Scorers: James Wightman, Liam Williams, Andre Martins, Kia Wiliams and Ole Alexander.

THE Black Dogs made it three league wins in a row to go top of the Anglian Combination division one table with another encouraging performance against Fakenham Reserves on Saturday.
The visitors were a strong side, particularly in attack, but Bungay recovered from a poor start to win comfortably in the end.
“It was disappointing to concede two minutes in but our re-action was a lot better and more controlled and we were 3-1 up in 36 minutes,” said manager Travis Manning. “As a manager we look to keep clean sheets, but if we score more goals than the opposition that is all that matters.”
Andre Martens, who got the best of the five goals – all scored by different players - got the man of the match award – Manning said he was exceptional.
Fakenham showed their capabilities by opening up a retreating Bungay defence after two minutes, with Stuart Broughton applying the finishing touch. But their lead did not last long. Jordan Williams swung over a ninth minute corner and James Wightman got his first goal for the first team with a firm header at the back post.
Alex Shreeve was not too far over with a bicycle kick. Liam Williams netted with a good shot which was ruled offside, but he put his side ahead in the 30th minute, rolling the ball into an empty net from 25 yards after Shreeve had worried the stranded keeper into a mistake.
Andre Martens made it 3-1 three minutes later, firing into the bottom corner from the edge of the area after Sammy Allen nodded on a high ball. But Fakenham made it 3-2 jut two minutes later, as Brandon Ling was beaten with a chip which Wightman stretched in vain to clear.
The Black Dogs got their fourth on 54 minutes as Allen found Kye Williams moving down the right with a fine pass and he cut in to score from a narrow angle.
Danny McDonald, on for Connor Doddington, and Liam Williams both tested the keeper, but Fakenham remained dangerous on the break and Brandon Ling had to make a fine save to block a close range shot in the 68th minute.
Finally Bungay put the icing on the cake in the 83rd minute as another substitute, Callum Rudkin, got to the by line and got in a cross that was blocked to Oli Alexander, who slid it home from close range.
Team: B Ling, T Daniels, J Wightman, J Williams, A Bray, K Williams (C Rudkin)), S Allen (C Doddington), C Doddington (D McDonald), A Martens, L Williams (O Alexander), A Shreeve.
 

Scorers: Alex Shreeve 2, Jack Child

THJE Black Dogs turned in probably their best performance of the season on Saturday to comfortably beat Thorpe St Andrew and step up to second place in the Anglian Combination division one.
It was in complete contract to their poor showing at Brandon the previous week as they controlled much of the game and with more luck would have scored more goals.
“Apart from the first ten minutes I thought we were superb,” said a delighted manager Travis Manning. “We needed an early goal and from then on we completely dominated. We played really well.
“In training we worked on alert aggression and two goals came from that. Having Liam Williams back was a plus and he was superb, and Jackson Williams had his best game so far.”
Jack Child fired narrowly wide early on but Thorpe enjoyed more possession in the opening period and went close with one shot. But Alex Shreeve was unlucky to see a volley from Jackson Williams’ free-kick blocked on the line, and in the 12th minute he put his side ahead, scoring at the second attempt after taking Sam Allen’s pass in his stride.
Shortly after the keeper just beat Shreeve to a forward pass. At the other end Brandon Ling had a rare save to make, blocking a shot when a player broke clear.
It was 2-0 before half-time as Child played a free-kick to Kye Williams and Shreeve got a touch on his low cross into the six-yard box to score off a post.
Both teams skimmed the bar with efforts and Liam Williams hit a ;post with a fine shot and Shreeve was unable to get direction on his follow-up header.
Early in the second half Kye Williams had a shot blocked from Liam Williams cross, but Bungay made it 3-0 in the 58th minute with the best goal of the game. Child sent Oli Alexander away down the right and when his cross from the by-line came over Child was there to score with a firm header.
Liam Williams was again unlucky to see a goal-bound shot hit the bar, and Connor Doddington had a cross turned on to the bar and over.
Thorpe got a consolation goal a minute from time as Connor Durrant found the far corner following a goalmouth scramble.
Team : B Ling, T Daniels, J Wightman, J Williams, A Bray, J Child, C Donnington (S Allen) S Allen (D McDonald), K Williams (O Alexander), L Williams, A Shreeve (W Dossett).

Scorers: Ole Alexander and Adam Shreeve

A generally below par performance by the Black Dogs saw them bow out of the Suffolk Senior Cup at the first hurdle at Brandon on Saturday.
Two goals early in the second half put the home side in the driving seat. When Bungay pulled it back to 3-2 they enjoyed a good spell on top but were unable to find an equaliser, and Brandon clinched it with a late fourth goal.
It took Brandon just five minutes to go ahead as the nimble Shamari Francis jinked his way down the left from inside his own half, evaded Thomas Daniels' tackle and took the ball on to score across Brandon Ling and inside the far post.
But the Black Dogs were only behind for a minute. Daniel McDonald found Oli Alexander on the right and he stepped inside his marker to score with a good left foot shot inside the far post.
The visitors looked the more likely to forge ahead after that. Connor Doddington fired just wide and Jack Child brought a good save from the home keeper in the 15th minute, but the home side came back and after they put a header just wide Ling had to make a one-handed save to keep out another goal-bound header.
Brandon took the lead 20 seconds into the second half as a forward got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Lewis Tufts to beat Ling. Seven minutes later it was 3-1, thanks to another solo effort from Francis, his run finishing with a well-placed shot as Bungay backed off.
Bungay then jolted themselves into action, Child put allow shot narrowly wide before Alex Shreeve made it 3-2 in the 55th minute, moving onto a ball over the defence to lob the advancing keeper. And they went close to an equaliser when Child again fired across the six-yard box and it ran just wide of the far post with Shreeve unable to get a touch.
The busy Child played in a low corner soon after and Jackson Williams saw his shot blocked on the line. Brandon saw a shot deflected wide by the defence. In the 80th minute Bungay substitute Andre Martens was sent off for a second bookable offence. And Brandon took advantage a minute later as Tomas Kukuris rose unmarked to head home a free-kick, to clinch his side’s place in the second round.
Team: B Ling, O Alexander, J Williams, T Daniels, A Bray (C Rudkin), J Child (L Williams), D McDonald (N Thompson), C Doddington (S Allen), K Brown, K Williams (A Martens), A Shreeve.

Scorer: Connor Doddington

THE Black Dogs achieved their first home goal, and first home win, of the season on Saturday as a single strike was enough to edge past Gorleston Reserves.

The visitors came with a 100 per cent record in the Anglian Combination division one so far, but Bungay were well worth the three points and manager Travis Manning was pleased with the performance.

“For the first 35 minutes we controlled the game. We let them back in but it was our level dropping rather than their’s improving,” he said. “They went down to 10 men in the second half but I think we would still have won if they had kept at 11. Our back line was immensely strong and resilient and Brandon Ling in goal only had one serious save to make. They were an energetic side but we limited their football. We now have 11 points from seven games.”

From the start Bungay took the game to the Greens and Jack Child got in a good low cross which a defender reached as Alex Shreeve was about to pounce. In the 16th minute Kale Brown fired narrowly wide after another good build-up. Then Shreeve had a close range effort blocked.

Towards half-time Gorleston had a couple of chances, notably when a hooked shot from a corner hit the top of the bar, and Ling had to make a good save with his feet. For Bungay Daniel McDonald fire a low drive narrowly wide from 25 yards.

Four minutes into the second half Gorleston had a player sent off for a bad tackle on James Wightman and had another player sent to the sin-bin for protesting. Bungay took full advantage of playing against nine men as Connor Donnington sent in a long free-kick from the left and it eluded everyone to finish in the back of the net.

The Black Dogs continued on top and substitute Kye Williams fired narrowly over on the turn, and Thomas Daniels put a header on to the roof of the bar from Jackson Williams’ corner.

Bungay had a let off in the 80th minute when a player raced clear but completely mis-controlled his second touch for the ball to run harmlessly out of play., Kye Williams and Oli Alexander combined to set up McDonald for a shot which was blocked and Valeri da Costa had a far post chance he could not take. In a nervous finale Gorleston saw a powerful header from a corner just clear the bar.

Team: B Ling, T Daniels, J Wightman, J Williams, A Bray, D McDonald (V Da Costa), C Doddington (D McDonald), K Brown (C Doddington), J Child (K Williams), A Martens (O Alexander), A Shreeve.

 TWO second half goals undid Bungay at rainy Holt on Saturday in an otherwise evenly contested game.

For some time it looked as if it would be a second 0-0 result following the goal-less draw with Wells the previous week, with little goalmouth action. In the end the only difference was a defensive slip and a fine second goal to give the home side the Anglian Combination division one points.

Early on a good move set up Callum Rudkin for a chance but he chose to cross rather than shoot and it was lost. Holt put a good volley over the bar, before Rudkin got in a good cross from a Connor Doddington pass, but the keeper grabbed the ball at the second attempt. Brandon Ling took a long range shot low down.

Bungay looked the better side at this stage and a defender just got to another Rudkin cross ahead of Jack Child in the 24th minute. As Holt then enjoyed a spell of pressure a close range header went wide.

The Black Dogs began the second half well and Adam Bray brought a good diving save from the keeper early in, before Daniel McDonald drilled a powerful shot narrowly off targe,. Then a shot was deflected for a corner.

But against the run of play at that stage Holt took the lead in the 66th minute as a defensive mis-control gave Liam Amos a clear run at goal and he finished well past Ling.

Jackson Williams brought a diving save from the home keeper with a free-kick, but the goal had lifted the home side, and in the 76th minute they made the game safe with a fine goal, Tom Dobbie moving the ball on to his left foot on the edge of the area before firing a great drive into the far top corner beyond Ling.

Bungay kept battling, but for the fourth time in seven games failed to get on the scoresheet.

Team: B Ling, D McDonald, T Daniels, J Williams, A Bray, O Alexander (M Strak), C Doddington, S Allen (E Patrick), K Brown, J Child (V Woolnough), C Rudkin (O Alexander).

 HOME supporters are still waiting to see Bungay’s first home goal of the season following this goal-less draw at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.

The two side at the top of the Anglian Combination division one largely cancelled themselves out, meaning there was little goalmouth action of note, and it meant the spotlight turned on the referee as he sent four Bungay players to the sin bin and booked several on both sides in a game that was hard fought but largely fair.

It rather took the focus away from two good sides who both worked hard to clinch all three points, as Bungay finished the game with nine men, but held out comfortably thanks to some solid defending.

The game opened with a minute’s silence in tribute to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. When play got under way Bungay keeper Brandon Ling made a fine 4th minute save when Wells got in behind the defence., Eight minutes later at the other end the Wells keeper made an equally fine stop from a powerful drive from Sam Allen.

Connor Doddington fired over after working himself into a shooting position, but shortly after Alex Shreeve was sin-binned for dissent,

Bungay were unfortunate and Wells were lucky when a defender deflected a shot over his keeper and the ball bounced down onto the line from the underside of the bar. Wells in their turn put a good chance over the bar in the 41st minute.

In the second half Wells put a header narrowly over the bar, and for Bungay Callum Rudkin put in a good run down the left but his shot was off target,

The home side went close in the 55thg minute with their best move of the game as Oli Alexander and Shreeve combined well down the right and the keeper did well to claw away Alexander’s shot.

The rest of the game was more about what the referee was doing as Bungay’s assistant manager Dale Oxborough was red-carded and Thomas Daniels, Jordan Williams and Doddington were sent to the sin-bin, the last two in the final ten minutes, leaving the nine-man Black Dogs to defend the point they had – they did it fairly comfortably, thanks to the efforts of James Wightman and Adam Bray in particular, though everyone left on the pitch took part in the rearguard action.. Ling dealt with a number of shots which did not test him seriously.

Team: B Ling, T Daniels, J Wightman, J Williams, A Bray, K Williams, S Allen (D McDonald), C Doddington, C McAra (O Alexander), C Rudkin (N Thompson), A Shreeve.

Scorers: Alex Shreeve and Liam Williams

ANYONE seeing just the first half of this game would have been astonished to learn the final result.
On another bone hard pitch a five or six-goal lead at half-time would not have flattered the Black Dogs as they totally controlled proceedings, constantly getting behind the home defence and creating numerous chances.
But they had only one to their credit at the interval, the home side came out with renewed determination, the Black Dogs level slipped a bit and Bradenham sneaked a point with a late equaliser. It left manager Travis Manning scarcely able to conceal his annoyance at two dropped points.
The Black Dogs put an early effort wide and were soon creating more chances, and the keeper made a fine save to thwart Kale Brown, who has returned to the club and had an impressive game in mid-field. Adam Bray had an effort taken by the keeper and Alex Shreeve had a shot on the turn which lacked power.
A goal was inevitable, and it came in the 13th minute as Shreeve had one shot blocked but slotted home the rebound. Then a fine moving involving Kye Williams and Brown saw Shreeve turn and fire wide of the far post.
God work by Kye Williams saw him retrieve the ball on the by-line but his cross was agonisingly ahead of Shreeve. The same thing happened on the other fank soon after as Liam Williams crossed from the by-line just ahead of Shreve.
There was a lengthy stoppage for an injury to a Bradenham player, but Bungay resumed their offensive and Brown was unlucky to see a goal-bound effort hit the bar, before Jack Child put a curling effort over the bar and then put a free-kick on the edge of the area in the same place, The same played worked his way clear soon after but fired well wide with only the keeper to beat.
The closest Bradenham went was an effort that was deflected wide by a defender.
Early in the second half Shreeve was thwarted by a fine save from the keeper. The home side had a couple of shots comfortably taken but it was totally against the run of play when they equalised in the 63rd minute with a fine free-kick from Rafael Joao.
Bungay introduced Valeri Costa for his debut and he soon put in a mazy solo run down the left before crossing from the by-line for Liam Williams to regain the lead for the Black Dogs. Then Costa saw a free-kick come back off the underside of the bar.
But with nine minutes left a speculative low shot from Joao crept inside the far post with Lew Riches scrambling across his line and colliding with a the post. He needed lengthy treatment to a head wound before resuming.
Team: L Riches, D McDonald, T Daniels, J Williams (V Woolnough). A Bray, K Brown, J Child (K Williams), S Allen, L Williams, K Williams (V Costa), A Shreeve (N Thompson).
 

A first half penalty was the only difference between these two well matched sides in
Bungay’s first home game of the season on Wednesday evening.
The visitors fielded a strong side, but both sides had periods on top without extending either keeper. Bungay had hoped to build on their opening day win at Stalham but found Kirkley a completely different proposition.
“The sides were evenly matched and we cancelled each other out,” was manager Travis Manning’s verdict at the end. “I thought 0-0 would have been a fair result. It was disappointing to lose this early in the season. We were better in the second half, with our three changes making a difference. Everyone played well.”
Neither keeper was seriously tested at any stage. Kirkley had the better of the opening period and two shots flew wide and another cleared the bar.
The deciding goal came in the 35th minute when Adam Bray was judged to have pushed a forward in the box and Kayden Goldspink comfortably converted the penalty. Before the interval Jackson Williams drove a powerful 25-yard free-kick over the bar.
Bungay were better after the interval and Andre Martens got in a lofted shot the keeper took comfortably, while Connor Doddington tested the keeper with a well struck shot.
The Black Dogs’ best chance of an equaliser came in the 73rd minute as Jackson Williams played a free-kick into the danger area but Martens could not get enough on his diving header to glance it in.
In the final five minutes Kirkley twice went close to closing the game out as a forward turned a low shot wide of the far post and another shot just cleared the angle of post and bar.
Team: B Ling, T Daniels, J Wightman, J Williams, A Bray, D MacDonald (S Allen), K Williams (J Child), C Doddington, A Shreeve (L Williams), A Martens, L Williams (C Rudkin).

Scorers: Alex Shreeve 3, Kai Williams, Nathan Thompson

Stalham Town 1, Bungay Town 5
A hat-trick on his debut from Alex Shreeve got the Black Dogs 2022-23 season off to the best possible start in baking conditions at Stalham on Saturday.
One of eight players making their Bungay debuts in a much-changed squad under new manager Travis Manning, he got the first three of a nap hand with each foot and his head – the perfect hat-trick on an encouraging start in the side’s quest for promotion from the Anglian Combination premier division.
Remarkably, Shreeve also made a bit of club history, becoming the first player in its 97 years to hit a debut hat-trick on opening day.
Stalham had struggled to get a squad together and too much should not be read into one opening game, but there were signs that Manning has brought an element of organisation to the set-up.
Kye Williams was only just short of reaching a cross across the six-yard box from Liam Williams in the third minute, and Liam fired wide soon afterwards. Bungay were well in control and the opening goal came in the 34th minute. Shreeve won the ball back well on the edge of the area, and weaved past thee defenders before slotting home form close range. Liam brought a diving save from the keeper as the Black Dogs prowled for a second.
That came eight minutes into the second half as the experienced Jackson Williams swung in a cross from the right which Shreeve headed firmly past the keeper from eight yards.
The striker completed a great hat-trick in the 67th minute, running clear on to a through ball to slot past the advancing keeper.
Kye Williams made it four from close range in the 70th minute after another good build-up, and it was 5-0 on 79 minutes as Jackson Williams again provided the cross for substitute Nathan Thompson to head home. Another substitute, Marcus Strak, should have made it six soon afterwards but somehow skied a chance from close in when the ball rebounded to him suddenly from a free-kick.
Keeper Lewis Riches had his only serious work to do in the 86th minute as he turned away a well struck from kick from the edge of the area. But Stalham did get a consolation goal with literally the last kick of the game with a speculative first time effort from Gordon Kenny out on the right which flew into the top far corner.
Team: Lewis Riches, Tom Daniels, Adam Bray, James Wightman, Jackson Williams (Kye Williams), Daniel McDonald (Stan Dossett), Liam Williams (Nathan Thompson), Connor Doddington, Alex Shreeve, Kye Williams (Marcus Strak) , Andre Martens.
 

Scorers: Ole Alexander and Kai Williams

The Black Dogs, with an understrength side, gave the Anglian Combination division one champions elect a good game on Saturday – and only a late goal finally clinched the home side’s victory.
Aylsham needed to avoid defeat to beat East Harling to top spot, but Bungay made them work for the honour. They went ahead early on, and after the home side had taken the lead, equalised mid-way through the second half in their final game of the season.
The opening goal came in the 6th minute as Kale Brown and Oli Alexander combined and Alexander turned his man to fire in a left foot shot which took a defection as it beat the keeper. It was his sixth goal of the season and sees him finish joint second highest scorer.
However Aylsham equalised two minutes later as Harry Gilbey-Hewitt was put clear and he took the ball round Ben Vincent to score.
And they went ahead in the 11th minute as James Oliver turned well in the b ox to fire past Vincent from 10 yards. Soon after the keeper had to come off his line to thwart another break, and another effort was put wide.
Bungay had a shot cleared off the line with the keeper beaten and Kye Williams’ follow-up was grabbed by the keeper.
Aylsham were playing the better football and stretching the Bungay defence, and before the interval Vincent had to make a reflex save from a snap shot before another fizzed narrowly wide.
In the second half Bungay were limited to occasional probes but the defence, with John Riches prominent, held firm, and the Black Dogs equalised in the 67th minute. Ollie Sadler played the ball into the box and Williams looped an impressive volley over the advancing keeper.
Bunt once again the home side struck back quickly with what the Bungay defence was convinced was a “hand of God” moment, Thomas Coe getting in front of Vincent to flick the ball over him with his hand from a free-kick in Maradona style. But the goal stood.
Vincent had to make another impressive sav with his fist, but Bungay remained in with a chance until the 87th minute as this time Jamie George was put clear to lob his shot over the keeper to send his team and the large home crowd wild.
Team: B Vincent, J Wilkinson, J Riches, V Woolnough (T Miller), K Brown, O Sadler, C Thurston, K Caley (C Taylor), K Williams, R Bishop.
 

