Tough Hadley & Ottaway Anglian Combination Premier Division start goes on for Long Stratton

A tough start to the new Hadley & Ottaway Anglian Combination Premier Division continued on Saturday for Long Stratton, who suffered a 3-0 defeat on the road at newly-promoted UEA.

The defeat – Stratton’s third from their opening five games of 2019/20 – was compounded in the second half by a red card handed to Solomon Pope.

Adam Burroughs’ team now have the chance to switch off from league matters tomorrow when they head to Bradenham Wanderers in the opening round of the Norfolk Senior Cup.

The two sides only met on August 24, when a hat-trick from Sam Page helped to wrap up a 4-2 victory – Stratton’s only win of the campaign to date (2.30pm).

* Second-placed Harleston Town also tasted defeat at the weekend as they lost 2-1 at home to Norwich CEYMS.

The visitors scored in either half to gain control of proceedings and while a penalty from joint manager Nathan Stone halved the deficit, CEYMS withstood some late Harleston pressure to secure all three points.

Harleston will return to league action tomorrow with a trip to Caister (2.30pm).

* In Division One East Harling are still searching for their first win of the season after going down 3-0 at Stalham Town.

Stacey Lawrence’s men, who have picked up only one point from the 12 on offer so far, sit 12th in the standings ahead of their trip to league rivals Watton United in the first round of the Norfolk Senior Cup (2.30pm).

The Green Army reached the second round of the competition last season, where they were beaten by Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division side Thetford Town.