After two heavy AFC Sudbury defeats bogey team Soham is the last place you want to visit to get back to winning ways. But Jamie Godbold’s side did just that thanks to Craig Parker’s (pictured) second half goal which was enough to move his side up to second in the league table.

It was deserved win for Godbold’s team who dominated for long periods only to find Harry Reynolds in the Soham goal in fine form. Godbold made four changes with Parker and Ross Bailey returning while Robbie Martin and James Axcell made their first starts.

There were many Sudbury fans among the crowd of 118 and they saw their side have the better of the first half but they were unable to turn pressure into goals. Luke Callander twice brought good saves from Reynold’s and the hosts survived several goal mouth scrambles.

Soham finished the first half strongly but failed to test Sudbury custodian Ollie Bowles.

Half time: Soham Town Rangers 0 AFC Sudbury 0

AFC were quickly out of the blocks as the second half got underway. The lively Callender was denied by a fine diving save by Reynolds at the expense of a corner and then it was Axcell’s turn to test the home keeper.

Soham had their moments but rarely threatened to piece a sound visiting rear guard.

Most of the pressure was on the Soham goal and a good move ended with Jordan Blackwell, who had a fine game, firing just over.
It began to look as if it was going to one of those days for Sudbury in front of goal but their pressure finally paid off after sixty-nine minutes with the only goal of the game. Axcell did well to beat his marker and his cross found Blackwell whose goal bound shot was parried by Reynolds and Craig Parker pounced on the loose ball to score from close range.

Soham tried hard to get back on terms but the visiting defence held firm with a welcome clean sheet.

With time running out Sudbury came close to doubling their lead only for Reynolds to deny Callander with a fine diving save. But the Soham bogey had already been laid thanks to Parker’s goal.

Att 118

Pat Arbon