The Black Dogs were beaten in their final home game of the season at the Maltings on Saturday, as they struggled to create chances against the resolute visitors, who won despite playing the final 34 minutes with ten men.
Manager Rob Moore made just one change to last week’s side, with Luke Spear replacing Keith Caley. Both sides were testing each other out early on, and it was 19 minutes before a chance was created, Spear’s pace taking him into the box but his cross-shot was cleared. At the other end Wells had a four on three break but the final pass was misplaced.
Stan Dossett’s pass found Rob Bishop and from his cross Kale Brown went down under pressure from a defender but the referee waved away Bungay protests. John Riches headed narrowly wide from a Brown corner, but the visitors had the best chance of the half after 31 minutes, the number 9 firing just wide after being put through on goal. Bungay went close after 40 minutes, Brown’s snap shot from the edge of the penalty area being tipped onto the post and behind for a corner. Just before the break Bishop shot wide after a good run by Spear.
Wells had the strong wind behind them in the second-half, and they looked the more threatening, with Ben Vincent in the Bungay goal reacting well to turn aside a defensive header from Vinnie Woolnough. At the other end, Bishop shot over, and then was fouled when running at goal, resulting in a second yellow card for a Wells defender. Bungay went close after 57 minutes, Adam Goodswen cutting in from the left to fire a shot that was well saved.
Vincent was forced into another fine save from the Wells number 9 as the visitors continued to look threatening on the break, and they broke the deadlock in the 67th minute, Ian Bulley converting a snap shot after Bungay had failed to clear a throw-in.
Substitute Ole Alexander fired over after a good run by Jaik Block. Bungay dominated possession but their final pass too often went astray, although Block’s cross-shot from Brown’s pass was well saved. Wells almost doubled their lead with four minutes left, Vincent again saving well before John Riches blocked the rebound, and in stoppage time Vincent was forced into another fine save after a good Wells break.
Team: B Vincent, J Block, T Miller, J Riches, V Woolnough (C Thurston), K Brown (), S Dossett, A Goodswen (O. Sadler), L Spear (O Alexander), K Williams, R Bishop.

Scorers; Kai Williams, Adam Goodswen 2

THREE goals in a six-minute spell in the first half saw Bungay to a comfortable win on Saturday as they played their first game in three weeks.
It saw them complete the double over their opponents and ended a run of four defeats in the Anglian Combination division one. Man of the match Adam Goodswen grabbed two the goals.
Manager Rob Moore, back in the dug-out after a spell of illness, called it a professional performance which saw the side get the ball down ad place nice football.
“The way we approached the game was top class and we didn’t give them a sniff on goal,” he said.
He was particularly happy with Kye Williams, John Riches (who returned to the fold after a brief spell with Yarmouth) and Goodswen.
Williams had the ball in the net in the first 20 seconds but the whistle had gone for offside. Rob Bishop got in an effort that lacked power after being fed by Keith Caley, but the opening goal came in the 13th minute as Kale Brown send Jaik Block away down the right and his fine cross saw Williams turn and fire home from eight yards.
Two minute later it was 2-0 as Goodswen fired in a free-kick from out on the right and the keeper misjudged it and it fell through his hands into the net. Two minutes later Goodswen got a third, and his sixth of the season, picking up a loose ball 30 yards out and firing a left-footed shot which dipped just under the bar.
The Black Dogs were well on top, playing some flowing football, and Bishop drove in a powerful shot which the keeper held well, before another good move involving several players ended with Stan Dossett forcing the keeper to turn his shot away for a corner.
Ben Vincent’s only serious work in the game came at the start of the second half as he dropped on to a close range header from a corner. After that Bungay remained in control and could have had more goals, Substitute Luke Spear was put clear in the 65th minute but after taking the ball round the keeper ran out of room. Goodswen set up Williams for a shot the keeper just got a hand to to turn away, and also somehow got a hand to Spear’s follow-up.
As Norwich became frustrated they had a player sent to the sin-bin, and before the end Bungay went close again as Block headed wide from Vinnie Woolnough’s 89th minute cross.
Team: B Vincent, J Block, T Miller, J Riches, V Woolnough, K Brown (L Spear), S Dossett, A Goodswen, K Caley (E Patrick), K Williams, R Bishop (W Dossett).
 

THE Black Dogs came up against an in-form Sprowston challenging for promotion on Saturday and were soundly beaten 5-0.
Apart from a couple of chances they rarely seriously threatened the home side as they suffered their ninth defeat in 13 games.
The home side took the lead in only three minutes as they broke quickly and hesitant defending gave Danny Rogers the chance to beat Ben Vincent with a low drive. Shortly after the keeper made a good save to keep out another goal-bound effort.
The second goal came in the 20th minute as Vincent punched away a corner but as the ball fell loose Cane Moore volleyed it home.
Rob Bishop drove in a free-kick which the Sprowston keeper did well to palm away at the near post and Kye Williams also tested the keeper. But the closest they came was in the 39th minute as Luke Spear got to the byline and his cut-back was turned narrowly wide by Adam Goodswen with the keeper flat-footed.
And a minute later Sprowton made it 3-0 as Jack Hurrell found space on the left and beat Vincent from a narrow angle.
Things didn’t change in the second half and after Vincent had made a good blocking save Sprowston made it 4-0 in the 58th minute as Charlie Rowe got the finishing touch at the end of a slick move.
Bishop got in a shot which was off target and Stan Dossett tested the keeper from distance. The closest they came was in the 67th minute as the ball found the impressive Williams at the far post with a half-chance which came back off a post. And Sprowton completed a nap hand in the 81st minute as Shaun Wones scored from close range.
Team: B Vincent, T Miller, J Wilkinson, O French (C Taylor, C Thurston), K Brown, S Dossett, A Goodswen, K Williams, L Spear, W Dossett, R Bishop.

A goal in each half sent the Black Dogs to their third successive defeat at Fakenham on Saturday.
In a game in which both sides struck the woodwork three times Bungay were well in it till the home side’s second goal went in five minutes from the end.
With manage Rob Moore in hospital the squad, again including seven teenagers, did their best to give him a lift, and were better in the second half, but an experienced outfield player to lead them and help them develop is clesrly needed if the squad is to kick on next season.
Fakenham were the better side in the first half and in the seventh minute Ben Vincent did well to turn away a curling corner under pressure. From the corner Fakenham put a chance at the bsck post into the side-netting.
At the other end Bungay fared similarly as Luke Spear was free at the back pot but the curl on the ball thwarted him.
Fakenham were awarded a penalty in the 19th minute, but the spot-kick struck a post and was cleared, before Vincent made a flying save to keep out a goal-bound shot. But Bungay worked a good opening as Spear found Kye Williams and the keeper just got enough on his shit to turn it wide.
Fakenham took the lead in the 30th minute when, following a free kick, the ball came back off the underside of the bar and Stuart Broughton was on hand tis score from close range. At the other end Rob Bishop had a shot blocked for a corner and in the next minute he played Williams in and he was unlucky to see his shot come back off the bar with the keeper beaten.
Early in the second half Stan Dossett tested the keeper from Spear’s cut-back, before Vincent made another impressive reflex save when Broughton was clear six yards out. The resultant corner came back off a post.
A Dossett free-kick saw Bishop get in a header which came back off the bar. Then another free-kick saw Bishop’s effort from 25 yards strike the inside of the post and come out.
Vincent had to make a couple of blocking saves, but Bungay were still in it and Spear was unable to control his shot on a bouncing ball when he was clear. And Fakenham clinched the points in the 85th minute as an intended cross from Broughton curled into the far top corner.
Team: B Vincent, J Block, T Miller (A Goodswen), C Taylor (W Dossett), V Woolnough, S Dossett, A Goodswen (C Thurston), K Brown, K Williams, R Bishop.

Scorers: Rob Bishop 2, Ole Alexander, Luke Spear

THE Anglian Combination division one leaders proved too strong for the Black Dogs on Saturday as they won by three clear goals to strengthen their lead at the top.
It was revenge for a rare home defeat Bungay inflicted on them in October, but they did not have it all their own way on Saturday and manager Rob Moore was pleased with the performance.
“We had a very young side out today and I am really happy with the way they performed out of possession,” he said. “We worked really hard to turn the game in our favour and stopped them playing football.
“We needed to be better when we had the ball, but we made them work hard for their win.”
Harling made the best possible start by taking the lead in the third minute as Joe Allen beat Ben Vincent with a first time shot at the end of a slick move down the right. Soon after the keeper made a good save low down as the visitors carved out another chance.
But Stan Dossett tested the Harling keeper with a powerful long-range free kick, and Adam Goodswen got in a cross which just eluded everyone in the box.
Harling struck the post with a free kick of their own in the 15th minute, and in a half of several free-kicks Rob Bishop was not too far wide from another set piece.
Bungay remained well in the game, and early in the second half Bishop took the ball round the keeper but was forced wide, and in the 53rd minute Harling made it 2-0 as a cross from the right was blocked by Vincent but Asa Mcgeachy was on hand to tap home the rebound. Shortly after Harling again hit the bar at the end of a swift move down the left.
Bungay had another let off in the 63rd minute as a defender cleared a goal-bound shot off the line.
But the Black Dogs persisted and Ivan Ivanov had a shot blocked by a defender, before Bishop had a better chance, inly to fire well over the top after being put clear.
But any hopes of a comer-back were snuffed out in the 85th minute as Harling got a third, Mcgeachy again getting the finishing touch from close range.
Before the end Ivanov put Bishop clear again but the striker’s lob as the keeper advanced handed on top of the netting.
Team: B Vincent, T Miller, J Wightman, V Woolnough, O Alexander, S Dossett (C Thurston) A Goodswen, K Williams, J Block, K Brown (I Ivanov) R Bishop.

Scorers: Vinnie Woolnough, Ivan Ivanov, Rob Moore and Kai Williams

THE Black Dogs made it three wins in a row as they edged home against a determined Watton side in this Anglian Combination division one battle on Saturday.
The home side went into an early 2-0 lead but in the second half,, with the wind at their backs, the visitors came back strongly and Bungay had to defend desperately in the final 20 minutes to hang on to the three points.
“It was not the most brilliant of games, but Watton had a real flair about them and came at us in the second half, and we had to defend really well,” said manager Rob Moore, who again turned out in the back four.
“It was one of those games where we had to grind out a result, and it means we have taken nine points from the last three games.”
He named midfielder Stan Dossett as man of the match.
Bungay went ahead in the sixth minute as the ball was played to Rob Bishop down the right, and when the keeper parried his shot Vinnie Woolnough celebrated his 18th birthday with his first goal, firing home with the keeper stranded.
They doubled their score in the 12th minute as Moore played a long ball forward and Ivan Ivanov raced through to slot home his fifth goal of the season.
Bishop brought a good save from the keeper in another game affected by the strong breeze, but Watton pulled one back in the 37th minute as James Wightman diverted a low cross from the left into his own net.
In the 47th minute Bungay created a great chance as Ivanov and Bishop combined to set up Kale Brown, but he somehow dragged his shot wide of the far post. Spurred by the let-off, Watton equalised in the 57tgh minute. Vincent made a good save, which led to other shots being blocked before Alex Costache finally forced the ball home.
But the Black Dogs struck back immediately as Ivanov’s free-kick caused problem in the visitors six yard box, and in the melee Moore got the final touch. He was injured n the process and was replaced by Adam Goodswen.
Brown was again played clear in the 67tgh minute but again failed to hit the target. But it was 4-2 shortly after. Kye Williams, who replaced Ivanov, had been on the pitch only two minutes when he finished confidently at the end of a combined move.
However, the visitors were not done, and pilled one back in the 72nd minute as Lewis Daniels took advantage of a long throw into the box. In a frantic climax to the game they netted again but the goal was ruled out by offside, and then they had a player sent to the sin-bin. Tommy Miller cleared another shot off the line.
Bungay had to defend a series of corners as Watton made the best of the wind at their back, and Ben Vincent made one tremendous save to turn a powerful 50-yard, wind-assisted shot over the bar.
Another chance fell to them in the 88th minute but they could not covert it, and as Bungay gained some respite Williams set up Bishop for a shot from the edge of the area which cleared the bar.
In added time Tom Daniels was sent to the sin-bin for dissent.
Team: B Vincent, T Miller, J Wightman, R Moore (A Goodswen), V Woolnough, O Alexander, S Dossett, T Daniels, I Ivanov (K Williams), K Brown, R Bishop.
 

Scorer: Rob Bishop 2

STRIKER Rob Bishop struck twice to give the Black Dogs back-to-back wins for only the second time this season as they completed an Anglian Combination division one double over Brandon at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.
The squad again included seven teenagers, six of whom had played together in the U15s not long ago, and they did not let down manager Rob Moore, who turned out himself for the first time following a late call-off.
“It was a really open game and both sides had to defend, but we looked as if we could score at any point,” he said. “They caused us problems but we got away with it and I am happy with the three points.”
Ben Vincent made an early save from a Brandon effort, and Bishop got clear soon after only for the keeper to make a good save. Brandon were always dangerous on the break and Vincent had to make another good sav to prevent them going ahead.
Moore, up for a corner, fired a good chance wide in the 30th minute, and Bishop drove another chance wide.
But Bungay took the lead in the 40th minute as the ball was nicked through to Bishop and he finished well past the advancing keeper.
In the second half, Bungay went close in the 47th minute as a cross from Ivan Ivanov caused problems in the Brandon defence and both Bishop and Oli Alexander had shots blocked. From the corner Moore drove a chance into the side netting.
But a second soon came, in the 50th minute. Kale Brown put Ivanov away down the left and his cross found Bishop closing in to score from close range – his 15th of the season.
The visitors pulled one back in the 65th minute as James Buckmaster fired low through a crowded area into the bottom corner. ~They went close to equalising ten minutes later but a lob over Vincent also cleared the far post.
Before the end Alexander had a chance to make the points safe for Bungay, but his first touch let him down.
Team: B Vincent, J Block, J Wightman, R Moore (C Thurston), V Woolnough, T Miller, K Brown, S Dossett, I Ivanov (W Dossett), O Alexander, R Bishop (I Ivanov).
 

Scorer : Jake Block

A Jake Block goal mid-way through the second half won the points for Bungay at Watton on Saturday and brought to an end a five-game losing run.
In a game in which good football was made difficult by a stiff breeze and a bumpy pitch the Black Dogs just about deserved the victory which delighted manager Rob Moore.
“I am really happy to pick up three points. The fact we haven’t won in a few games meant it was important we won against difficult opposition and in difficult conditions,” he said.
“I think we attacked really well in numbers. It didn’t fall for us at first and the lads were getting frustrated, but we finally won it, with a little bit of luck.”
Moore was also pleased to be able to give 16-year-old Will Dossett his debut as a substitute, again demonstrating the club’s youth policy.
Kye Williams had a chance for Bungay in the sixth minute but the keeper blocked his shot, and Adam Goodswen sent another shot off target. When a Watton forward broke clear Jason Downing, in goal for Bungay for the first time in nearly six years, made a good block. At the other end Rob Bishop had a shot blocked following a corner, but play was generally fragmented.
At the start of the second half Kale Brown was crowded out when he was about to shoot before Watton missed a good chance, shooting wide from a good position. They went closer still soon afterwards, a forward hitting the bar from a free-kick on the edge of the area, with Downing just getting a touch to divert it.
The home keeper comfortably took a shot from Brown, and cleared an effort off the line with Downing beaten. But in the 77th minute Bungay got what proved to be the winner, as Block fired a powerful low shot from 25 yards and though the keeper got behind it, it squirmed through his legs into the net.
After that Bungay held on comfortably, with Bishop twice going close – once when he was put though by Brown only for the keeper to divert his shot wide, and then firing into the side netting. Three minutes from time Watton had a player sent to the sin-bin for dissent.
Team: J Downing, J Block, J Wightman, A Mackerall (T Miller), V Woolnough, K Brown, A Goodswen (W Dossett), T Daniels, S Dossett, R Bishop, K Williams (O Alexander).
 

Scorer: Jaik Block

For the fourth time in five games the Black Dogs failed to hold on to a lead as they were beaten by the odd goal of three at Emerald Park on Saturday.
With the squad hit by five Covid call-offs, and John Riches having left the club, manager Rob Moore had to field another much-changed side, but again they started well and took a deserved lead, only to concede two goals in seven minutes either side of half-time. It was their sixth defeat in seven games.
Within the first minute Bungay went close as Oli Alexander got up well to a good cross from Vinnie Woolnough, only to see the keeper dive to palm away his firm header. Then Kale Brown got away down the right, but his effort was off target.
The home side had a great chance in the 12th minute, but Ben Vincent blocked well with his feet. Bungay again had a chance as Alex Mackerall, on his debut, put a far post header from a corner narrowly wide.
Gorleston were dangerous on the break and Vincent made a fingertip save from one fierce shot. But Bungay kept probing, and went ahead in the 31st minute. Adam Goodswen challenged the keeper for a 50-50 ball and when it ran loose Jaik Block fired into the empty net – his first goal for the club.
Son after River Crowson got on to the end of Vincent’s punt upfield and was unlucky to see his lob over the keeper clear the bar.
But in the 45th minute the home side equalised as Joe Corby scored with a shot through a crowded area and just inside a post.
Seven minutes into the second half they were ahead as former Bungay player Sam Wooldridge had room in the area and squeezed his shot in off a post.
After this goalmouth action was minimal, though in the 77th minute Bungay had a chance following a free-kick, but in a flail of legs the ball finally went out for a goal kick. Kye Williams got in one good run but his shot was straight at the keeper.
Team: B Vincent, J Block (R Crowson), J Wightman, A Mackerall (J Frost), G Dormeny-Horn, V Woolnough, O Alexander, T Daniels, A Goodswen, K Williams, K Brown.
 

