March Town United draw at Debenham LC

Thurlow Nunn League

First Division North

A Jack Friend brace and an Aidan Sewell goal gave Wisbech St Mary a second half comeback at Felixstowe & Walton United Reserves 3-2.

The Saints were 2-0 down at half-time, and they host Haverhill Borough next Saturday.

March Town United recorded their second successive 1-1 draw, this time at Debenham LC.

The Hares entertain Leiston Res next Saturday.

Cambs Kershaw Senior A

Chatteris Tn 3 Over Spts 2

It was the perfect start for Chatteris Town as they prevailed in a dramatic season opener.

A healthy crowd of nearly 200 people witnessed the Lilies’ first match at West Street, and they were not to be disappointed in what was a highly competitive contest.

Town boss Alex Kaufman felt more work could be done from his side, despite grabbing a late Josh Dodman winner, having displayed resilience against the persistent Over threat.

The victory is Kaufman’s first during his first full season in charge, and the first time he’s seen his side score more than two goals in a game.

But it was the visitors who got off to the fastest start, rewarding an early spell of pressure with a James Carman free-kick that found its way past goalkeeper Jordan Packi on six minutes.

Kaufman’s men could have gone further behind if Mark Samways did not deny Over’s Asher Wilson what looked to be a tap-in, but this looked to be the wake-up call that was duly needed.

The return of Gary Smith was capped with a fine performance to turn the game in Town’s favour, starting with an exquisite curling effort past Luke Shipp into the top-left corner, swiftly followed by slotting in from close having calmly rounded the Over ‘keeper.

Arguably a contender for goal of the season was Richard Ruddy’s late equaliser, a first-time volley from a far-sided cross, having seen regular attacks and clear goalscoring chances thwarted by a stout Lilies defence.

But with three minutes to go, Smith consolidated the Lilies man-of-the-match award with an in-swinging corner for Dodman to head home in front of the home supporters, producing an atmosphere not seen for a very long time.

Lilies: Jordan Packi, Mark Samways, Stuart Porter, Simon Howard (c), Seve Revell, Ash Blanchflower, Josh Dodman, Kenny Kingshott (sub Josh Ingram, 76’), Mark Rayment (sub Brandon Ransome, 58’), Gary Smith, Tony Brown (sub Scott Flisher, 69’).

Goals: Chatteris Town – Smith (23’, 26’), Dodman (87’). Over Sports – Carman (6’), Ruddy (83’).

Cautions: None. Referee: Patrick Hennebry. Attendance: 188.