Tangerines’ winning form is brought to an abrupt end
THURLOW NUNN LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION
Ely City 2
Diss Town 1
Diss Town’s recent run of winning form was brought to an abrupt end as they slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat away at neighbours Ely City.
The Tangerines were without forward Jamie George who was unavailable, but otherwise fielded a full-strength side.
The game was fairly even until the visitors were guilty of some poor defending in the 28th minute to allow the Robins to score. After several weak challenges by the Diss defence, James Seymour found himself with room in the penalty area and took full advantage, slotting past Matt Powley score with ease.
Diss pressed for an equaliser and came closest just before half-time when Mark Appleton climbed well to out-jump his marker only to see his header clear the crossbar.
The Tangerines seemed determined to get back into the game as the half restarted, but were still finding it difficult to create a clear-cut chance.
Then in the 49th minute some slack marking by the home defence from a throw-in allowed Kyle Downes to head the ball on to Mark Appleton who was able to score with a close range header.
Three minutes later and the home side should have done better when the ball was deflected across the penalty area but a hasty shot from close range went over the crossbar.
The Tangerines also failed to hit the target in the 59th minute when Ben Lewis met a cross with a header, but again the ball cleared the crossbar.
The best move of the match saw the home side break away in the 68th minute and a fierce low cross from the left zipped across the visitors six yard box and was met by Alex Theobald who had timed his run into the penalty area perfectly to slot the ball home and give City the lead again..
Three minutes later the Tangerines won a free kick just outside the penalty area but Danny Self’s shot went just wide of the goalkeeper’s right-hand post.
The Tangerines pushed forward to search for the equaliser, but they were unable to find a further breakthrough as the hosts held firm to seal the three points.
The defeat leaves Diss fifth in the First Division table with 10 points from their opening six matches, six points adrift of early pacesetters Halstead Town.
Ross Potter’s side will be aiming to bounce back when they host former manager Chris Tracey’s Cornard United at Brewers Green Lane on Saturday (3pm).
Diss Town: Matt Powley, Jack Hood, Luke Appleton, Chris Gibbons, Sam Wenham (Dale Barrett 58), Ben Lewis, Danny Self, Jason Armes (Chris Bartram 66), Mark Appleton (Sam Page 61), Kyle Downes, Chris Holmes
n Diss Town Reserves who kicked off their Thurlow Nunn Reserve League season with a 2-1 defeat at home against Stanway Rovers Reserves on Saturday.
The visitors broke the deadlock courtesy of Kalon Harms before Stanway doubled their advantage in the 67th minute through Charlie Hayes.
Jake McDowall reduced the deficit from the penalty spot but it was prove nothing more than a consolation.
n Diss Town Under-18s suffered an opening day 4-1 defeat against Norwich United Under-18s in the Thurlow Nunn Youth League East Division.
Sam Neal levelled the scores before Norwich eased to victory.
