Wells Town 5, Long Stratton 1

THIS top-of-the-table clash turned out to be the exciting match everyone was expecting, Scott Sutherland-Gray claiming a hat-trick.

Long Stratton arrived at Beach Road leading the Seasiders only on goal difference a the top of Anglian Combination Division One. The teams had met in the KO Cup and ended 3-3 after 90 minutes.

Wells Town again started slowly and after only 10 minutes found themselves a goal behind from a free-kick, Edwards in acres of space heading home.

With half-an-hour played Sutherland-Gray found space and was brought down in the area, giving the home side a spot-kick. The Stratton keeper saved East’s penalty, turning the ball over for a home corner.

Wells still searched for the equaliser and were rewarded on the stroke of half-time when Harrison headed home, to the delight of the large crowd.

With the pitch becoming heavy the Seasiders started the second half very strongly and were never really troubled by the visitors.

Sutherland-Gray scored a brace on 48 and 55 minutes to put the Seasiders in control. Grocott was causing problems for the visiting defence with some probing runs into the danger area.

Sutherland-Gray completed his hat-trick on 80 minutes. This killed the match as a contest with the defence of East, Franks, Cooper and Frary in total control.

A last-minute penalty awarded to Wells was converted by East.

Sutherland-Gray picked up the Just Wells Holidays Limited MoM award.

Frustratingly, Wells have no league game at the weekend so will look to Bradenham Wanderers, who entertain Long Stratton, to preserve their three-point lead.

The Seasiders have 28 points from 10 games to Long Stratton’s 25 from 11. Wymondham have 22 points from 10 games and Horsford 21 from 11.

Brandon Town Reserves 3, Wells Town Reserves 0

With just 11 players through injury and no recognised goal keeper, Wells travelled to Brandon and found themselves 3-0 down at the interval. A better second half made sure no further goals were conceded.

Wells Reserves host Poringland Wanderers Reserves on Saturday, 2pm at Beach Road.