when they make the long 400 miles round trip to play Midland League Premier Division side Sporting Khalsa who play at the Aspray Arena, the old Willenhall Town FC ground between Walsall and Wolverhampton, 3pm.

The Reserves lost 5-2 at Walmer Road last Saturday against Stalham Town in the Anglian Combination Division One. The U23s won 8-0 against Norton Athletic Reserves, with the B team beating AFC Waveney 5-0.