Three Points Brought Back

AFC Sudbury made it back to back league victories at a very wet Wroxham on Saturday thanks to two first half goals. Wroxham upped their game in the second half and after the hosts got an early goal back Sudbury defended well to hold on for a hard fought win.

Wroxham’s pitch passed a morning inspection following heavy rain and despite rain and hail throughout the pitch held up well for the game to be finished.

Yellows boss Jamie Godbold made two changes from the side that started the previous game. One was forced with striker Luke Callander serving a one game ban. James Baker, who has been playing in defence, moved into the attack to lead the line and in a reshuffled defence there was a welcome back for left sided defender Jack Wilkinson who has been re-signed having been released by St. Neots Town. Skipper Sam Clarke returned from injury at the expense of Jack Newman, who dropped to the bench, and Liam Wales replaced the rested Jordan Blackwell who was named amongst the substitutes.

Sudbury had by far the better of the early play and Nathan Pauling in the home goal twice made good saves with his legs to defy Craig Parker and James Baker who combined well together up front. The return of Wilkinson meant that his long throw-ins were going to cause problems to defences and from one Joe Maybanks went close with a shot that hit the side netting.

The AFC pressure paid off after 26 minutes when recent loan-signing Joe Maybanks (pictured) scored his first goal for the club. Maybanks broke down the left, cut inside and unleashed a right foot shot that gave Pauling no chance.

Sudbury doubled their lead after 38 minutes when a free kick from the right was headed back into the danger area by Baker and Liam Wales slotted home from close range.

Half time: Wroxham 0 AFC Sudbury 2

It was a different story in the second half. Wroxham came out with all guns blazing and they went close in the first minute of the restart and forced two corners that came to nothing before they reduced the deficit after 53 minutes when Nathan Stone latched on to a right wing cross and slotted the ball under Garnham who had left his line.

The hosts continued to have plenty of the play but Sudbury defended well and Garnham was only tested once again when he did well to keep out a snap shot from Stone.

With 12 minutes remaining Sudbury came close making the game safe when defender Stefano Mallardo joined the attack and his goal bound header from a corner was cleared off the line.

In stoppage time Wroxham had a great chance to level when they won a free kick just outside the penalty box but former Sudbury player Jamie Forshaw failed to hit the target.

Att 117

PAT ARBON