Scorer: Rob Bishop (pen)

THE visitors completed a league double over the Black Dogs on Saturday as the home side turned in a largely disappointing performance.
Once again Bungay started well, and took the lead with a penalty, but allowed Martham back into the game. They had chances to equalise, but could not take them.
Manager Rob Moore said he was really disappointed to lose the game.
“We were really good at winning first balls but we were always five yards short of the pace,” he said.. “We were flat as a team. We didn’t respect them and thought we were going to turn them over, but they were a strengthened team compared with the one we met away.”
Bungay won a corner in the first 30 seconds, but the visitors were first to get a shot on goal, with a forward off target from long range.
Kale Brown had a chance for Bungay but his control let him down at the last minute. However, Bungay went ahead in the 28th minute as Rob Bishop was felled in the box and he got up to convert the penalty - his 13th goal of the season. Soon after Lewis Frost landed an effort on the roof of the net.
Martham got in a shot which was straight at stand-in keeper Joe McLoughlin, but they equalised in the 34th minute as Bungay failed to clear a corner and as the ball pinged around in the six-yard box Rob Clements prodded it home.
Bishop sent a 30-yard free-kick narrowly wide and Adam Goodswen brought a fine save from the keeper with a wells trick shot.
The visitors took the lead five minutes into the second half as Brandon Charlton looped a header over McLoughlin from a left-wing cross. Shortly after the keeper did well to block a shot after some sloppy defending gave Martham a chance. Then they went close to a third with a header which came back off a post.
Bungay looked better when Ivan Ivanov and Kye Williams came on, with Ivanov just unable to take advantage of a fine ball from Goodswen, and Williams nicking a low cross past the advancing keeper only to see a defender clear his lines.
The keeper made a good save from Bishop from a shot on the turn, and clutched a low header form John Riches, but as last week at Wells, the Black Dogs could not find an equaliser.
Team: J McLoughlin, C Harding, J Wightman, O French, C Thurston, K Brown, O Alexander (K Williams), A Goodswen (S Dossett), K Riches, L Frost (I Ivanov), R Bishop.
 

Scorers: Ole Alexander, own goal

THE home side just edged home in an entertaining game in difficult conditions on the North Norfolk coast on Saturday.
The Black Dogs were undone by a seven-minute spell in the first half in which Wells scored three times, after Bungay had taken the lead, and they were just unable to pull it back after the interval in a game in which a draw would have been a fairer result in the circumstances.
“I don’t think there was much in the game,” said manager Rob Moore. “Both sides were waiting for the other to make mistakes, and we conceded from a corner, a free-kick and a mistake. The lads were pretty good and tried to play football on a difficult pitch, but in the second half we couldn’t quite get there.”
Two new signings, Kye Williams and Lewis Frost, made their debuts as substitutes and showed potential.
For the first half hour Bungay were the better side, and had an early shout for a penalty turned down when Oli Alexander seemed to be felled in the penalty area, but it was turned down. Rob Bishop, busy as ever, broke through in the 14th minute, but was forced wide and his shot was just off target.
But Bungay took the lead in the 17th minute as a good move down the left saw Ivan Ivanov crossed for Alexander to head firmly past the keeper from eight yards.
Ivanov then played Bishop in in the 26th minute but he rolled his shot past the keeper and also just wide of the post.
Wells equalised in the 30th minute as Dan Jones rose unmarked to head in a corner and four minutes alter a free-kick from out on the right from Kevin Ballett found its way into the far corner of the net with no one getting a touch. The third came in the 37th minute as a defensive error gave Jones the chance to easily beat Ben Vincent.
Frost replaced Ivanov, who had received a blow to the head in the first half, at half-time, and Bungay made a good start to the second half. The keeper did well to turn a teasing lob away for a corner, and from the flag kick a defender headed past his own keeper,
Wells put a good chance wide, and Vincent made two great saves in quick succession to keep out other efforts, before blocking an effort from two yards when it seemed the home side must score.
But towards the end Bungay forced a series of corners, and defenders cleared a couple of efforts off the line. The keeper made a flying save to keep out another goal-bound effort from Frost. But the equaliser just would not come.
Team: B Vincent, C Harding, J Wightman, J Riches, C Thurston (B Mann), K Brown, O Alexander, S Dossett, I Ivanov (L Frost), A Goodswen (K Williams), R Bishop
 

THE Black Dogs ended 2021 with a heavy defeat at Euston Park on Saturday against Thetford Rovers.
There was no hint of the debacle in the first half, which was evenly contested, both sides having chances, and Bungay unlucky to go in 1-0 down, the result of a 45th minute goal.
But 12 minutes into the second half Thetford were 4-0 up, the result of some speedy and incisive attacks, and Bungay were unable to recover.
Bungay started the game well, though Thetford had an early appeal for a penalty turned down. John Riches tested the home keeper with a powerful low shot. Thetford put a chance wide of the far post,
A good move down the left instigated by Ian Ivanov saw Jaik Blook get to the by-line but he opted to shoot rather than cross and found the side netting. Another good move in the 34th minute ended with Stan Dossett forcing a corner from the home keeper, and from the flag kick Rob Bishop had a volley well saved.
Adam Goodswen brought an even better save from the keeper with a fine shot on the turn.
But the home side took the lead when a controversial free-kick brought a corner and from it Liam Twomey glanced a header over Ben Vincent into the net.
Two minutes into the second half Twomey scored a second as the home side beat the offside trap to send him clear.
Almost immediately Ivanov won a penalty for Bungay but his cheeky chip routine this time found the keeper ready and he held the ball easily. And it was 3-0 in the 51st minute as Olly Stanley rifled home from 10 yards. The same player made it four in the 57th minute with a fine curling shot from just inside the area.
Bungay had a chance when Kale Brown pulled the ball back for Bishop, but it failed to reach the striker. Thetford were largely in control, and Vincent made several good saves. He was beaten again by Robbie Mulloy, who scored with a header diverted past the keeper by a defender.
Another Thetford effort struck the bar before Stanley completed his hat-trick and the scoring after another good build-up.
This was Bungay’s only game in December, and they will be hoping for a brighter start to 2022.
Team: B Vincent, O Alexander, G Domeny-Horn (R Evans), C Thurston, J Block, K Brown, J Riches, S Dossett (G Domeny-Horn), A Goodswen (I Ivanov), I Ivanov (M Strak), R Bishop.

Scorers: Stan Dossett, Ivan Ivanov, Jaik Block

BUNGAY were narrowly beaten in an entertaining and eventful game by free-scoring Easton in difficult conditions at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.
They led 2-0 after only four minutes, but were pegged back, and their situation was made more difficult when George Winchester was send off after 20 minutes, committing a foul as the last man.
Manager Rob Moore said he was proud of the way his team performed and they could be proud of themselves.
“We were short of six players but everyone dug deep and I am happy with that. It was a pity not to get anything from a game when we deserved it,” he said. “For the first 20 minutes we were on the front foot, but the game changed when we got the red card and we were under the cosh a bit.”
The Black Dogs were in front in less than a minute as the keeper parried a shot from River Crowson and Stan Dossett was on hand to convert the rebound.
Three minutes later it was 2-0 as John Riches overhead cross found Ivan Ivanov and he turned on a sixpence to score into the bottom corner – his fourth goal in as many games.
The goals rocked Easton, who had beaten Bungay 8-0 earlier in the season, and as they retaliated Ben Vincent had to shovel a shot way in the sixth minute. Former Bungay player Brannan Solomon soon pulled one back after a run left him with only Vincent to beat.
Easton won a free-kick on the edge of the area as George Winchester fouled and he was dismissed as the last man, but Vincent made a good save low down from the resulting free-kick.
Bungay were further handicapped when James Wightman, again playing impressively, had to go off injured, with George Dormeny-Horn replacing him. It was Easton’s turn to dominate and they equalised in the 35th minute as Vincent made one blocking save but could not prevent another former Bungay player, Tom Amiss, converting the loose ball.
The second half saw Easton on top and they were awarded a penalty in the 62nd minute which George Crowe converted. Three minutes later it was 4-2 as Solomon got another with a shot which went in off the far post.
Bu despite their numerical disadvantage, Bungay rallied and Ivanov got in a shot on the turn which was just too high, before good work between Marcus Strak and Ivanov almost created an opening. Strak brought a sharp save from the keeper at the near pot with a snap angled shot.
And Bungay’s endeavour was rewarded in the 89th minute as the energetic Jaik Block was found unmarked on the left edge of the area and he curled a fine shot into the top far corner. But they were just unable to force an equaliser.
Team: B Vincent, G Winchester, J Wightman (G Dormeny-Horn), W Flower, J Block, R Crowson, J Riches, C Thurston (O Sadler), I Ivanov, S Dossett, A Goodswen (M Strak).
 

Scorers: Ivanov (pen), Bishop, own goal

IN a game of three penalties and two sin-binnings the Black Dogs edged home at Brandon on Saturday.
Without injured captain Thomas Daniels they won more comfortably than the score suggests, and manager Rob Moore was happy with the performance and the result.
“I knew the formation they were going to play. We set up a game plan to encourage them to play their way knowing they would not beat us going forward. These are games we need to win and it was a gutsy performance,” he said. “It could have bene more comfortable but the referee made it difficult. It is a welcome three points and a good re-action to last week (when Bungay were beaten in the Suffolk Senior Cup).”
Bungay had a chance early on but Oli Alexander could not control the ball when the ball fell awkwardly to him in front of goal But in the 10th minute they were awarded a penalty when Ivan Ivanov was brought down in the box, and he again got up to convert the spot kick with a cheeky chip.
A minute later Brandon had a player sent to the sin bin for dissent. Rob Bishop brought a diving save from the keeper, and then tested him again with a great volley from Alexander’s cross.
It was 2-0 in the 24th minute as Ivanov went on a cross-field solo run before crossing into the six-yard box to allow Bishop a tap-in, his 12th goal of the season. Opportunities for Brandon were kept to a minimum by the Black Dogs’ defence, but they did put a half-chance wide before the interval.
The home side started the second half more purposefully, and were awarded a penalty in the 54th minute which James Buckmaster converted. Bungay should have got a third six minutes later when another good move saw Alexander find the unmarked Bishop two yards out, but somehow he put the chance wide.
Ivanov set up Alexander for a shot the keeper saved, and Bishop broke clear again, but could not get power in his shot under pressure.
With 12 minutes to go the visitors got the cushion they needed as Bishop won the ball well on the left and his cross was turned past his own keeper by a defender. And with seven minutes left the keeper was sent to the sin-bin for dissent.
But they were given an anxious last few minutes as the referee awarded Brandon another penalty - all three in the game were soft decisions – and Buckmaster again converted.
Team
B Vincent, G Winchester ((B Barber), J Wightman, W Flower, J Block, O Alexander (M Strak), J Riches, S Dossett, B Mann (C Thurston), I Ivanov, R Bishop.
 

Scorers: Stan Dossett, Ivan Ivanov (pen)

THE Black Dogs bowed out of the Suffolk Senior Cup at the first hurdle in an entertaining game at Bildeston on Saturday.
It was an open game with plenty of chances and if Bungay could have handled the offside trap better the result could have been very different. But Bildeston, last season's runners up, were dangerous going forward and only a string of fine saves by Ben Vincent kept his side in it.
The home side got off to a great start, taking the lead inside 70 seconds as they won a corner which was turned into his own net by Cam Harding under pressure.
As Bungay retaliated Rob Bishop sent Ivanov away down the left but his shot didn’t test the keeper. As the game flowed from end to end Vincent made a fine save to prevent Bildeston gp0ing further ahead, but Bungay were level in the 22nd minute. Dossett played Oli Alexander in down the right and when his cross was half cleared Dossett was on hand to ram home the rebound.
Bildeston went ahead again in the 39th minute as David Bart-Lorimer was unmarked at the far post from a cross ad headed home. Soon after Thomas Daniels received a serious foot injury and was replaced by Jake Block. Bungay had another chance before half-time as Ivanov was again put clear down the left but he opted to cross rather than shoot and the chance was lost.
Bildeston started the second half even quicker than they did the first, making it 3-1 50 seconds in as another corner caused problems in the Bungay defence and Bart-Loriner rammed home from eight yards.
Block made a great goal-line clearance to prevent another goal when the ball rebounded off Tommy Miller from a save by Vincent, and the keeper made a diving save soon after as a forward was about to pull the trigger.
The home keeper made an equally fine save from a strong shot form Alexander, before Will Flower conceded a 63td minute penalty. But Vincent again made a diving save from the spot kick to prevent Bart-Lorimer getting a hat-trick
That signalled a good spell by Bungay who put the home side under some sustained pressure. Dossett brought a good save from the keeper, and Ivanov fired a free kick narrowly over before, in the 70th minute, he was brought down in the area and got up to fire home the penalty.
Kale Brown took a long ball from Vincent but his cross was turned behind as
Bishop moved in. Alexander fired another shot into the side netting and was off target with another chance set up by Ivanov.
But the home side weathered the storm and Vincent had to make more fine saves, one particularly good one from a glancing header in the 87th minute.
But in added time Bildeston secured the win as Darryll Alexander scored with another close-range header.
Team: B Vincent, T Miller, J Wightman, W Flower, T Daniels (J Block), O Alexander, J Riches (B Mann), S Dossett, C Harding (K Brown), I Ivanov, R Bishop,
 

Scorers: Ivan Ivanov, Ole Alexander and Rob Bishop

A workmanlike performance brought another three points for the Black Dogs on Saturday as they comfortably completed an Anglian Combination division one double over Kirkley and Pakefield Reserves.
They led at the interval and two goals in the first part of the second half brought the win in game manager Rob Moore said was a near-perfect performance.
“We deserved it. The lads bought into the game plan again, defended well and were quick on the counter. Sam Allen was man-of-the-match and James Wightman (in defence) was very good again. Rob Bishop is an unselfish leader up front.”
The first action came after ten minutes when Kirkley put a good chance over the bar. Ivan Ivanov tested the keeper with a well struck shot after a good ball from Stan Dossett. Then, in the 13th minute, Bishop was brought down in the box. He took the penalty himself but the keeper dived to his right to make a fine save.
Ho0wver, a minute later Bishop again caused problems in the visitors’ penalty area and this time Ivanov picked up his pass to beat the keeper from close range for his first goal of the season.
Soon after John Riches was put clear, again by Bishop, but rolled his shot narrowly wide.
Just before half time a Kirkley player was sent to the sin-bin for dissent and with Kirkley still down to ten men in the 52nd minute, Bungay made it 2-0. Ivanov crossed and Oli Alexander dashed into open space to beat the keeper.
Ten minutes later tt was 3-0 as Bishop got the goal he deserved – his 11th of the season – as Dossett put him clear and he slotted past the advancing keeper.
Kirkley had a good share of the second half play and missed a great chance when a forward fired wide with only Vincent to beat. But Alexander headed narrowly wide from Bishop’s fine cross, before captain Thomas Daniels spectacularly cleared a Kirkley effort off the line to retain the Black Dogs' third clean sheet of the season.
Team: B Vincent, T Miller C Harding), J Wi8ghtman, W Flower, T Daniels, O Alexander, I Ivanov (J Block), S Dossett (B Mann), J Riches (S Dossett), S Allen, R Bishop.
 

Scorer: Will Flower

Bungay shared the spoils in a well contested game on Saturday, coming from behind to take a point from a side that has lost only once this season.
It is the first time in 30 games the Black Dogs have figured in a drawn game and manager Rob Moore said it was probably a fair result.
“We had another changed side, given thst people were injured or unavailable, and we had three 18-year-olds who came in and played well,” he said. “That is a positive and shows the progression we want as a club. We had the better chances in the game, but they had chances too.”
Early on Ivan Ivanov got in a cross that Oli Alexander side-footed – the effort was blocked and the keeper grabbed the rebound under the bar. Soon after the keeper grabbed the ball on the line following a good run and cross by Rob Bishop., who then tested the keeper with a firm shot.
Tommy Miller did well to cut out danger when Thetford threatened, and the visitors were off target with two cross-shots.
Bungay had a let-off just before the interval, when Valta Rocha hit the post from close range and the ball rebounded off him and behind.
The visitors had a chance in the 47th minute but a player fired wide with only Ben Vincent to best. It signalled a period of possession for Thetford, and Cam Harding got in one fine tackle as a forward was about to pull the trigger. The defence, with James Wightman impressive, generally defended well
Bishop set up Kale Brown but he could not control the ball as the keeper came out.
The visitors took the lead with a firm header from Rocha from a corner in the 70th minute, but Bungay responded well, and Brown was just wide with a left foot shot from Sam Allen’s pass. The equaliser came in the 77h minute as an Ivanov corner caused problems in the Thetford defence and Will Flower finally slotted home from close range.
Bungay almost stole it in stoppage time as Bishop crossed from the by-line and two players were just unable to force the loose ball home.
Team: B Vincent, T Miller, W Flower, J Wightman, T Daniels (C Harding), O Alexander (J Block), S Allen, S Dossett, I Ivanov, R Bishop, K Brown (O Alexander).
 

Scorer: Ole Alexander

A FINE goal 14 minutes from time sunk Bungay in this Anglian Combination division one fixture on Saturday.
The goal had been coming in the second half, with the Black Dogs unable to secure enough possession after an evenly matched first half which ended level at 1-1.
Manager Rob Moore said his side did not have enough possession and was made to work hard defensively.
“We couldn’t transition. They were a beatable team,” he said.
There were just three minutes on the clock when Sprowston took the lead. The ball was played down to right to the onrushing Jack Hurrell, whose strong low drive took a deflection off Thomas Daniels to beat Ben Vincent.
But the Black Dogs were level nine minutes later as Jake Block retrieved the ball on the by-line and crossed for Oli Alexander to score comfortably from eight yards. Shortly after Adam Goodswen put a long range attempt over the bar.
Sprowston put a shot into the side netting jn an even opening half. In the 27th Bungay netted as Kale Brown took a long ball over the top to slide it past the keeper, but despite the fact that he was well onside when the ball was played the goal was disallowed.
Sprowston twice went close before half time, and in the second half had the greater share of the ball, stretching the home defence on several occasions. But they were finally beaten in the 76th minute as Jordan-Lee Buttle picked up the ball wide on the left and fired a spectacular 25-yard shot into the far top corner.
Bunny had a chance to equalise with ten minutes left but substitute Bailey Jenner put a header wide from Ivan Ivanov’s cross.
Team: B Vincent, O Alexander (B Jenner), W Flower, J Riches, T Daniels, C Harding, A Goodswen (S Allen), B Mann (O Alexander), J Block (I Ivanov), R Bishop, K Brown.
 

Scorer: Kale Brown

KALE Brown was Bungay’s hero on Saturday as he hit a dramatic 89th minute winner to bring all three Anglian Combination division one points back from second-placed East Harling.
In a game of limited real action in the penalty areas and both keepers rarely stretched it looked like a goal-less draw until the winner, greeted with elation by the team, manager and supporters.
Manager Rob Moore was ecstatic after a game in which he lost two players to injury in the first half
“That was a very good performance particularly with two injuries it the first half” he said. “James Wightman came on and was phenomenal (in defence) and Sam Allen came on (in midfield) and was brilliant. We had a game plan and everyone stuck to it. I had a feeling the game was going to go this way and we could catch them with a late break, and we did.”
Wightman came on in the 10th minute for the injured George Dormeny-Horn. In a first half of little action of note Ben Vincent comfortably took a couple of Harling efforts and for Bungay, Jake Block got to the by-line and pulled the ball back but it was just behind Brown. Then the injured Adam Goodswen made way for Allen.
Early in the second half Vincent made a good save from one Harling effort, and they put a better chance over the bar soon after. They put other half chances wide and Vincent was stretched to touch away an effort at the far post.
Bungay’s best chance came int he 80th minute as Rob Bishop did well to win a ball but his shot past the keeper was cleared by a defender and his follow-up was blocked by the keeper.
Then a quick break from defence in the 89th minute saw Allen thread the ball through for Brown to take it on and nick it over the keeper into the net and begin the celebrations for a job well done by the whole team.
Team: B Vincent, G Dormeny-Horn (J Wightman), W Flower, T Daniels, O Alexander, A Goodswen (S Allen), B Mann (I Ivanov), C Harding, J Block, K Brown, R Bishop.
 

