Ipswich Wanderers 3, Swaffham Town 1

The Pedlars played the better football at Ipswich Wanderers but were unable to punish the home side.

Swaffham took the lead in the third minute, a Jack Redhead free-kick, attacked by Jake Platten, and the rebound was knocked in by Richard Cornwall.

Wanderers returned to trouble Dean Mayes at the other end, as he had to push over the resulting shot, Dwayne Hockton clearing the corner to release Craig Burton. Good play between Burton and Platten in the middle of the park provided Joe Jackson with a chance, which went narrowly wide.

Ipswich levelled in the 22nd minute, as a free-kick to the far post was met by the head of the number nine, leaving Mayes with no chance.

Will O'Brien replaced Platten in the 24th minute, suffering from an ankle injury sustained in the Swaffham goal attack. Wanderers' second came in the 33rd minute, a fluked lob clipping the inside of the post.

In the opening 10 minutes of the second half, the Pedlars pressurised the Ipswich box, having almost all of the possession but they were unable to convert for a goal.

As time ran out it appeared more and more that this was not Town's day, as efforts either missed the mark or fell kindly for the Ipswich defence and keeper. The final insult came in the 90th minute, as a well-placed free-kick flew into the top corner, Mayes again having no chance.

This Saturday the visitors to Shoemakers Lane are Godmanchester Rovers (kick-off 3pm). The Reserves visit Harleston Town (kick-off 1.30pm), and the A Team travel to Bunwell (kick-off 3pm).

The Hospital Cup

The Hospital Cup competition has returned to its full complement of eight local teams this season.

The first quarter-final will take place this Thursday, April 14 and will be contested by Necton and Sporle (kick-off 7.30pm). Admission will be free and there will be a bucket collection during the match. All contributions to Swaffham Community Hospital, please come and support this worthy cause.

The next fixtures will be Thursday, April 21, Castle Acre v Great Massingham; Wednesday, April 27, Swaffham Town A v Marham Wanderers and Thursday, April 28, Narborough v Stoke Ferry. All kick-offs at 7.30pm.

It is planned to hold the final on Saturday, May 14 but this will be subject to the completion of the league competitions, which were affected by the winter weather.