Kirkley & Pakefield FC made it three wins out of three in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division after a 3-2 away win at Stanway Rovers.

The trip to Colchester last Saturday saw player manager Jack Herbert still not fully fit as Kieren Underdown continued to deputise.

Lewis Flower returned to captain the side and young Thomas Harmer came in for the unavailable Callum Bell.

After just six minutes, from a long throw in, a header from the home side hit the bar but keeper Smith cleared to safety.

Haylock’s shot beat the home keeper on 11 minutes but it went just wide.

The Royals took the lead on 18 minutes when Danny Conroy’s determined run saw him beat the keeper to the ball and lob home for the opening goal.

Smith made two great saves early in the second half before home centre forward Gilchrist missed a golden chance as he shot over.

Following a break from defence, Haverson sent a good through ball to Conroy whose shot was only parried out for Kyle Haylock to fire home the second goal. Smith made another brilliant save on 68 minutes but the rebound was scored by substitute Sherlock.

Haylock’s corner on 75 minutes was flicked on for Cameron Russell to score with a brilliant overhead kick for a 3-1 lead.

The home side’s Tyler Kemp was shown the red card for a dangerous lunge at Haverson on 78 minutes but the 10 men got back into the game on 83 minutes when a 20-yard curling strike from full back Matthew Wooldridge beat the keeper.

K&P held firm and battled for a deserved three points that – at this early stage – took them to the top of the table after winning their first three league matches of the new season.

K&P: J Smith, T Harmer, A Meeken, B George, K Underdown, L Flower, K Haylock, C Russell, D Conroy, J Haverson, K Goldspink (L Tillett 89). Subs unused: J Coleman, J Herbert, M Willis, E Reynolds.

This Saturday K&P are on their travels again to play Swaffham Town 3pm kick off. Next Tuesday sees another away trip to play Norwich United at Plantation Park, Blofield 7.45pm KO.

A very young Royals Reserves team lost 3-1 away against Attleborough Town with Reece Borrett scoring a penalty for the Reserves.

This Saturday the Reserves have no match but play at Walmer Road the following Wednesday evening when they entertain Gorleston Reserves at 7.30pm.

Last Thursday evening saw Kirkley & Pakefield U18 start their Thurlow Nunn U18 League season with a very convincing 3-1 over a decent Norwich United U18 team.

In an enjoyable game to watch, home keeper Denham Oliver made an uncharacteristic error to give the away team an early lead.

Midway through the half Brad Revell scored with a fine shot from the left to level, shortly afterwards a cracking strike from 25-yards by Ewan Brogan put the Royals into the lead.

The second half saw a string of fine saves from Oliver in the home goal before a fine solo run and 20-yard shot from Harry Burgess increased the young Royals lead. Credit goes to both teams for a good sporting contest.

This Saturday sees the start of the Lowestoft & District League with both the K&PFC U23s and the ‘B’ team in division one this season.

The opening day sees the ‘U23s’ at home to Loddon United Reserves with the ‘B’ team travelling to play Spexhall Huntsman & Hounds, both 2pm kick offs.

Colin Smith