Scorer: Kale Brown

THE Black Dogs turned in another disappointing away performance on Saturday as they were once again beaten by a team below them in the Anglian /Combination division one table.
An equaliser just before half-time should have set them up to push in in the second half – instead it was Stalham who took the initiative with two goals early on, and Bungay were not able to come back.
Manager Rob Moore said: “Disappointing. They certainly took their chances, and we had plenty of chances which we didn’t take. And if you don’t take your chances you get punished. We had three players missing and so we lose the consistency of keeping the same squad.,”
The home side got in a couple of shots early on which didn’t trouble Lew Riches in goal. Fore Bungay Adam Goodswen won the ball well to put him clear, but his short hit a post., Leading scorer Rob Bishop headed Ivan Ivanov’s corner over the bar and then pilled another chance wide after good work by Jake Block,
Stalham took the lead on 20 minutes as a player got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Thomas Crabb to finish well. Possession was fairly even, but Kale Brown had a chance, only to fire over with two unmarked colleagues waiting for a pass. Goodswen netted only to be thwarted by the offside flag.
Brown, who had a good game, made amends a minute before the interval as Ivanov clipped in a fine ball and he controlled it well before slotting past the keeper.
Early in the second half Block was off target after being set up by Cam Harding, then Goodswen’s touch let him down after Brown set him up.
But the home side were finding acres of space down the right all afternoon and they exploited it in the 55th minute as Ryan Beeson held off challenges to beat Riches. It spurred the home side on and Riches had to make two good saves in quick succession.
It only delayed the third goal, which came in the 60th minute as a slick move down the right ended with Jordan Tipple finding the bottom corner.
Bungay were still in the game and Bishop had another good chance, but his final touch let him down as he homed in on goal. Beeson showed how it should be done soon after with a fourth for Stalham.
With nine minutes left the home side was reduced to 10 men as a player was dismissed for a second yellow card for a dangerous tackle. But though Brown was unlucky to see a powerful drive turned on to the bar by the home keeper, Stalham held on comfortably despite their disadvantage.
Team: L Riches, O Alexander, G Domeny-Horn, W Flower, I Ivanov, C Harding (S Dossett), J Riches (C Harding), A Goodswen (B Mann), J Block (L Ellis), R Bishop, K Brown.
 

Scorers: Adam Goodswen, Ole Alexander, Rob Bishop 2 (1 pen)

THE Black Dogs gained revenge for an opening day defeat at Attleborough as they turned the tables at the Maltings Meadow on /Saturday.
They threw away a 2-0 early lead but Rib Bishop; scored twice in the second half to take his tally to 10 in five games and complete a win that was more comfortable than the score suggests.
“This was a really strong performance and there was a good mentality from the lads today,” said a satisfied manager Rob Moore. “We were the better side for three-quarters of the game. It is the strongest we have looked by far and it was the first time I have had to make a decision about dropping someone.”
Will Flower put a far post header from a free-kick narrowly wide in the ninth minute, but it only delayed the lead for three minutes, as Bishop set up Adam Goodswen to score from close range - his third goal in three games and fourth in all.
It was 2-0 after 20 minutes as Ivan Ivanov cut in from the left and fired in a shot the keeper could only parry upwards, leaving Oli Alexander to head in the loose ball at the far post.
More chances came and went, but in the 30th minute Bungay conceded a needless penalty, and Jack Fuller rammed home the spot kick. It rejuvenated the visitors, and they equalised seven minutes later, as a move down the right led to a cross which George Winchester could only turn into his own net as he tried to clear.
Early in the second half Ben Vincent had to make a save at the feet of an Attleborough forward as the visitors started well. For Bungay Goodswen put Jake B lock away down the left but his cross from the byline found no one available to turn it in. Soon after Alexander cut the ball back from the other byline but Goodswen someone scooped wide from close range.
Vincent had to kick away one effort from the visitors but generally Bungay were on top and. Block was unlucky to see a powerful long range effort come back off the bar. Ivanov and John Riches set up another chance for Bishop but the keeper came out to grab his intended chip.
However, they moved ahead again in the 67thy minute as a strong tackle in mid-field set Bishop clear and this time he took the ball round the keeper to score. Five minutes later came the clinching goal as Bishop was brought down in the area and he got up to convert the penalty himself.
Vincent had to make a couple of saves as Attleborough tried to respond, but before the end substitute Stan Dossett brought a fine save from the visiting keeper, and Riches was unlucky to see a far post head come back off the bar.
Team: B Vincent, G Winchester, G Domeny-Horn, W Flower, T Daniels (J Block), O Alexander (B Mann), J Riches, C Harding (S Dossett), I Ivanov, A Goodswen, R Bishop.
 

Scorers: John Riches, Rob Bishop 3 (2 pens), Thomas Daniels, Adam Goodswen

Bungay Town 6-1 Gorleston Reserves
The Black Dogs produced another emphatic home performance as they brushed aside a young Gorleston Reserves side at the Maltings on Saturday. Striker Rob Bishop got a hat-trick for the second straight home game, including converting two penalties. All of this came despite two players, Bishop himself and Tom Daniels, being sin-binned for a period in the second-half.
Bungay lined up with new signing from Kirkley & Pakefield Will Flower at centre-back, skipper John Riches back in a five-man midfield, and Bishop back to lead the line. The Black Dogs took a while to get going, and it was the visitors who enjoyed most possession early on, although their only scoring opportunity came as a forward hit the post with a header from a left-wing cross.
Ivan Ivanov and Ole Alexander swapped wings mid-way through the half, and this change brought immediate results, when Riches met Alexander’s fine long ball to head past the keeper. The goal spurred on Bungay, who dominated possession, with Adam Goodswen influential in midfield. His shot went just wide, Bishop had a shot charged down, and then Daniels headed narrowly wide from a corner. Bungay doubled their lead after 35 minutes, as Ivanov latched onto an under-hit back pass and was tripped by the keeper, and Bishop scored easily from the resultant penalty. Four minutes later Bungay could have extended their lead as Ivanov crossed for Bishop, but he delayed his shot and it was cleared.
However, the third goal came a minute after the break, as Alexander cut in from the left and was fouled – Bishop again scored from the penalty. The visitors responded well to this, and pressed themselves. Lew Riches made a fine save, and then after 50 minutes Gorleston themselves were awarded a spot-kick, after Daniels, keeper Riches and a forward collided. Daniels’ protests saw him sin-binned, but Riches made a fine diving save from the penalty. Gorleston continued to press against the ten men, and Riches made two fine saves, and George Winchester made two good blocks to stop goal-bound shots. The pressure finally told though, as Reece Tillett scored from a rebound after another fine save from Riches. Bishop was then also sin-binned, leaving Bungay with nine players for two minutes before Daniels returned. Daniels himself eased the pressure after 71 minutes, as he cut in from the left to beat a defender and shoot past the keeper. At the other end Tillett shot just wide when well placed.
Ivanov, who had a relatively quiet game by his standards, then came into his own, first setting up sub Jake Block with a fine pass, but Block’s shot was well-saved. In the 83rd minutes Ivanov’s fine pass put Bishop through, and he completed his hat-trick with a neat finish. Goodswen capped a fine performance with the last goal, finishing well after good approach play by Alexander and Bishop.
L Riches, Winchester, Flower (Sub: Bailey Jenner), Dormedy-Horn, Daniels (Sub: B Wilson), Alexander, J Riches, Harding (Sub Block), Goodswen, Ivanov, Bishop
 

Scorer: Adam Goodswen

THE Black Dogs turned in a disappointing performance at Martham on Saturday, letting a half-time lead slip to sink to defeat.
After the impressive win against the league leaders the previous week they succumbed too easily to a team below them in the Anglian Combination division one table. Without four-goal hero Rob Bishop, they had little to offer up front.
Manager Rob Moore said afterwards: “Too many players just didn’t turn up. Adam Goodswen was the only player to come out of the game with any credit. We were beaten by a poor Martham side.”
Cam Harding had a header deflected wide early on and Kale Brown was put clear by a defensive slip, but the keeper came out to block.
Long range efforts were all the side had to offer, and they had a let off when former Black Dog Tom Hunter broke clear but put his effort wide of the far post. Later Ben Vincent got down well to keep out a Hunter effort.
Goodswen was busy in mid-field and put in a number of good runs. Bungay were marginally the better side and deserved the lead Goodswen finally gave them in the 45th minute as he scored with a low shot form the edge of the area and just inside the post.
But Martham equalised in the first minute of the second half as slack defending gave Lloyd Sayer the chance to go through and beat Vincent.
For Bungay Ben Mann put a header from Goodswen’s cross straight at the keeper, and later headed a long throw from John Riches on to the top of the bar, while Riches brought a diving save from the keeper in the 65th minute.
But Bungay never looked comfortable when Martham broke, and after Vincent had made a flying save to turn over a fierce shot, one such attack brought the winner in the 70th minute. Hunter’s curling cross from the right was headed home by the unmarked Rob Clements. The black Dogs rarely looked like retrieving anything from the game after that.
Team: B Vincent, O Alexander (G Winchester), J Riches, G Dormeny-Horn, T Daniels, C Harding, I Ivanov (B Morrissey), A Goodswen (V Woolnough), G Winchester (B Jenner), B Mann, K Brown.
 

Scorers: Rob Bishop 4, Kale Brown

Bungay produced their best performance of the season as they swept aside the league leaders Norwich United Under 21s at the Maltings on Saturday. Striker Rob Bishop was unplayable as he hit four of the goals, and Ivan Ivanov was again excellent, setting up the first three goals and proving a constant threat. The five-goal margin was perhaps slightly harsh on the young visitors, who looked dangerous going forward themselves, with Ben Vincent in the Bungay goal making some good saves. But this was emphatically Bungay’s day, with the whole side gelling, to the delight of manager Rob Moore.
The Black Dogs started brightly, with Ivanov featuring promptly. In the fourth minute his low cross evaded everyone in the goal area. Three minutes later Kale Brown shot just wide as Bungay continued to press. The first goal came in the 17th minute, Ivanov’s clever pass putting Bishop in on goal and he beat the keeper low to his left. Two minutes later it was 2-0, the same two players again combining, with Bishop this time scoring from the inside left position.
At the other end Ben Vincent saved well from Evan Perry’s shot, but Bungay made it 3-0 after 26 minutes, Ivanov’s long pass initially looked overhit but a mistake by the Norwich keeper allowed Kale Brown in to score easily.
Bishop almost made it four after a fine run, but the keeper saved his shot. Ivanov them put in Brown again, but his shot was saved, and from the subsequent corner, skipper John Riches hooked the ball just over the bar.
At the start of the second-half Ivanov’s pass again put Bishop in on goal, but his shot was well blocked by the visitors’ keeper. After 57 minutes it was 4-0, Bishop completing his hat-trick with a neat chip from Sam Allen’s fine long pass. The visitors then enjoyed their best spell of the game, with Cam Harding blocking one shot, and then Vincent saving well from Perry’s shot.
Bungay finished strongly, with substitute Jake Block firing into the side netting, then Ivanov and Bishop combining to set up Brown, who shot just over. The best goal of the game came in the 89th minute, Bishop getting his fourth after a fine solo run saw him cut in from the left-wing to beat two defenders and sweep the ball across the keeper.
B Vincent, O Alexander, J Riches, G Dormeny-Horn, T Daniels (Sub Allen), C Harding, I Ivanov, K Brown (Sub S Dossett), S Allen (Sub K Caley), B Mann (Sub J Block), R Bishop.
 

FOR the third time this season a late, late goal robbed Bungay of some reward as they went down to Caister in the Anglian Combination senior knock-out cup on Saturday.
For long periods they dominated against their opponents from a higher division, only for the home side to ruin their chances with a goal in the 89th minute.
But it was also deja vu for the Black Digs as they again passed up several good chances to put the game beyond Caister before that. Again there was much to be positive about – but they must start to take the chances that come along.
Bungay caused the home side problems from the start but it was their keeper Ben Vincent who saw the first real action as he leapt to turn over a fierce 20-yard effort.in the 19th minute.. For Bungay Rob Bishop tried his luck from long range but was off target.
Casister, quick on the break, went close again in the 30th minute as a forward held off a challenge but pulled his shot wide of the far post.
Keith Caley put Bishop clear but his effort was wide of the far post as the keeper advanced. In the 41st minute Cam Harding put the striker clear again but his shot cleared the keeper and the bar. Before the interval Ben Mann bullied his way into a shooting position but the keeper was equal to his shot. Sam Allen tested the keeper with a header.
Ivan Ivanov was again impressive for Bungay and in the first minute if the second half he crossed for Harding to head wide, before setting up another chance for Bishop, who could get no power in his shot., The Bulgarian set up Allen for a shot that was wide of the mark, and then Mann, whose effort was too close to the keeper.
Bungay were dominating and Vincent had rare action when he took a Caister shot comfortably. Substitute Jake Block was the next to have a chance from George Winchester’s set up but could not take advantage, and another fine chance went begging eight minutes from time as Bishop and Brown combined for the latter to fluff his lunes.
Just when it seemed the game would go direct to penalties Caister produced the sucker punch in the 89th minute, Caister centre-half Billy Shaw racing clear to beat Vincent.
Team: B Vincent, T Miller (B Morrissey)), G Domeny-Horn, J Riches, K Caley, C Harding, G Winchester, S Allen (K Brown), I Ivanov, R Bishop, J Mann (J Block).

Scorers: Rob Bishop (pen), Sam Allen

A LATE goal cost Bungay the point they deserved from this game on Saturday, with a controversial goal from the visitors earlier being the turning point.
But the Black Dogs were left to rue some great chances which went begging in an evenly contested Anglian Combination division one game.
A frustrated manager Rob Moore said afterwards: “We were the better team. If we have taken our chances we could have won it – simple as that.
“We worked our socks off. Ivan Ivanov was our man of the match, having come in from the Reserves, and Rob Bishop had a good debut. They knew how dangerous he was.”
The busy Ivanov set up Cam Harding for a shot in the first minute but it was blocked by a defender. Home keeper Ben Vincent had to make two good saves when Fakenham attacked with speed, before more good work by Ivanov again set up Harding, whose shot crashed against the bar.
But after John Riches had gone close with a header the visitors broke to take the lead in the 20th minute as Jake Watts had room to turn in a cross from the right.
But two minutes later Bishop was brought down in the area and he got up to convert the penalty. Shortly after Bishop had a shot blocked after combining well with Sam Allen. Those two both had shots blocked in quick succession by the Fakenham defence.
In the second half Fakenham thumped a shot against the bar, while the visiting keeper did well to turn an Allen effort away for a corner. Allen then missed a golden chance with only the keeper to best.
Fakenham took the lead in the 62nd minute in controversial circumstances as the referee ignored a clear offside flag and Rickj Claxton scored from a rebound after one shot came back off the post.
The Black Dogs got the equaliser they deserved in the 82nd minute as Bishop’s long cross was controlled by Ivanov, who took it to the byline before crossing for Allen to score from close range.
But Watts broke the home hearts with a good goal in the 88th minute, firing across Vincent and into the far corner.
Team: B Vincent, L Good, F Dormeny-Horn, T Daniels, B Morrissey, I Ivanov, J Riches, C Harding, G Winchester, R Bishop, S Allen (A Goodswen).
 

AFTER their encouraging win at Kirkley in mid-week Bungay came crashed down to earth on Saturday as they were trounced 8-0 at Easton in the Anglian Combination division one.
It was their heaviest defeat for 25 years, since they went down 9-0 at Scole in a division two fixture on August 20th, 1996.
It was an afternoon to forget as they hand no answer to Easton’s slick approach play and sharp finishing. Keeper Lew Riches saved them form an even heaver defeat with some reflex saves.
The scene was set as he made two fine saves in the third minute to turn away goal bound efforts, but at the other end Jake Block brought a good save from the home keeper on one of Bungay’s few meaningful attacks, and Tom Daniels’ follow-up from the loose ball brought an even better diving save.
But the rout began in the 22nd minute as a swift break down the left and a cross saw former Bungay player Tom Amis make it 1-0. Five Minutes later G Crowe made it 2-0 when he deftly flicked in a cross from the right.
Another flick from G Crowe made it 3-0 in the 37th minute and B Butler got the fourth before half-time.
Manager Rob Moore brought on all three substitutes at the start of the second half but within four minutes another ex-Bungay player, Brannan Solomon, made it 5-0 for the home side as he took advantage of a poor back pass to beat Riches. W Kersey-Logan soon added a sixth.
For a while Bungay steadied things and it was another 26 minutes before more goals came, Butler scoring again before Amiss completed the day from the penalty spot.
Team: L Riches, T Daniels (G Block), L Good (B Wilson), G Dormeny-Horn, S Allen (L Good), G Winchester (C Harding), C Harding (L Ellis), J Riches, J Block (B Morrissey), R Evans, K Caley.

Scorers: Cameron Harding and Ben Mann

THE Black Dogs came from behind to record their first victory of the season at a damp Walmar Road on Tuesday evening.
After John Riches had seen a spectacular overhead shot turned on to the bar by the home keeper, Kirkley took the lead as a player was left free inside the six-yard box and he easily be Lew Riches.
But Bungay deservedly equalised in the 34th minute as Bailey Jenner headed a free-kick back into the danger area and Cam Harding nipped in to score at the far post. The winner came in the 54th minute as the home keeper completely missed a long ball forward and Ben Mann took the ball on to score into an empty net.
In the final minutes Kirkley twice hit the woodwork, but some determined defending saw the Black Dogs through.
 

A HARSH penalty decision three minutes into added time robbed Bungay of a share if the spoils in this Anglian Combination division one game on Saturday.
Aylsham had more possession and the better chances, but Bungay’s resilience and hard work deserved some reward and to lose in those circumstances was frustrating.
“It was one of those situations where we made the referee make a decision and it went against us,” said manager Rob Moore afterwards.
“The hard work and dedication that everyone showed were excellent. I was happy with the attitude and commitment. When we changed the formation after 30 minutes we looked better defensively.”
Thst came about as the result of two injuries, Elliott Patrick and Kale Brown having to go off, with John Riches going back into defence.
Before that Aylsham had three early attempts on goal and Lewis Riches in goal turned way another goal-bound shot. Then the Black Dogs ere lucky to survive in a flurry of shots and blocks in an 18th minute assault. Riches tested the keeper with a long range free kick, but before the interval keeper Riches made a great reflex save with his foot to keep things level at half-time.
Early in the second half Aylsham struck a post, but Bungay responded with their best move of the game which ended with the keeper clutching Ben Mann’s header. Then River Crowson was put away down the left but a defender got back to put his short aside.
Riches made a good double save as Aylsham continued to have greater possession, and they were unlucky with a free-kick which struck the top of the bar.

Bungay made things difficult for themselves as both Oli Alexander and Sam Allen were sent to the sin-bin for dissent for 10 minutes. They then survived that period with nine men. Later Patrick did well to get back to head a goalbound shot off the line, and for Bungay Mann brought a diving save from the keeper with a low shot, and Allen sent his shot straight at the keeper at the end of a good move.
But just as it seemed the Black Dogs had won their first point, they were denied by the penalty decision as Jamie George converted.

