March Town United 1, Swaffham Town 1

The Pedlars travelled to the GER Ground following their defeat last Tuesday to Ridgeons League Division One leaders Gorleston.

In the mix from the start, the first attempt fell to Jake Platten, connecting with a Will O'Brien free kick, his effort cleared.

O'Brien had an opportunity of his own shooting from 20 yards, the ball narrowly skimming wide of the post.

March keeper Lee Brookes, an old favourite at Shoemakers Lane, was called into action in the 16th minute, taking a Joe Jackson free kick, at the foot of his nearside post.

The play reversed and Dean Mayes defended well for the Pedlars, coming out to meet a long through ball under pressure from the March attack.

Swaffham were unlucky in the 30th minute, an O'Brien free kick, headed goalward by David Spalding, cleared for Richard Cornwall to smash a volley, Brookes having to punch clear, headed back in from 18 yards by Nathan Clarke, the keeper catching high on his line.

Swaffham opened the second half playing the attractive feet to feet football which they have displayed confidently this season. Jack Redhead and Nathan Cross came on to replace O'Brien and Platten and their impact was seen instantly, Redhead testing Brookes in the 66th minute, forcing him to push over the bar. The corner from Cross was met powerfully by Scott Voutt but wide of the mark.

The run of play changed in the 69th minute. March were awarded a penalty for a trip in the box and Mayes saved the shot but the rebound was converted. The balance was restored in the 80th minute when a great free kick was played through the defence by Redhead with Cornwall sliding in to deflect the ball into the net. The final 10 minutes saw Swaffham pepper the March area and goal, efforts by Jackson, Redhead, Clarke and Cornwall unable to find their way past the March defence.

n The Pedlars travel to Humber Doucy Lane on Saturday, the home of Ipswich Wanderers (kick-off 3pm). The Reserves are away to Beccles Town Reserves (kick-off 2.30pm) and the A Team welcome Bunwell to Shoemakers Lane (kick-off 3pm).

n Congratulations to Micky Titmarsh and his young Under-18 squad, winning their final game last Thursday against tough opposition, Wisbech Town, Steven Stock getting both in the 2-1 victory.

It is a difficult transition from youth football, but credit to the squad, Micky, Tony Goddard, Gerry Palmer and Jon Cockerill for their persistence and hard work. The squad will be something to look out for next season and the other senior teams are already benefiting.