Stay updated with breaking news from Marcus Garnham. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
In what proved to be a proverbial game of two halves, a young, ten-man Town XI were beaten 4-2 by Needham Market in the semi-final of the Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup at Hadleigh United's Millfield ground on Tuesday evening.
Boss Roy Keane felt local non-league sides Leiston and Bury Town provided his team with more than useful midweek workouts. A largely second string side beat the Ridgeons League team 2-0 at Victory Road on Tuesday with a more senior squad defeating the Ryman League club 1-0 yesterday.
Dean Bowditch was the star as Town started their pre-season programme with a 3-0 victory over Bury Town at Ram Meadow. The 22-year-old put in a sharp display scoring the first goal, having another disallowed and striking the cross bar.
Conor Chaplin scored a hat-trick and Matt Penney, Tommy Hughes, Freddie Ladapo and Greg Leigh netted one each as the Blues hammered Needham Market 7-0 in their first pre-season friendly at Bloomfields.
Matt Penney netted the first goal of pre-season with the Blues 1-0 up at Needham Market.