Team: L Riches, O Alexander, E Patrick (L Good), C Harding, G Dormeny-Horn, B Jenner (R Crowson), K Brown (K Caley), S Allen, B Mann J Riches, A Goodswen

Scorers: Adam Goodswen, Ben Mann, John Riches

THE Black Dogs opened their 2021-22 campaign on Tuesday evening in an entertaining encounter at Attleborough. They were finally beaten by the odd goal of seven, battling to the end after being 2-0 down at the interval. In the end defensive lapses cost them the chance of a point.
The 13-man squad included eight debutants, six of them starting, and they took time to settle, but there were positives to taken from the game which was new manager Rob Moore’s first competitive game in charge following a number of pre-season friendlies. “We were good in spells, decent going forward, and broke well, but we were a yard off the pace at the back and it cost us,” he said afterwards. “It was a new team, with a lot of new players, and we need to jell as a team. It is early days.”
Captain John Riches, playing his 222nd game for Bungay, led the side by example, but the home side was out of the blocks quickest, and took a 10th minute lead with a fine finish into the top corner from the edge of the area from Jack Fuller which gave new keeper Ben Vincent no chance. But after that Bungay quelled the early pressure and were well on top for the last 20 minutes of the half. Striker Ben Mann put a header wide from a quickly taken free-kick from Riches, and they were unlucky in the 33rd mjnute when Kale Brown’s shot from 10 yards was deflected onto the underside of the bar and cleared. Brown again broke clear but put his shot agonisingly wide as the keeper advanced.
So, it was against the run of player when Attleborough went two up just before the break as Oliver Ramsbottom was left unmarked to head home a cross in a swift break. It was the home side who got the early goal in the second half – only 90 seconds had gone when they beat the offside trap and Ernie Vilutis was able to take the ball round Vincent and score into an empty net. But Bungay struck back quickly as River Crowson set up Adam Goodswen two minutes later after a good build-up and he coolly beat the keeper. Crowson himself went close with two efforts, and with eight minutes left Bungay pulled another back, Ben Mann heading in from close range after the home defence failed to clear a concerted attack. With a minute left the home side appeared to make the game safe with a fourth, Ryan John slotting home from a well-worked free-kick. But there was still time for Bungay to make it an edgy finish for the home side as Crowson gave Riches the chance to convert his 49th goal for the club two minutes into added time.

Team: B Vincent, O Alexander, L Good, G Dormeny-Horn (K Caley), K Caley (E Patrick), R Crowson (J Block), J Riches, C Harding, A Goodswen (R Crowson) K Brown, B Mann.
 

Scorer: Ben Mann 2

Scorer: John Riches

The Black Dogs were a little unfortunate to bow out of the senior cup in the second round as senior football returned to the Maltings Meadow on Saturday for the first time for nearly five months.
Against a team from two stages higher up the pyramid (albeit a very young Sudbuty side) they led at half time, and only a harsh penalty decision saw the sides level at full time. Keeper Lewis Riches twice saved a twice taken penalty in the shoot-out, but with the visiting keeper saving two of Bungay’s penalties, it was a quick end to the curtailed season fort the Black Dogs.
Nevertheless new manager Rob Moore will have taken positives from his first look at his squad in action, with four teenagers in the side.
It was a game in which goalmouth action was sparse. Luke Ellis almost broke through early on but the keeper just got to the ball before him. But when Bungay forced the first corner in the 12th minute, captain John Riches got across the defence to Ellis’ flag kick to glance a firm header into the roof of the net.
Soon after Riches tried his luck with a 30-yad free-kick which was well over the top. Sudbury’s first effort on goal came in the 21st minute, but it rolled well wide. For Bungay Ben Wilson forced another corner which the visitors cleared with difficulty. Before the interval Riches took a low shot comfortably at the near post, and Lewis Good cut out the danger when Sudbury threatened again
Five minutes into the second half the visitors were awarded what seemed a harsh penalty after a fair tussle for the ball on the by-line, and the spot kick was duly converted. It lifted the visitors and they went close with two other efforts, though both were off target.
Riches saw a free-kick blocked by the Sudbury wall, and as both sides went for a winner in the last four minutes substitute Reece Evans pulled his shot wide of the far post and a Sudbury effort just cleared the bar. In the final minute keeper Riches made a fine reflex save to keep the scores level.
Bungay’s successful penalty takers in the shoot-out were Oli Alexander, Keith Caley and Lewis Good.
Team: L Riches, O Alexander, L Good, J Wightman, K Caley, B Morrissey, C Cox (R Evans), J Riches, B Wilson, R Crowson (J Baynes) L Ellis.
 

Scorers: Sam Olley 2, Luke Ellis, John Riches (pen), Sean Payne

A first clean sheet of the season and five goals for the second week running meant a great return to the Maltings Meadow for the Black Dogs on Saturday.
Three more Anglican Combination division one points increased the gap between them and the bottom four teams – and the victory came despite being reduced to 10 men after just 21 minutes, with the score 0-0, when new striker Ben Lewis was given his marching orders, apparently for something he said to the linesman.
Fakenham, pointless and bottom of the table, provided Bungay with few problems, and as early as the fifth minute Brannan Solomon forced the keeper into a comfortable save. Then a good move saw Callum Cox turn inside but clear the bar with his shot.
At the other ends Lewis Riches was forced into a rare save when Fakenham make a quick break in the 21st minute, but immediately Solomon netted what appeared to be a good goal, only for the linesman to flag for offside. Lewis was shown a red card under protest for venting his feelings about the decision.
Undeterred Bungay took the lead in the 32nf minute as a move down the right saw the ball crossed to the left where Sam Olley controlled the ball and fired home. Soon after Olley was just off target with an overhead kick.
The second goal came on 40th minutes as another slick move saw Luke Ellis’s first shot blocked, but he fired home at the second attempt. Before half-time the keeper did well to block another Ellis shot.
The trend continued in the second half, with the keeper making a good block from River Crowson. But the third goal soon followed as Olley was again on hand to score from four yards when Ellis crossed into the six yard box.
On the hour Bungay won a penalty as Cox was bundled over in the box and John Riches scored from the spot for the third time in two games. Late on Sean Payne replaced Crowson and in the 85th minute was on hand to complete the scoring with a close range header from Cox’s corner.
Team: L Riches, B Morrissey, S Olley, L Good, K Caley, R Crowson (S Payne), J Riches, B Solomon, L Ellis (I Ivanov), B Lewis, C Cox.
# Quirky statistic: For the first time in their history on Saturday, the Black Dogs had more paying spectators than attended the Manchester Premiership derby between United and City the same afternoon. There were none at Old Trafford because of the coronavirus pandemic.
 

Scorers: John Riches 2 (2 pens), Luke Ellis, Callum Cox, Ben Lewis.

THE Black Dogs celebrated the resumption of football by banging five goals past Thetford Rovers on Saturday.
In their second win of the season in the Anglian Combination division one they dominated from street to finish, and could easily have doubled their score. Ben Lewis made his long-awaited debut up front and showed he will be a real asset, and contributed the final goal.
The game also marked the return of Brannan Solomon, and Kevin Riches came on as substitute on his return to the club.
It took Bungay only four minutes to take the lead, as John Riches converted a penalty after Callum Cox had been felled in the penalty area. Solomon had a shot blocked soon after, but keeper Riches had to palm away a low shot when Rovers attacked. Lewis showed his capability as he brought a fine save from the home keeper with a powerful long-range shot.
Rovers equalised against the run of play in the 22nd minute as James Dean worked an opening and fired past Riches.
But Bungay regained the lead in the 38th minute as Lewis threaded the ball through to Solomon whose cross from the by-line was tapped home by Luke Ellis. Before the interval the busy keeper somehow clawed a flick from Solomon off the line.
After the interval River Crowson set up Lewis for a shot which just missed the target, but the third goal soon came as good work from substitute Ivan Ivanov gave Cox the chance to finish well from the edge of the area.
Bungay won another penalty on the hour as Solomon was brought down unceremoniously and John Riches again did the job from the spot. Before the end Bungay created several good openings without being able to convert them, but Lewis finally got his debut goal after Ivanov and Solomon had combined well to set it up.
Team: L Riches, S Olley, L Good (K Caley), T Miller (K Riches), K Caley (T Miller), R Crowson (S Bone), J Riches, B Solomon, L Ellis (I Ivanov), B Lewis, C Cox.
 

Scorers: Sam Bone, Darrell Wigger and John Riches

THE Black Dogs progressed to the third round of the Suffolk Senior Cup with an impressive win at Kirkley on Wednesday evening.
It was well deserved and was achieved by a team effort in what was the best performance of the season so far.
The home side took the lead in the 15th minute, William Flower converting a corner from almost on the line, but Bungay equalised on 32 minutes as Sam Bone headed in Darrell Wigger’s corner.
Six minutes later Wigger put Bungay ahead with a tremendous 30-yard free-kick which went in off the bar. They contained Kirkley well in the second half and John Riches made the game safe with a tap in, with Wigger again the provider with a run in from the right.
Team: L Riches, O Alexander, L Good, T Miller, K Caley, S Dossett, J Riches (S Payne), B Morrissey, D Wigger, S Bone (L Metcalfe), L Ellis.
 

Scorer: Darrell Wigger

THE visitors gained their first ever victory over the Black Dogs on Saturday with two goals in each half.
Bungay equalised in the first half after going behind and though they went in 2-1 down there was promise that they could take the game to Yelverton after the interval and take something from the game. But that hope did not materialise and the visitors moved to a comfortable victory in the end.
Without the injured River Crowson, James Wightman and Callum Cox Bungay had a challenge against one of the early in-form sides. And the first action of any note came in the 16th minute when Danny Cook latched on to a long ball and held off a challenge to put Yelverton ahead with a shot inside the far post. Another effort from the visitors flew wide shortly afterwards.
But Bungay dug in and after Darrell Wigger had gone close and Luke Ellis had had a shot blocked they equalised in the 30th minute. Sam Bone found Wigger with a good ball and he side-stepped one defender before finished well from 10 yards.
Yelverton put one 30-yard drive narrowly wide, and Lewis Riches made a fine save with his foot to keep out another shot. But the visitors regained the lead in the 40th minute as Danny Crabbe headed home a corner at the far post.
Early in the second half Riches made a marvellous one-handed save to keep out what seemed a certain goal, and Yelverton’s third was not long delayed as James Melton turned in a cross from the right.
Bungay’s fight-back never really materialised, but they did have chances, notably when Ellis crossed and substitute Jamie Broady could not get his shot away before he was closed down. The same player had a better chance soon after when Wigger set him up again, but the keeper grabbed his shot at the second attempt.
Yelverton made it 4-1 through Chris Hall in the 74th minute, and comfortably saw the game out.
Team: L Riches, B Wilson, L Good, T Miller, K Caley, S Dossett (I Ivanov), L Metcalfe, J Riches (R Went), L Ellis, D Wigger S Bone (J Broady).
 

THE Black Dogs were beaten by one of the favourites for promotion at Aylsham on Saturday – but they will rue several good chances they created in the second half which they were unable to take.
They actually scored what seemed a good goal before the home side went ahead in this well-contested Anglian Combination division one game, but after lengthy delay the referee controversially cancelled it out for a foul after consulting the home linesman.
But it was another encouraging display against a good side, with the score rather flattering Aylsham
Young keeper Charlie Cook replaced the unavailable Lewis Riches and he had a promising debut, taking an early strike confidently, and later making a fine one handed save to keep out another shot, shortly after Darrell Wigger had gone close for Bungay.
The Black Dogs thought they had taken the lead in the 17th minute as a cross from Keith Caley caused problems in the home defence and when the ball fell to Callum Cox, he lobbed the keeper from 15 yards. Players had lined up for the re-start before the referee consulted the home linesman, who said he thought his keeper had been fouled, and the goal was ruled out.
It deflated Bungay for a while and Aylsham went ahead six minutes later as Owen Collyer turned in a low cross from close range.
Cox netted again soon after but he was offside. Then he had an effort cleared off the line by a defender after his first effort had been blocked.
The home side were unlucky with a 35-yard shot that came back off the bar with Cook beaten, and put another chance wide, before making it 2-0 in the 39th minute as Jamie George lobbed Cook as he came off his line for an attempted block.
In the second half the home side put an early chance off target before making it 3-0 in the 54th minute as Collyer was again on hand for a tap in from a cross.
After that the Black Dogs created several chances. Substitute Ivan Ivanov crossed form the left to the unmarked Luke Ellis but the keeper blocked his shot. Cook made a similar safe for Bungay. Ellis got clear down the left and crossed for the unmarked Ben Wilson but again the keeper saved the day, and then just got to a cross before Wigger.
Cook made another great point-blank save as play flowed from end to end, and Ivanov again set up Wilson, whose effort was over the keeper and over the bar. then Wilson and Ellis found themselves with only the keeper to beat only for the chance to go begging again. A defender blocked another goal-bound shot from Ellis.
Aylsham hit a post in added time and then Lewis Good, on for the injured James Wightman, found Caley with a great ball, and from his cross Ivanov had an overhead strike blocked.
Team: C Cook, S Olley, T Miller, J Wightman (L Good), K Cakey, S Dossett, L Metcalfe (B Wilson), J Riches, L Ellis, D Wigger, C Cox (I Ivanov).

Scorers: River Crowson, Darrell Wigger

A goal deep into added time brought the Black Dogs a richly deserved first victory of the season at Watton on Saturday.
They had dominated the first half of this Anglian Combination division one game but a fortuitous Watton equaliser meant they went in level at the interval, and Watton were more in the game in the second half, but Bungay defended well, with the U18s partnership of James Wightman and Tommy Miller outstanding in the centre of the defence.
It was an encouraging display by the whole team, however, and will give them hope in some tough fixtures ahead in the next few weeks.
John Riches had a shot blocked following an early free kick, and Darrell Wigger, a thorn in Watton’s side all afternoon, fired a good chance wide under pressure. Bungay’s early dominance brought them the lead in the 12th minute with some slick football. Keith Caley played the ball down the line to Wigger, who got to the by-line before crossing for River Crowson to bang the ball home from four yards.
A fine tackle by Miller cut out one Watton threat, but the home defence was the busier, and Wigger forced the first of several corners when he was played clear. In the 39th minute he had a great chance to put his side further ahead, but fired wide from close range after some desperate Watton defending.
Riches drilled a powerful 30-yard shot into the keeper’s midriff, but totally against the run of play Watton equalised in the 45th minute. With Lewis Riches off his line Mark Allibone ballooned the ball into the air and it went over the keeper and into the net on its first bounce.
In the second half Stan Dossett got in a header that was comfortably taken and Wigger curled a free-kick narrowly over the bar, but Watton were more in the game and put a couple of clear chances wide of the target.
For Bungay Wigger had a fine chance in the 63rd minute, only to fire wide from close in. With the scores level Watton were always in with a chance of snatching the points, and hooked one chance wide with six minutes left.
But substitute Ivan Ivanov had a shot deflected on to a post following a corner and Riches brought a flying save from the keeper with a shot on the turn before, three minutes into added time, Bungay found the deserved winner. Substitute Luke Ellis and Callum Cox combined for Cox to release Wigger on the left and he finished coolly with a shot across the keeper into the far corner.
Team: L Riches, S Olley, T Miller, J Wightman, K Caley, R Crowson, J Riches, L Metcalfe (I Ivanov, L Metcalfe), S Dossett (I Ivanov, C Cox), D Wigger, C Cox (L Ellis).
 

THREE goals from the visitors in the first 15 minutes gave the Black Dogs a mountain to climb on Saturday – and though they improved as the game progressed, they rarely looked likely to reduce the deficit.
Two penalties added to their woes as they tried to come to terms with a new defensive line-up, while new striker Jamie Broady worked hard without being able to make his mark. More re-inforcements are still needed and they are promised in the coming weeks.
It took Attleborough just two minutes to go ahead in this Anglian Combination division one fixture, as Charlie Smith rose unchallenged to head home a left-wing corner., Six minutes later it was 2-0 as Brad Rivett sent a 25-yard swinging shot into the top corner, giving Lewis Riches no chance.
They had the ball in the net again shortly after, but this time it was ruled out for offside. For Bungay Darryl Wigger was off target with a long range attempt, before John Riches had to clear his lines to prevent another Attleborough goal. But that came in the 15th minute as a defender was penalised for handball and Jak Fuller converted the spot kick.
Wigger, who was busy all afternoon, almost broke through for the Black Dogs but the keeper just got to the ball first. Attleborough put another good chance wide when a forward broke through, and Broady put a half chance wide, before Riches made a flying sav e toi turn away another chance for the visitors. Wigger’s latest attempt from 20 yards was closer than his previous efforts but just too high.
Bungay had an even share of the play in the second half without creating any clear cut chances, and Riches had to make two blocking saves in quick succession to prevent more Attleborough goals, and they missed another good chance with 15 minutes left.
But it was a better second half showing from Bungay and the lively Callum Cox, who replaced the tiring Wigger, was unlucky to see a 25-yard shot beat the keeper but come back off the bar.
The scoring was completed in the 86th minute when James Wightman, who had a good game in an unaccustomed back four position, conceded a penalty which Fuller converted.
Team: L Riches O Alexander, J Wightman, J Riches, R Crowson, B Wilson (B Morrissey), L Metcalfe (B Wilson), S Olley, L Ellis, D Wigger (C Cox), J Broady.

A goal from Easton mid-way through the second half was all that separated these two teams in a game that never reached any great heights.
The Black Dogs, with two new signings on display, had an even share of the game and could argue they deserved something from the game, but they were unable to create any clear-cut chances, while home keeper Lewis Riches again kept his side in the game with one-on-one saves.
Craig Page mad his debut in central defence and became more confident as the game progressed, while Lee Metcalfe came into mid-field in the second half and was immediately effective. Both signings look as if they could be very useful acquisitions.
Easton put an early chance over the top, while the Black Dogs had a couple of shots blocked following a free kick. Shane Smith had a good chance in the 10th minute but the keeper made a good block from his shot.
The visitors put a header wide in the 24th minute, but a minute later hit what proved to be the winner as George Crowe scored with a far post header from a long cross.
Smith immediately put a volley wide for Bungay. Riches made a fine reflex save to prevent a second Easton goal when a shot was deflected, and then made another impressive block when Easton broke quickly from defence.
A fine ball from Ole Alexander found River Crowson and his lob over the keeper ran narrowly wide of the target. A better chance came in the 42nd minute as Sam Olley was played clear and when he was thwarted by the advancing keeper Crowson saw his shot on the turn clear off the line by a defender.
Easton put a free-kick over the bar in the 57th minute and then their keeper had to turn a swinging free-kick form Lewis Good over the bar. A fine ball down the line by Keith Caley saw Crowson pull the ball back from the byline but substitute Callum Cox was unable to turn it home.
The visitors were the more dangerous in attack, however, and twice Riches made good saves with his fist or prevent further goals. For Bungay Cox saw a shot on the turn deflected for a corner, and in added time Smith was shown a red card for dissent.
Team: L Riches, O Alexander (L Ellis), C Page, K Good, K Caley, S Olley, B Wilson (C Cox), J Riches, L Ellis (L Metcalfe), R Crowson, S Smith.

