Harleston kick off the new year in style with an emphatic victory

ANGLIAN COMBINATION

PREMIER DIVISION

Harleston Town 3

Wroxham Reserves 0

Harleston Town began 2016 with another home win after a brace from Chris Hall and a fine strike from Scott Roberts fired them to a 3-0 win over Wroxham Reserves.

Town were without Kay, Willis, Imrie, Woodgate and Furlong for the clash, but welcomed back Connor Delaney to the bench after four months out injured.

The opening 30 minutes were even, with both sides creating a couple of chances, but neither breaking the deadlock.

Town struck the important first goal when good work from James Pipe found Hall in the box and he finished from close range to give them a narrow advantage going into half time.

Ten minutes into the second half, Town doubled their advantage when good control from Chris Hall in the box allowed him space to execute a fine volley past the Wroxham keeper and into the net.

The young Wroxham side’s chances of getting back into the game were dealt a major blow when debutant Gavin Lemmon was sent off for a dangerous tackle on James Pipe.

Harleston sealed the points with the goal of the game when Scott Roberts broke free before calmly chipping the keeper to make the final score 3-0.

The victory lifted Town to 10th in the Premier Division table ahead of a trip a tough trip to Cromer tomorrow (3pm).

Harleston Town: Howes, O Willis, Starling, Watts, B Burke, C Burke, N Renaut, S Roberts, J Pipe, C Hall, R Brett.

n Harleston Town Reserves also started the year well when a Paul Bliss hat-trick and a goal from Ryan London gave them a 4-1 win away at Thetford Town Reserves.

n In the Thurlow Nunn League First Division Diss Town’s trip to rivals Debenham LC on Saturday was postponed.

Tomorrow sees Debenham LC face Haverhill Rovers while Diss face King’s Lynn Town Reserves.