Early goal, but Wells lose

Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves 3, Wells Town 1

Wells travelled to Walmer Road to face a young side, settled earlier than their hosts and after 10 minutes Murfit broke the deadlock for the Seasiders when he beat the home keeper Barge to the ball and calmly slotted home.

A 13th minute Neale corner hit a Kirkley post. In the 25th minute Neale saw a good chip go over the home bar with the keeper stranded, Kirkley found the equaliser on the half-hour when Benment pounced on a loose ball and scored past Armiger from close range.

Barge then saved well as Murfit broke. Harrison was finding space down the flank and the match opened up as both sides looked for further goals. Kirkley's Palmer twisted and turned his way past the Wells' defence only to blast high and wide.

The second half K&P up the tempo, with Wells defending in numbers. On the hour Kirkley won a penalty which Palmer converted, although Armiger got a hand to it.

Wells were looking to equalise when Murfit collected the ball and Barge saved a goal-bound shot by handling the ball out side his area. He was dismissed, the resulting free-kick skimming the home crossbar. At the other end Harvey added a third, heading home a cross.

With seemingly very little stoppage time in either half, the match official found 17 minutes of added time. It was within this time that Wells had Griffin dismissed when he received a second caution.

Wells Town host Stalham Town on Saturday at Beach Road at 2.30pm

Wells Reserves moved into 11th position following a three-point haul against CNSOBU.

The match looked to be heading for a draw with many chances going begging on a very heavy pitch, substitute Pentney coming on to score the only goal of the game in the 80th minute.

Wells Reserves' next fixture is on Tuesday, January 22 when Cromer Reserves visit Beach Road.