THE Black Dogs first away game of the season ended in defeat at Wtmondham on Saturday, despite another hard-working performance.
The home side were one up at the interval, but two late goals brought a scoreline that did not do justice to the efforts of Bungay, who had a number of good chances to make it much closer.
Wymondham had much the better of the early play however and failed to convert some good chances In only the third minute Lewis Riches had to make a great bocking save to thwart a forward, John Riches got in a timely tackle to prevent another shot at goal and another shot hit the bar. Riches had to come off his line twice more to thwart other raids.
But Bungay settled, and Sam Bone had a chance from Riches' pass but was crowded out before he could pull the trigger.
A Wymondham forward broke clear but skied his shot. For Bungay Luke Ellis brought a fine save from the keeper with a low drive in the 20th minute while River Crowson, Bungay’s stand-out performer on the day, glanced a header wide from a corner.
The home side took the lead in the 32nd minute as Paul Cook got on the end of a free-kick to side-foot past Riches, For Bungay Sam Olley put a header into the keeper’s arms.
Bungay defended well from a dangerous cross, and at the other end Crowson saw a header cleared off the line. Reece Evans cleared off the Bungay line at the other end.
Bungay had a great chance to equalise in the 74th minute as Crowson freed Keith Caley down the left and his cross saw Bone leaning back in the six-yard box and unable to direct his header on goal.
Four minutes later Wymondham made it 2-0 through Liam Moriati. Ellis had a good chance to pull one back after Ben Morrissey found him with a great ball but put his shot into the side netting. Shortly after he put another chance wide of the far post.
Tom Blake completed the scoring for Wymondham in added time.
Team: L Riches, O Alexander, R Evans, J Riches, K Caley, S Olley, B Wilson S Dossett (B Morrisey), R Crowson (S Dossett), L Ellis, S Bone (T Miller).

Scorer: Shane Smith

THE Black Dogs were soundly beaten by new boys Heacham on Saturday as league football returned to the Maltings Meadow.
The West Norfolk side came up from division two to taste senior football in the Anglian Combination for the first time, and on this showing will go straight through to the premier division.
The young Bungay side lacked the experience and muscle of the visitors, but worked hard throughout the afternoon. Now they need to put this one behind them in the knowledge that they will meet few opponents as tough as this for the rest of the season.
Heacham went close twice in the opening minutes and then Lewis Riches did well to clutch a close range header form a corner. But the home side had the chance to take the lead in the 14th minute as Ben Wilson found Shane Smith on the left and he cut in to drive a low shot just the wring side of the far post.
Seven minutes later Smith headed on a long ball and Darryl Wigger, from a similar position, saw his shot hit the outside of the far post.
But the visitors were generally on top and took the lead in the 24th minute as captain Ed Tann scored form close range following a corner.
Smith pout a header from Ole Alexander’s accurate cross into the side netting before Heacham made it 2-0 as Bungay gave the ball away and Nathan Daw finished a slick move well. They made it 3-0 before the interval as the home side again lost the ball in midfield and the visitors again took quick advantage, John Flannagan drilling home from the edge of tew area.
Any hopes of a Bungay come-back were extinguished in the first eight minutes of the second half as Heacham scored twice more. Tann converted a close range header before Flannagan made it 5-0 in the 53rd minute.
Sam Olley put a close range chance off target for Bungay and Wigger tried a long range shot without success before Heacham made it 6-0 in the 73rd minute as Daw again finished clinically.
Bungay got the consolation goal their efforts deserved in the 75th minute as Wigger found Smith in the six yard box and he turned well to beat the keeper. Wigger curled a free kick just over the bar, before Riches made two blocking saves in quick succession. At the other end substitute Ben Morrissey put a far post header straight at the keeper before Heacham completed the scoring in added time, Flannagan completing his hat-trick.
Team: L Riches, O Alexander, K Good, R Evans, K Caley, S Olley (B Morrissey), B Wilson (S Olley), D Wigger, J Wightman (C Cox), S Smith, L Ellis (R Crowson).
 

Scorers: Darrell Wigger 3, John Riches, Sam Olley

Scorer: 

Scorer: John Riches

Scorers: Shane Smith 2, Darrell Wigger, River Crowson

FOR the second time in three weeks Bungay beat a top three side in the Anglian Combination division one with a clear-cut victory over Stalham Town.
The four goals were all well taken, with Shane Smith weighing in with two to take his tally to six in six games. And as Stalham heads sunk in the final period, the margin of victory could have been even more.
The visitors did net early on, but the flag was up for offside, and Bungay took the lead after just nine minute. Dan Lowe sent Keith Caley away down the left and his cross to the far post was smashed home by Smith from two yards.
Stalham were always dangerous going forward and Lewis Riches made a good save to push away a free-kick. Bungay had a chance when River Crowson picked up a loose ball but his pass to Brannan Solomon carried too much weight.
The home side gifted Stalham an equaliser in the 18th minute as a misunderstanding between Riches and Lewis Good gave Daniel Broome an open goal and he accepted the chance gleefully.
Riches turned away an awkward cross in the 24th minute, but immediately Bungay regained the lead as Darrell Wigger raced onto a ball down the left from Caley and his left foot shot went in off the far post.
Stalham had a player sent to the sin bin for dissent in the 40th minute, and right on half-time Smith took the same walk for the same reason. There was still time for Bungay to score a perfectly good goal, Good’s shot from 25 yards sailing over the keeper’s head into the top corner, but the referee inexplicably disallowed the goal as another Bungay player, not interfering with the play, was in an offside position.
For the first period of the second half Stalham looked determined to get back on terms, and pushed Bungay back. But they wasted two good chances, one when Good’s attention forced a forward to fire over the bar when well placed.
Then the Black Dogs struck twice in two minutes to make the game safe. First Wigger sent Lowe away down the left and his cross to the far post was turned in by Crowson for his seventh of the season. And it was 4-1 in the 73rd minute as Solomon set up Smith to finish coolly.
Stalham heads dropped and man-of-the-match Wigger had a close-range shot smothered by the keeper, then tested him with a well struck free-kick, sent another free-kick narrowly wide, and finally was unlucky to see a fine 25-yard effort smash against the angle of post and bar.
Solomon brought a good save from the keeper just before the whistle went.
Team: L Riches, S Olley, L Good, D Lowe, K Caley, R Crowson (T Miller), B Solomon, B Wilson (J Riches), S Dossett, D Wigger, S Smith (O Wright).
 

Aylsham 1, Bungay Town 0
A GOAL two minutes into added time robbed Bungay of a deserved draw at Aylsham on Saturday.
In a game ruined as a spectacle by the strong wind both teams did their best to cope with the conditions and a share of the spoils would have been the right result. But the winning goal was a well taken opportunist effort.
Bungay had the wind in their favour in the first half, and early on River Crowson won a half chance but his cross come shot from an angle went across the goal with no one able to take advantage. John Riches tried his luck unsuccessfully from 40 yards, while Lewis Riches had to make a good save when a player got clear down the right in the 19th minute.
The keeper also took another shot comfortably, and Aylsham had another chance when a player again broke clear but fired wide of the far post as Riches narrowed the angle. Bungay had a chance when Dan Lowe’s shot was blocked and Crowson tested the keeper with a low shot.
Sam Olley, who has returned to the club, replaced the injured John Riches, and in the second half the home side showed, as Bungya had, that playing with the wind was not neccessarily an advantage. They did curl an early effort wide and Riches took another shot comfortably. Stan Dossett fired wide for Bungay and Aylsham went close again in the 65th minute.
With 15 minutes left Bungay had a great chance as Brannan Solomon got on the end of Darrell Wigger’s free-kick, but the keeper blocked his close range effort and then a follow-up from the loose ball.
Aylsham went close again as Bungay sought to see the game out for a point, but in added time the home sider attacked down the right and when Owen Collyer collected the ball just inside the area he turned well to fire an angled shot into the roof of the net.
Team: L Riches, B Wilson (J Riches), L Good, D Lowe, K Caley, R Crowson (M Strak), J Riches (S Olley), S Dossett (B Wilson), B Solomon, R Evans (O Wright), M Strak (D Wigger).

Scorer: Shane Smith 2

TWO well-taken first half goals from Shane Smith and a great rear-guard action against the wind in the second half brought Bungay a deserved three points against second-placed Gorleston Reserves on Saturday.
The home side managed the windy conditions better with an all-round focussed, determined performance which put the previous week’s setback out of mind.
There was a tense final 15 minutes after the visitors pulled one back, but everyone worked hard to see the result achieved.
The Black Dogs went close as early as the fourth minute as Brannan Solomon set up River Crowson, whose powerful left-foot drive from 20 yards hit the top of the bar with the keeper beaten. Soon after Solomon put in a good run and lay-off to Smith, but the keeper just got there first.
But the break-through came in the 25rth minute as Keith Caley crossed into the box when his corner was half-cleared., Solomon found Smith again and he turned well to fire into the far corner. In the 33rd minute Marcus Strak got on to a good ball from Crowson, but the keeper deflected his shot for a corner.
Five minutes before half-time Bungay increased their lead as Smith again finished coolly from an angle after John Riches and Dan Lowe had combined to set up the chance.
Reece Evans replaced Smith, who had a hamstring problem, at the start of the second half which saw Gorleston pressing forward regularly But the back four of Ben Wilson, Lowe, Lewis Good and Caley remained resolute, and the mid-field provided vital support.
Right at the start the visitors had a chance with a far post header but a forward put it wide when he should have hit the target. Then Lewis Riches made a fine save to turn over another goal-bound shot.
Bungay had a half-chance which Riches fired over, but it was mainly Gorleston on the offensive and another shot flew narrowly wide in the 60th minute, before Riches made another important save.
Evans was crowded out when Solomon found him in a quick break, but Gorleston reduced the arrears in the 78th minute, Jordan Stanton finishing well with the defence for once was caught napping. Riches took a swerving shot well in the 88th minute, but with Gorleston reduced to 10 men for the final nine minutes, including added time, the defence held firm for an impressive victory.
Shane Smith was Bungay’s man-of-the-match.
Team: L Riches, B Wilson, L Good, D Lowe, K Caley, S Dossett (B Morrissey), J Riches, B Solomon, M Strak, R Crowson (B Revell), S Smith (R Evans).
 

Scorers: Brannan Solomon and Reece Evans

THE Black Dogs let slip an interval lead to allow Watton to complete the double over them on Saturday.
The disappointing defeat brought to an end the side’s impressive seven-game unbeaten run, but Watton proved a well organised side and Bungay’s expected consolidation of their lead in the second half did not materialise.
It was the visitors when had the first chance when a forward broke clear in the sixth minute, but Lewis Riches just manged to get a touch on his shot to turn it round the post.
John Riches had a shot blocked when the home side attacked, but Watton had the best of the early play and went ahead in the 15th minute. Reece Evans gave the ball away in mid-field to set Watton away and Cameron Hudson raced clear to beat Riches with a low shot.
The home side began to get more into the game after that and a cross from Ben Wilson was just out of the reach of Brannan Solomon and Darrell Wigger, while Evans got in a shot that was deflected for a corner.
Riches had to comer of his line to save when Watton created another chance, but Bungay equalised in the 32nd mijnute as Wigger’s free-kick from the left was glanced over the keeper by Solomon’s head.
Riches again had to dash from his line when the visitors split the home defence too easily again, but Solomon had a great chance to put his side ahead in the 37th minute. Unmarked from a Wigger corner, he somehow put his header over the bar from six yards.
But Bungay did move ahead three minutes later as Keith Caley’s cross from the left was only half-cleared and when the ball went back in Evans found the net from eight yards.
The second have began with Riches forced into a flying save to turn away a Watton shot, and it set the pattern for much of the second half, with Bungay unable to force the visitors back enough. Watton equalised in the 52nd minute. The defence failed to clear the ball properly, Riches made a blocking save from a fierce shot from Hudson, but Sol Tarsey was on hand to net the loose ball.
A Caley cross was jut turned off Riches’ head by the keeper, but a quick break form Watton brought what proved to be the winner, Hudson firing a shot through Riches’ legs in the 64th minute. They had a chance to increased their lead soon after but a shot from an angle just cleared the bar.
Bungay substitute Brad Revell tested the Watton keeper as Bungay sought an equaliser, and they forced a number of corners. Wigger brought a fine save from the keeper, but Bungay rarely looked likely to get back on terns, even when Watton had a player sent off for a second yellow card offence in the 87th minute.
Team: L Riches, B Wilson, L Good, D Lowe, K Caley, J Howes (M Strak), B Solomon, J Riches, S Dossett, D Wigger, R Evans (B Revell).
 

Scorers: John Riches and Stan Dossett

A goal three minutes from time by teenager Stan Dossett brought Bungay another point on Saturday and extended their unbeaten run to seven games.
It was a fair result in a game in which both sides had good spells in a difficult wind, though the Black Dogs had to twice come from behind in this Anglian Combination division one fixture.
Flowing football was at a premium in the conditions. Darrell Wigger was the first to get in a shot, in the eighth minute, at the end of a mazy run and his 20-yard effort was only just wide of the target. But it was Harling who went ahead in the 15th minute. They won a free-kick on the edge of the area and Callum Bray curled a low effort around the wall and just inside the post beyond Lewis Riches’ dive.
Bungay then enjoyed a good spell which brought an equaliser in the 32nd minute. Lewis Good had a far post header from a corner blocked, but managed to play the ball back into the danger area, where player-manager John Riches converted from close range.
Almost immediately Harling went close to regaining the lead with a cross which crept just wide of the far post, and right on half-time a forward hooked a chance from a corner over the bar.
Early in the second half another Harling effort tested Riches, and soon after the keeper made a great block when a forward broke clear. For Bungay, Shane Smith broke clear on the left and his powerful drive from an angle was turned away by the keeper.
The visitors regained the lead in the 55th minute after a spell in the ascendency. A player was allowed to cross from the by-line, the home defence failed to clear and Bradley Hunt scored at the far post. Bungay carved out a chance soon after, but Smith pulled Keith Caley’s cross wide.
Veteran substitute Matt Holmes brought a blocking save from the keeper with a well struck shot as Bungay searched for an equaliser, and it came with three minutes left. Riches sent in a searching cross from the right and 16-year-old Dossett got up well to put a firm header past the keeper.
Olly Alexander was voted supporters man-of-the match.
Team: L Riches, O Alexander, L Good, D Lowe, K Caley, J Howes (R Evans), B Solomon (M Holmes), J Riches, S Dossett, D Wigger, S Smith (C Jones).
 

Scorer: River Crowson

Bungay maintained their unbeaten record under player-manager John Riches with a battling draw against a good Kirkley side. The visitors enjoyed more possession, especially in the first-half, and took the lead, but after the Black Dogs equalised just before half-time, they defended well in the second period and fully deserved the point, and might have pinched all three points in the last few minutes.
Bungay made just the one change from the previous week’s line-up, with Stan Dossett making his first start, making three of the Under 18 side in the starting eleven, alongside Ole Alexander and Lewis Good.
The Black Dogs started well, with Shane Smith a real handful up front, and he twice went close in the first ten minutes. Gradually the visitors began to enjoy more possession and they took the lead after 25 minutes, Connor Borrett beating the offside trap to fire home. Bungay were under pressure but they managed to equalise five minutes before the break, River Crowson cutting in from the inside left position to hit a powerful shot into the opposite top corner. At the other end, Kirkley’s No 9 shot wide when one on one against Lewis Riches.
The second-half was even, with goal chances at a premium. Bungay were well organised and defended well, and twice went close in the last 10 minutes - first Solomon’s shot was charged down, and then substitute Reece Evans broke clear but rather than shooting he unselfishly tried to find fellow sub Charlie Bowen but his square pass was cut out.
Crowson won the supporters’ player of the match.
Lewis, Alexander, Good, Lowe, Caley, J Riches, Dossett, Solomon, Strak (Sub: Jack Howes), Crowson (Sub: Charlie Bowen), Smith (Sub: Reece Evans)
 

Scorers: Brannan Solomon (pen), Shane Smith

THE Black Dogs produced probably their best performance of the season to come away from Sprowston with a well-deserved three points on Saturday.
All 14 players played their full part in the win, which extended their unbeaten run to five games (including four wins) and lifted them above their opponents in the Anglian Combination division one table.
They were clearly the better side for most of the game, and having established a half-time lead, they defended well in the second half as the home side enjoyed the advantage of the slope.
Both sides got in early efforts on goal, but from the start Bungay built some good moves as they tried to stretch the home defence, with Brannan Solomon and Darrell Wigger prominent. In the 15th minute Shane Smith pulled a shot narrowly wide of the far post after being set free, and Wigger fired a shot wide. At the other end Olly Alexander headed a dangerous cross wide under pressure.
But Sprowston’s defence succombed to the pressure on it in the 25th minute as Wigger was brought down in the box, and Solomon confidently converted the penalty. Six minutes later Wigger’s latest effort went inches over the bar.
But Sprowston equalised against the run of play in the 35th minute as a player got to the byline and pulled the ball back for James Wilson to convert.
But Bungay resumed their offensive and went ahead again in the 40th minute. A long throw into the box from John Riches found Smith and he turned well to fire inside the far post from the narrowest of angles.
Early in the second half Lewis Riches made a good save when a forward broke clear. Sprowston had loud appeals for a penalty when a player went down the area, but the referee ignored them. For Bungay Ben Wilson won the ball well in midfield and his shot brought a diving save from the keeper. And back in defence, the same player cleared a dangerous situation at the expense of a corner. In the 68th minute, Wigger curled another fine shot narrowly wide.
The Black Dogs repelled the Sprowston forwards fairly comfortably, but with four minute left the home side had another appeal for a penalty and this time the referee awarded it. But to the Black Dogs’ relief, the penalty taker fired the kick against the bar and over.
Brannan Solomon was named supporters’ Man of the Match.
Team: L Riches, O Alexander, L Good, D Lowe, K Caley, R Crowson (M Strak), D Wigger, B Wilson (S Dossett), B Solomon, J Riches, S Smith (C Bowen).
 

Scorers: Darrell Wigger, River Crowson and Shane Smith

THE Black Dogs got their 2020 programme off to a winning start, eventually stamping their superiority over the young Norwich side with three second half goals.
It was not all plain sailing, particularly in the first half when the side looked lethargic, and Norwich put together some good inter-passing football. But they didn’t take two simple chances, and tired after the interval.
It means Bungay are unbeaten after three games under player-manager John Riches, and the three points lifted them a further place away from the relegation position in the Anglian Combination division one.
Darrell Wigger got in the first shot of the game after four minutes, and it was only just wide. Then his cross from the left found John Riches, whose close range header brought a brilliant reflex save from the home keeper to turn the ball away. The keeper made another fine safe from the corner to keep out a leader from Dan Lowe, who was making his first first team appearance for three years as an emergency defender.
But Norwich’s play-maker twice broke clear with only Lewis Riches to beat, only to pull his shots wide each time. A fine cross from Keith Caley found Marcus Strak at the far post, but he was unable to direct his first time shot on target.
Early in the second half a Norwich forward somehow missed an open goal from two yards. But Bungay began to assert their authority and a corner from Wigger came back off the bar. The breakthrough finally came in the 64th minute as Brannan Solomon played Wigger in and he finished well with a shot across the keeper and inside the far post.
The lead was never comfortable and Norwich again missed a simple chance. But two goals in the final six minutes made sure of the points. Substitute Shane Smith, on his debut, controlled a pass well to set up River Crowson and he finished coolly for his fifth goal of the season. And with the last kick of the game, Smith raced from the half-way line, holding off a challenge, to made it 3-0 with a powerful finish.
Team: L Riches, D Riches (J Baynes, D Riches), D Lowe, L Good, K Caley, D Wigger, B Wilson, J Riches, B Solomon, R Crowson (S Smith), M Strak (R Crowson).
 

Scorer: Brannan Solomon

A single goal just after half-time on Saturday lifted the Black Dogs out of the relegation places in the Anglian Combination division one.
With the side further bolstered by the return of Brannan Solomon and Darryll Wigger after a short spell away, joining player-manager John Riches, who returned two weeks ago, the three points were a big boost.
Full back Lewis Ellis, signed from St Andrews, made his debut in a strengthened side who were rarely in trouble in a game in which there was little flowing football on a difficult pitch, and not much goalmouth incident.
Bungay have now won three and drawn one of their last six games, nd will be looking to further consolidate in the coming weeks.
There was little interest of note until the 17th minute, when a fine ball from Ivan Ivanaov found Olly Alexander in a good position on the right, but he mishit his first time shot. Wigger tried three attempts from distance which were not too far off target. On another occasion the keeper turned over a shot from Wigger which was goal-bound, but the referee awarded a goal-kick.
The Fakenham attack was generally well contained, though they had a chance in the 32nd minute in a quick break, only to put a shot wide of the target. Keeper Lewis Riches also had to make a good save at his near post when they threatened again.
Bungay finally made the break-through in the 47th minute as Solomon exchanged passes with Wigger and rifled a low short from the edge of the area which took a slight deflection to beat the keeper.
Dexter Riches headed a corner narrowly over the bar, and John Riches put a header from a Wigger corner just the wrong side of the post, while Solomon was unlucky to see a shot well saved by the keeper at the expense of a corner.
Team: L Riches, L Ellis, L Good, J Riches, J Baynes, D Wigger, B Wilson, B Solomon, I Ivanov (D Riches), R Crowson (O Alexander), O Alexander (M Strak).
 

Scorers: Ivan Ivanov, Charlie Bowen, John Riches, River Crowson

THE Black Dogs came close to getting their first away win of the season on Saturday as hosts Easton grabbed an equaliser deep into added time.
Even so their first away point in the Anglian Combination division one was a boost to the side, and marked the return of John Riches to the club as player-manager after a short spell at Beccles, and following the resignation earlier in the week of manager Jason Cook.
In an entertaining encounter Bungay fought back from two goals down to lead 4-2 midway through the second half, only to be pegged back as the team, again including four teenagers, tired.
They started well, but Easton went ahead in the 5th minute as Ben Scissell scored with a shot just inside the post with keeper Lewis riches probably unsighted.
John Riches put a volley narrowly wide for Bungay, but keeper Riches made a great blocking save to keep out another Easton effort. The Black Digs thought they had equalised after 12 minutes, but River Crowson’s neat finish at the end of a good move was ruled out for a dubious offside.
Keith Caley struck the bar for Bungay and Charlie Bowen’s volley from the rebound was well saved. Riches had to make another good save as play moved from end to end, but the home side went 2-0 up in the 33rd minute as a good move down the right saw George Crowe take an easy chance.
Shortly after the home side hit the post with a glancing header from a left-wing cross. But Bungay pulled one back in the 39th minute following a corner, Bulgarian Ivan Ivanov, slotting home the loose ball.
The fight-back blossomed in the second half as Bungay turned the game round with three goals in 12 minutes, after Easton had hit a post and seen Riches make a diving save. First, in the 55th minute, a good move set Bowen free down the left and he coolly slotted the ball inside the far post. Ten minutes later they went ahead as George Howes’ cross found John Riches on the edge of the area and he drove a low shot inside the post.
And in the 67th minute it was 4-2 as a good ball forward from Jaymel Baynes caused problems in the home defence and after two efforts were blocked River Crowson got his fourth of the season from close range.
The same player had another chance later, but his shot was blocked, and at that stage Bungay looked likely to increase their lead. But a third goal for Easton in the 77th minute gave them renewed impetus, Scissell finding space down the left to take the ball on and beat Riches. They then missed a simple chance in the 83rd minute, and then did net, only for it to be ruled out for offside.
Bungay defended well in an effort to seer the game out, but five minutes into added time they failed to clear the ball properly and Crowe banged in the equaliser.
Team: L Riches, J Baynes, L Good, D Riches, K Caley, T Baynes, I Ivanov (S Thompson-Friend), C Hewitt, C Bowen, J Riches, R Crowson (I Ivanov).
 

Scorers: Ole Alexander 2, Reece White

THE Black Dogs got their second win of the season on Saturday with a comfortable victory over Fakenham Reserves.
They are the two bottom sides in the Anglian Combination division one, and this was not a classic, but Bungay were clearly the better side, and scored three times in the first 20 minutes, with teenager Olly Alexander getting his first two goals for the first team.
The three points put them six clear of Fakenham and just a point behind East Harling.
Bungay went ahead in 90 seconds as Tyrone Baynes cross to the far post found Alexander moving in to prod home from close range. And Alexander made it 2-0 in the 8th minute, again being in the right place to score when River Crowson’s shot was parried by the keeper.
Just two minutes later Charlie Bowen was bundled over the penalty area, but Crowson put the spot kick over the bar.
It was all Bungay at this stage, and Bowen beat the keeper to a through ball but his shot at the open goal lacked power and a defender cleared.
Keith Caley almost gifted Fakenham a goal when he headed a corner just over his own bar, and home keeper Lewis Riches had to grab the ball at the feet of a forward soon after.
But in the 20th minute Bungay made it 3-0 as James Wightman’s cross to the near post was cleared only to Reece White, who banged the ball home from eight yards.
The visitors were on the ropes at this stage, but there was little incident of note for the rest of the half.
In the first minute of the second half Alexander, going for his hat-trick, brought a save form the keeper with a volley from Baynes’ cross, and then turned an effort just wide from Caley’s cross.
Riches had to make a blocking save to keep his goal intact when the visitors did create a chance. The visitors also skimmed the bar with a long range effort.
Bowen and Wightman both tried their luck without success and Alexander brought a diving save from the keeper from another Baynes’ cross, and Lewis Good headed over from a corner. After that the game petered out, and ended on a sour note for Bungay as Wightman received a harsh straight red card in added time after retaliating after being fouled by a defender.
Team: L Riches, R White, J Tipple, K Good, K Caley, T Baynes, J Wightman (I Ivanov), B Wilson, O Alexander, C Bowen, R Crowson (J Wightman).
 

ROVERS completed the double over the Black Dogs on Saturday, with the visitors failing to score for the fifth time this season.
Bungay had their chances in an evenly contested game but could not take them, and yet again gifted goals to the opposition to make their task harder.
Jack Tipple brought a save from the home keeper with an early header and Tyrone Baynes header from the rebound was saved. Rovers put a shot wide following a free kick, and as the game flowed freely form end to end Jordan Tubby tried to chip the keeper, but the effort lacked height.
In the 15th minute Lewis Riches made a fine save to prevent the home side going ahead, and Lewis Good got in a timely tackle to cut out more danger. But Rovers went ahead in the 27th minute when a cross from the left found Taylor Vickers free at the far post and he slotted home.
Bungay went close themselves immediately following a move down the left, with River Crowson’s shot narrowly missing the far post. But Thetford scored their second in three minutes as Pedro Fortes took advantage of some poor Bungay defending.
Before the interval Charlie Bowen fired wide when James Wightman set up the chance and Crowson brought a save from the keeper with a header.
Bungay needed an early goal in the second half and it almost came in the 48th minute, with Baynes unlucky to see his long-range shot hit the bar with he keeper stranded. Almost immediately Rovers attacked down the left, and when Riches failed to gather the ball at a forward’s feet the ball was played in for Paulo Martins to tap in.
Thetford put an easy chance wide in the 63rd ,minute., Bungay introduced new signing, Bulgarian Ivan Ivanov, and they created a chance as Crowson set up Wightman, but he was thwarted by a defender, and Riches had to make another good save with his feet to prevent a fourth goal for Rovers. Before the end Tipple headed wide from Wightman’s corner and Thetford failed to convert an easy chance. With five minutes left Keith Caley for sent to the sinbin for dissent.
Team: L Riches, D Riches, J Tipple, L Good, K Caley, J Wightman (C Bowen), T Baynes, B Wilson, J Tubby, R Crowson, C Bowen (I Ivanov).

 THE Black Dogs were unable to repeat their win of the previous week as they went down to Aylsham at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.
But as in recent games, there was not too much in it – two goals gifted to the opposition and another wind assisted effort was the difference on the scoresheet, but for the first hour they gave as good as they got, with nothing to show for it.
Against the wind in the first half, with some fine saves from Lewis Riches and stout defending, Bungay held their opponents almost to the interval, and played some good football themselves.
Early on the Black Dogs had to defend stoutly, with Jack Tipple and Dexter Riches prominent in holding the line. Twice keeper Lewis Riches faced one-on-pone situations and came out on top each time with fine blocks. For Bungay, Keith Caley had a free-kick blocked by the wall.
Olly Alexander won a corner with a fine ball in the 15th minute, and River Crowson put a diving header straight sat the keeper.
Marcus Strak also went close, but Bungay had a let of in the 25th minute as a shot was deflected, leaving Riches stranded, but it wan just wide.
Just as Bungay looked to get to the interval with the goal intact, Aylsham took the lead right on half time as a cross from out on the right from Fletcher Dyson floated in the wind into the top far corner.
Early in the second half James Wightman set up a sharp chance for Crowson, but his shot lacked power. Then a fine ball put Marcus Strak clear, but the keeper just beat him to the ball.
The home side had more of the play with the wind at their backs but were unable to force an equaliser, with the best chance coming at the end of a good team move which set up substitute Charlie Bowen, but he fired wide as the keeper advanced.
Two goals in the last seven minutes flattered the visitors, though they deserved the victory. First Dexter Riches felled a forward in the area and Dyson beat brother Lewis Riches with the spot-kick. And Dyson completed his hat-trick shortly after as Bungay gave the ball away to give him an easy chance. In added time substitute Matt James brought a diving save from the keeper with low free-kick.

Scorers: River Crowson 3, Charlie Bowen

THE Black Dogs finally got their Anglian Combination division one campaign on stream on Saturday as River Crowson hit a first half hat-trick to deliver their first win of the season.
It was a comprehensive, hard-working victory against a young Norwich side who played good approach football but lacked penetration.
The result will be a big confidence boost to Bungay in their bid to climb away from the relegation area. As it was it lifted them off the bottom and just a point behind United.
They were ahead after only five minutes as Marcus Strak, in his first start, crossed to the far post where Callum Ling headed back into the danger area for Crowson to turn in from close range.
United put a speculative long range shot over the top, before Strak, who had a promising game, set up another chance for Crowson when he blocked a clearance, but this time the striker’s effort was wide..
Bungay were denied a penalty when Crowson appeared to be brought down in the box before Keith Caley, who had an impressive game, fired a powerful drive just over the bar from 25 yards.
Jack Tipple was on hand to make a timely interception when United threatened, and after Caley had struck two more long range shots just off target, Bungay went 2-0 up in the 32nd minute Crowson controlled a great ball from Caley on the edge of the areal and slotted past the advancing keeper.
The ball was turned against the United bar soon after, and Crowson completed a fine hat-trick in the 42nd minute with Strak again the provider, pulling the ball back from the byline for the striker to finish from eight yards.
Early in the second half Crowson threatened a fourth but was thwarted by a defender, and Strak was also blocked by the keeper when he had a chance. James Wightman fired narrowly wide, Ling headed wide from Caley’s free-kick, and Wightman had a shot blocked before Ling fired over as Bungay controlled the game.
Lewis Riches had to grab the ball at the feet of a forward in a now rare Norwich attack, and also made a great blocking save from close range when they looked set to grab a consolation.
But the Black Dogs were trying their luck almost at will, and finally, in added time, Strak again drove to the byline and played the ball in for substitute Charlie Bowen to glance it home from close range.
Team: L Riches, R White, J Tipple, D Riches, K Caley, T Baynes, C Ling, O Sadler (M Pywell), J Wightman, R Crowson (C Bowen), M Strak.

A SINGLE second half goal separated these two sides at Emerald Park on Saturday, in a game in which Bungay’s hard work deserved some reward.
The young home side had the lion’s share of the play but the Black Dogs’ defence was impressive in its resistance and hard work in blocking everything thrown at them. In the second half they came more into the game and in the final 20 minutes had an even share of the play – without, however, really resting the home keeper.
Two more new signing, full back Reece White and forward Charlie Bowen were in the squad, but the side was without influential midfielders Brannan Solomon and Callum Ling.
Early on Lewis Riches did well to block an effort when a forward broke clear, and for Bungay Matt James’ cross found River Crowson rushing in but he was unable to get a touch. Gorleston were off target with a number of attempts as they pressed forward regularly, while White tried his luck from distance in the 35th minute and was not too far off target.
The home side had a fine chance to move ahead just before half-time as a ball was played across the six-yard box but somehow a forward put the ball over from two yards.
The only goal came in the 52nd minutes as a player got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Danny Pinhiero to side-foot home from 15 yards.
The Black Dogs created a chance as James found Ben Wilson down the right, but the keeper comfortably blocked his angled shot. Bowen also brought a good near-post save from the keeper with another angled shot. Wilson had another shot deflected for a corner. And in the 80th minute substitute Marcus Strak’s corner went low across goal with no one there to get a touch.
With a better rub of the green Bungay could have taken a point.
Team: L Riches, R White, J Tipple, L Good, O Alexander, T Baynes, B Wilson, O Sadler, J Tubby (M Strak), M James (C Bowen), R Crowson (J Wightman).

Scorer: Matty James

THE Black Dogs lost for the seventh game in a row at East Harling on Saturday – but there were glimpses that things are improving.
The squad still needs bolstering to be in with a chance of staying on the Anglian Combination division one, but manager Jason Cook is working on that, and saw a performance which with a bit of luck could have salvaged a point.
But a slow start was again their downfall, as the home side went 2-0 up in the first four minutes. Jarel Orr scored with a simple header from a left wing cross, and in the next minute a ball over the top put him clear to beat Jimmy Bligh.
After that Bungay stabilised, with two new signings, James Goodchild at the back and River Crowson up front, in the side. And it was Goodchild, who had been out of football for 18 months, who had a chance to pull one back as Matt James’ free-kick found him unmarked at the far post, but his put his header over the top. Then a cross from Ty Baynes found James in a good position, but he was unable to get the right touch on his half-volley.
Harling were always dangerous going forward, and only a fine blocking save from veteran Bligh - the fifth keeper to play in the first 10 games - prevented them going further ahead. But just before half-time Bungay were desperately unlucky not to score as another James’ free-kick was played back in and Callum Ling’s header came back off a post, with Baynes unable to get direction in the rebound.
Bungay’s best spell came after the interval. Within a minute of the restart Brannan Solomon saw his low shot hit the post after Baynes’ pass found him, and soon afterwards a bouncing ball in the Harling area caused their defence problems, but James’ final header was cleared off the line.
The goal their pressure deserved came in the 53rd minute as Jack Tipple’s long throw was headed and James hooked a fierce volley into the roof of the net for his second goal of the season.
More good football saw Solomon test the keeper again, and at that stage an equaliser looked on the cards, but a third goal from Harling in the 59th minute, against the run of play, proved to be the clincher. Olly Tarst broke free to bang the ball past Bligh.
It gave the home side the chance to settle again, and Bligh had to make two more fine blocking saves as they opened the Black Dogs’ defence. Bungay were still in it, and the impressive Ole Alexander found James in space only for the home keeper to make a fine save to turn his effort away.
Supporters sensed Bungay’s chance had gone, though James did have the ball in the net in the last minute, but was booked for a foul on the keeper.
Team: J Bligh, O Alexander, J Tipple, J Goodchild (M Pywell), K Caley, T Baynes, B Solomon, C Ling (J Wightman), B Wilson, M James, R Crowson.
 

Scorers: Jordan Tubby and Tyrone Baynes

THE Black Dogs gave a good account of themselves against premier division Bradenham, but still went out of the Mummery Cup on Saturday.
They had chances to run their opponents closer, but they were a physically stronger side, while Bungay had five teenagers lined up against them in a game affected by a blustery wind.
But it was the home side who had the first chance, in the first minute, as Brannan Solomon put Mike Pywell clear, but his dink over the keeper was cleared by a defender. Bradenham also went close in the next minute, but two players got in each other’s way when only a tap in was needed and the ball was cleared.
However, only eight minutes had gone when the visitors took the lead as the ball was played in to the six-yard area for Mike Allibone to bang home. Two minutes later Solomon’s intended back pass was intercepted and turned into the path of the unmarked Allibone to get a second.
Bungay kept their heads up and the keeper made a fine save from Pywell as the expense of a corner in the 14 minute., A minute later Bungay pulled one back as a ball was cleared to Jordan Tubby 25 yards out, and his shot took a deflection and looped over the keeper into the top corner.
Black Dogs keeper Harvey Harris made a good block to keep out another Bradenham effort before Solomon broke clear for Bungay, but took the ball too close to the keeper, who blocked his shot.
The visitors went 3-1 up in the 30th minute as Sam Snowling turned in a cross from the right, and before half-time Harris has to make two more good saves to prevent them going further ahead.
But in the 52nd minute it was 4-1 as a speculative shot from Joel Brien seemed to bounce over Harris’s dive. But it was soon 4-2 as Solomon’s floated cross to the far post was mishandled by the keeper and Tyrone Baynes knocked in the loose ball.
Again Bradenham retaliated quickly as Harris hesitated coming for a 50-50 ball over the top and Allibone took the chance to complete his hat-trick.
The Bungay keeper made another good blocking save soon after, but Bungay had opportunities. Keith Caley fired a 25-yard shot narrowly over the top, and substitute Marcus Strak crossed for Tubby’s stooping header to be blocked by the keeper, before Strak himself got in a fine shot on the turn to bring a flying save from the keeper with two minutes to go.
Team: H Harris, O Alexander, K Good, J Tipple, K Caley, J Wightman (B Wilson), B Solomon, C Ling, T Baynes, J Tubby, M Pywell (M Strak).
 

THE Black Dogs’ interest in the Suffolk Senior Cup ended at the first hurdle on Saturday – but they can be pleased with their performance against a side two steps higher up the football ladder.
They held them for 34 minutes, but two goals in two minutes put Framlingham in charge, and Bungay’s lack of punch up front was again highlighted.
The side had much better shape, with new signings Jack Tipple and Harry Lord coming into the back four to add some solidity, and put together some good moves, too often ended by the offside flag.
Early on a long free kick from Lord floated wide, and when the visitors attacked Lewis Riches got down well to turn away a shot form the edge of the area. Matt James tested the visiting keeper with a powerful drive, before a cross form Tyrone Baynes travelled across the six-yard box with no one able to get a touch.
The young Framlingham side looked good going forward and Tipple had to make two interceptions to thwart them, before Bungay carved out a good chance in the 19th minute. James got away down the right, and when James Wightman’s shot was half cleared Jordan Tubby fired wide from 15 yards.
As in their previous game, two goals in two minutes from their opponents rocked them back. I the 34th minute Max Willett scored from a narrow angle, and two minutes later Danny Smith found space in the area to volley beyond Riches.
The Framlingham keeper took an effort from Keith Caley comfortably, and when James did finally beat the offside trap he was thwarted by the keeper.
The second half was evenly contested with both sides having efforts narrowly off target. But Riches had to make two fine save in one Framlingham attack. First he dived to turn away a low cross, and when the ball was played back in he miraculously got across to palm away a close range shot when it seemed the visitors must score.
Substitute Mike Pywell got away down the left in the 80th minute as Bungay applied a spell of pressure but the keeper was equal to his effort, They went closer soon after as a cross came back off the bar and Ole Alexander’s diving header from the rebound was also blocked by the keeper.
But Framlingham got a third on the break in the 88th minute as they stretched the defence, allowing Lewis Dyer to convert. A third flattered them.
Team: L Riches, O Alexander, H Lord, J Tipple, K Caley, J Wightman (L Good), B Solomon, C Ling, T Baynes (B Wilson), J Tubby, M James (M Pywell). 

NEW manager Jason Cook got a good idea of the task ahead as he watched his side concede half a dozen goals at Wymondham in this Anglian Combination division one encounter on Saturday.
But afterwards he was confident that he could turn things around, and is working on recruiting new players of the quality and experience needed.
Cook, who has managed Diss Town, Grundisburgh and Haughley in the recent past, said: “We have put seven days in for quite a few players we want to bring to Bungay, and I’m hopeful we will have two or three more before next Saturday. Training is going well and we had 30 players there on Wednesday. This season we want to have no worries about staying up.”
For 35 minutes the Black Dogs held their table-topping opponents – then two goals in two minutes set them back. Wymondham broke quickly from a Bungay attack and Jamie George got clear on the right to beat Lewis Riches, back with the club, as he advanced. Two minutes later Lewis Good, attempting to clear a difficult cross, saw it loop off his shin into the top corner with Riches stranded.
Paul Cook made it 3-0 in the 50th minute after an attack down the left. For Bungay Tyrone Baynes flicked a speculative effort off target, but Wymondham did most of the pressing and Riches made a fine save to keep out one effort before Brad Rivett made it 4-0 in the 71st minute from a left-wing cross.
In a short spell Matt James put a header wide for Bungay, and then was put clear only for the keep to beat the ball away as he fought to control it on the bumpy, dry pitch. He had another shot blocked soon after.
But Wymondham were soon back on the attack and made it 5-0 in the 78th minute through George, before Bryn Mullen completed the scoring in the 86th minute.
Brannan Solomon put a long-range effort over the bar in the last minute, and it meant Bungay failed to score for the first time in 38 games.
Team: L Riches, O Alexander (T Miller), L Good, H Beales, J Wilson, O Sadler, B Solomon, C Ling, J Tubby, S Clarke (T Baynes), M James.

Scorers: Lewis Stebbings 2, Richard Went

THE Black Dogs’ depleted ranks gave another creditable account of themselves at Stalham on Saturday before going down in a high-scoring game.
In fact with both sides looking likely to score each time they attacked this game could easily have been a repeat of the record 7-7 draw the two side fought out in the embryonic Anglian Combination season of 1965-66.
Probably the difference was the home side’s final ball was more effective than Bungay’s, whose young players again worked hard before succumbing to a stronger and more experienced XI.
They started well, and took the lead in the ninth minute as Lewis Stebbings was sent clear and he finished well from an angle. Brannan Solomon tried his luck from distance but was off target, while Stalham went close with a header from a corner that drifted just wide.
But they took the lead with two goals in two minutes. In the 20th minute Jordan Tipple was found in space on the right and he drove in a powerful shot that went in off the near post. A minute later the Bungay defence was opened up again, and Pat Gainsford accepted an easy finished from eight yards.
Both defences looked vulnerable and the home keeper had to come out to thwart Mike Pywell as he got on the end of a through ball, and shortly after he just beat the lively Stebbings to the ball played through by James Wightman.
Stalham bounded a header over the bar in the 30th minute, but Bungay equalised in the 33rd minute as Stebbings again finished well from an angle from Pywell’s pass.
Lewis Good got in a great tackle to thwart Stalham when they looked certain to score, but the home side went ahead again in the 43d minute as Tom Crabb slid the ball past Harvey Harris.
Bungay had a let off in the first minute of the second half as a player completely missed the ball two yards out from an open goal, but Stalham made it 4-2 in the 60th minute as Tipple volleyed home from eight yards.
Stebbings had a sharp chance to complete his hat-trick when Ole Alexander’s strong cross found him but he was unable to control it. The Black Dogs did pull one back in the 66th minute as substitute Richard Went finished well after good work from Solomon. At this stage Bungay looked in with a chance of an unlikely point, and Pywell put an angled shot agonisingly wide of the far post. But Stalham’s 5th goal in the 71st minute clinched it, Ryan Beeson firing a shot on the turn just inside the post.
Team: H Harris, O Alexander, H Severn, L Henwood (T Baynes), J Wilson, J Wightman (R Went), L Good, B Solomon, O Sadler, M Pywell, L Stebbings.
 

Scorer: Brannan Solomon

THE Back Dogs lost for the fourth time in five Anglian Combination division one games as they went down to league leaders Attleborough on Saturday.
Once again they fielded an under strength side. Long servicing captain Shaun Whiteman is the latest to leave the club to try his luck with Halesworth, bringing to ten the number of last season’s first team squad to leave. In addition record appearance maker Craig Hunting has retired.
Those players are going to be difficult to replace with others of the same quality, and on Saturday the replacements worked hard and at times played some good football, but were usually second best to the experienced visitors. In the circumstances they put in a creditable performance.
Early on Harvey Harris made a good save from a well struck Attleborough shot, before Bungay new signing Olly Sadler put a header wide from a Thomas Daniels free-kick. Brannan Solomon tried his luck for Bungay following a corner, but it was off target. Harris made two more great blocking saves within three minutes to prevent the visitors going ahead.
Eventually Attleborough scored twice in five minutes to stamp their authority on the game. In the 30th minute Olly Ramsbottom banged the loose ball in following a corner, and then made it 2-0 as a move opened up the Bungay defence for him to take the ball round Harris to score. Soon after a cross from the right came back off a post with Harris stranded.
In the first minute of the second half Attleborough sent a shot narrowly wide, before they had a player sent to the sin-bin for dissent. Ben Wilson worked a shooting chance for himself but put it straight at the keeper, before he put Jordan Tubby away. He was unlucky to see his effort over the keeper hit the bar.
It was soon 3-0 though as a mishit volley from Steve Wright still managed to bounce into the far corner of the net.
To their credit the Black Dogs did not let their heads drop, and were rewarded in the last minute as Mike Pywell put Solomon in on the left and he coolly slotted past the advancing keeper for his third goal of the season.
Team: H Harris, L Stebbings (S Campbell), H Severn, L Good, T Daniels, J Wightman, B Solomon, B Wilson, O Sadler J Tubby, M Pywell.
 

Scorers: Jordan Tubby, Brannan Solomon

THE BLACK Dogs fell to a disappointing defeat in the heat at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday as visitors Thetford Rovers showed how chances should be taken.
They deserved the points but the score flattered them, Bungay ruing the chances that came and went for them. Once again they were well below full strength, with manager Lee Henwood playing himself in the centre of defence, but they do need a proven scorer.
Darrell Wigger got in the first shot of the game from Ben Wilson’s pass but it was off target. Then Brannan Solomon played Wigger in but he miscued the good opportunity.
There was a better chance for the home side in the 20th minute as Wigger was again played in on the right, but he blazed his shot high and wide. Thetford put a long range effort wide, but at this stage Bungay looked the more likely to score, and another chance went begging in the 24th minute, this time Jordan Tubby putting his shot wide when well placed.
Rovers made them pay for the misses with two goals in five minutes. They were the quickest back in focus after a drinks break, Rocky Holt being put clear to finish well past the advancing Harvey Harris. Then, in the 31st, minute, it was 2-0 as Steve Davies was allowed to control the ball in a crowded area and fire past the keeper.
Thomas Daniels cleared another Thetford shot off the line and Harris made a fine save to thwart the visitors again as the home defence was exposed. But Bungay reduced the arrears in the 38th minute as Wigger frees Daniels down the left and when his low cross was partially cleared Tubby banged the loose ball home.
Bradon Nurse had a sharp chance to equalise following a free-kick but mishit his shot, and Thetford scored twice more before the interval to put them well in command. In the 41st minute Paulo Martins drilled the ball home form 25 yards, and in added time Holt converted a penalty after he was fouled in the box.
Matt James, Spencer Cawcutt and Jake Wilson replaced Lewis Stebbings, Wigger and Henwood at the start of the second half and in the first minute James’ free-kick was headed away from the waiting Cawcutt in the nick of time. Then the keeper grabbed the ball from Cawcutt’s feet as Bungay threatened again. In the 57th minute Cawcutt set up James for a good chance but he skied his shot, then saw the keeper block him as he went to stab the ball past him. From the corner Ben Wilson took the ball round the keeper but his finish was too weak and allowed a defender to get back to clear off the line.
But in the 65 minute the Black Dogs put themselves in with a chance as the ball came to Solomon 25 yards out and he controlled it to drill a low shot beyond the keeper’s dive. Hope was short-lived, however, as Rovers got a fifth two minutes later as Taylor Vickers curled a free-kick into the far top corner from out on the left. Vickers was later sent off for a second bookable offence.
Team: H Harris, O Alexander, H Severn, L Henwood (J Wilson), T Daniels, B Curtis, B Solomon, D Wigger (M James), B Wilson, J Tubby, L Stebbings (S Cawcutt).
 

Scorer: Matty James

THE Black Dogs got a point on the board at the third attempt as a late Matty James equaliser gave them a 1-1 draw in their first home game of the season on Tuesday evening.
It was a result they just about deserved against a strong Yelverton side who had made a good start to the season in the Anglian Combination division one. The visitors were usually more dangerous going forward, but with Shaun Whiteman back to partner Harry Severn at the back the defence weathered their attacks and in the second half Bungay gradually got a foothold in the game and looked more threatening.
Early on Tom Daniels got across well to cut out the danger from the visitors at the expense of a corner and they also put a header over the bar as they pushed forward.
For Bungay Ash Canham got in a shot on the turn but it did not carry enough power, and Yelverton took the lead in the 17th minute. Bungay failed to clear a ball in the area decisively and Harvey Kerrigan banged the ball home from 12 yards. The same player went close again soon afterwards, but somehow the home defence scrambled the ball away.
Before the interval Bungay had a chance as Darrell Wigger found Canham down the left and his cross across the six-yard box ran across goal with no one getting a touch.
James replaced Lewis Stebbings at the start of the second half, and Whiteman put a header narrowly wide early on. Home keeper Harvey Harrison, the third to take the jersey in the first three games, made two fine saves at Yelverton continued to threaten. But Bungay began to threaten more, and Canham brought a flying save from the keeper with a well struck shot from 20 yards.
Yelverton were reduced to 10 men as a player was sent to the sin-bin, but they almost scored again with a long range shot that just cleared the bar.
But Bungay had the better of the last 15 minutes, and with two minutes left James bravely went for a ball with the keeper and bundled it into the net. Four minutes into added time they almost snatched a winner, but James was judged to have fouled the keeper as both went for the ball again.
Team: H Harrison, O Alexander, H Severn, S Whiteman, T Daniels, J Wightman (B Nurse), B Solomon, D Wigger, J Tubby (M James), A Canham, L Stebbings (J Tubby).
 

Scorers: Jordan Tubby and Brannan Solomon (pen)

THE Bungay “Babes” battled well at Watton on Saturday before succumbing to three second half goals to send them home empty-handed.
With six U18s in the side they led 2-1 at the interval, but after that their lack of training was exposed, as well as naivity in defence. Unavailability of senior players meant the Black Dogs travelled with a makeshift side, but despite defeat the youngsters showed their potential.
In fact Bungay took the lead after just five minutes when Lewis Good played Jordan Tubby in and he finished well past the advancing keeper.
Watton were level seven minutes later as Matty Blackwood’s speed saws him break clear on the right and he also finished well past keeper Matty Bone. But Bungay were the better side in the first half, and after Good had brought a fine save from the home keeper they regained the lead in the 19th minute. Tubby was brought down inside the box and stand-in captain Brannan Solomon converted the spot kick.
Soon after Solomon had a shot deflected for a corner and from the flag kick James Wightman had a drive cleared off the line.
Before the interval Harry Severn made a great tackled to thwart a Watton equaliser, and at the other end Tubby had a chance but delayed his shot and was crowded out.
Early in the second half Bone made a great save on the line when it looked easier for Watton to score, but they did equalise in unfortunate circumstances in the 58th minute. Bone played the ball out to Tommy Miller who in attempting to play it back to him, put it into his own net.
The home side were in the ascendancy after that and Ole Alexander cleared an effort off the line. Severn also made a goal-line clearance with Bone beaten. Bone made a flying save to keep out a Blackwood effort, but James Beaumont finally put the home side ahead for the first time in the 70th minute as the Bungay defence was exposed. With 12 minutes left they got the clincher, Blackwood accepting an easy chance.
Team: M Bone, O Alexander, H Severn, T Miller, B Wilson, L Good, B Nurse (S Campbell), B Solomon, J Tubby (P Hudson), L Stebbings, J Wightman.
# Braidon Nurse made a little bit of club history when he became the 1000th player to pull on a Bungay short in its 94-year history. Before the game 997 players had turned out, and with four making their debuts at the start on Saturday, he was the third alphabetically, to take the honour. The other three who could possibly claim the honour were keeper Matty Bone, Jordan Tubby and Tommy Miller.
 

Scorer: Shaun Whiteman (pen)

 THE Black Dogs Anglian Combination division one campaign got off to a frustrating start as they were beaten by the odd goal of three on Tuesday night.
It was an undeserved defeat, with most feeling Bungay deserved something out of a game in which they hit the woodwork three times. New manager Lee Henwood, a former player with the club, said afterwards:
“Kirkley played well but I cannot see how we deserved to lose. We started slowly but after that played well, despite an injury after 10 minutes. It was an encouraging performance.”
The early injury was to new centre-back Harry Severn, who was replaced by Lewis Good, and 10 minutes later Gary Williams put the home side ahead with a shot from outside the area. Brannan Solomon struck the bar for Bungay as they retaliated determinedly
It was 1-0 at the interval, but eight minutes into the second half they were level as Shaun Whiteman converted a penalty following a foul in the area. Later they hit the bar again, but 15 minutes from the time the home side got what proved to be the winner as Solomon fouled a forward in the area and Jason Davies converted the spot kick.
Before the end Ash Canham brought a good save from the keeper, and Darrell Wigger struck the bat with a fine volley with five minutes left. The Black Dogs fielded five new signings in all.
Team: J Huggins, O Alexander, K Caley (C Jones), J Wightman, H Severn (L Good), S Whiteman, T Daniels (K Caley), B Solomon, L Stebbing, D Wigger, A Canham.

Scorers: Ben Wilson 2, Luke Stebbings 2, Olly Alexander, Darrell Wigger

Scorers: Brannon Soloman 2 and Marcus Strak

 Scorers: Brannan Solomon, Pat Summerfield and Shaun Whiting

BUNGAY Town continued their good form in pre-season friendlies with a come-back victory over Anglian Combination premier division Scole United on Tuesday evening.

The visitors led 2-0 at the interval, one of their goals coming from former Bungay striker Shaun Flint. But the Black Dogs turned it round in the second half with goals from Brannan Solomon, Pat Summerfield and captain Shaun Whiteman.

Scorers: Spencer Cawcutt and Shaun Whiteman

BUNGAY Town began their preparations for the new season with a highly creditable 2-2 draw against Ryman League North side Dereham Town.
The visitors fielded almost all their first team squad over the course of the 90 minutes, and were the fitter and slicker side. But the Black Dogs, with several new faces in their line-up, defended well and took the chances that came their way.
Spencer Cawcutt put them ahead early on with a good finish, but the visitors were 2-1 ahead by the interval with two good strikes.
They made wholesale changes at the interval to bring on fresh legs, and dominated proceedings. But Bungay stuck to their task and equalised late on with a penalty converted by Shaun Whiteman. Both teams struck the woodwork near the end.
New keeper James Bergin made some fine saves and there were promising displays from other new signings – defenders Harry Lord and Harry Severn and mid-fielder Brandon Charlton.
Last season’s regulars Whiteman, Ryan Cook, Brannan Solomon, Thomas Hunter and Ash Canham were also in the squad, along with Keith Caley and James Wightman.
 

Scorer: Spencer Cawcutt

A DISASTROUS first half saw the Black Dogs slip to only their fourth – but heaviest – defeat of the season at Easton in their final game on Friday evening.
It was their only defeat in the 2019 calendar year and only the second in their final 20 league games – the first they have lost by more than a single goal.
But the squad and management team should not be downhearted – the hard work had already been done throughout the season to be sure of third place in the Anglian C0mbiantion division one – and with Sheringham confirmed as leaving the premier division for the Thurlow Nunn League, that should be good enough for promotion to the top tier for the first time in 30 years – four years after they came up from division two.
Bungay, whose previous game was three weeks ago, never came to terms with the artificial pitch at Easton, and found themselves a goal down inside 20 seconds. The ball was lost through dallying in defence and George Crowe was left with an easy chance.
At that stage the Black Dogs quickly regrouped and were level in the ninth minute. Darrell Wigger’s cross from the right was cleared only to Ash Canham 25 yards out. His powerful first time drive was parried by the keeper but 16-year-old Spencer Cawcutt coolly slotted home the loose ball.
However, that was as good as it got. Both teams tested the keepers in turn before, in the 19th minute a goof break down the right by Easton saw the ball come to Ben Cissell, who took his chance well from the edge of the area.
Shaun Whiteman turned a cross narrowly over the bar in the next minute, but Bungay were undone two minutes later as James Wheeler caught Bungay keeper Brandon Ling out of position with a quickly taken 40-yard free-kick which sailed into the top corner. At that stage Easton were down to 10 men, with one in the sin-bin.
John Riches had a great chance to pull one back soon after as Cawcutt played him in but the keeper made as fine blocking save from his point-blank shot. And before half time it was 4-1 to the home side as Crowe again found the net after some more slack defensive play.
Bungay tightened up in the second half, with all three substitutes coming on straight away. In fact the roll-on substitute rule was used to the full in that 45 minutes as every outfield player was rotated at some stage. Crowe completed his hat-trick with 10 mjnutes left with a good glancing header from a left-wing cross.
Team: B Ling, T Daniels, C Hunting (R Cook), S Whiteman, T Hunter, D Wigger, J Knights (J Weston), J Riches, B Solomon (D Mirner), A Canham, S Cawcutt.
 

 Scorers: Shaun Whiteman, John Riches and Spencer Cawcutt

Every one of the 15-man squad played their part in this deserved victory over opponents who have bene odds-on favourites to go up for much of the season. But they troubled the Bungay defence only once, and the scoreline was a true reflection of the game.
At the start it did not look good as Ash Canham was injured after only seven minutes, and was replaced by Dom Mirner – who himself went down shortly afterwards. He managed to recover, but so did Canham, who replaced him soon afterwards.
From then on Bungay defended stoutly and attacked with incision on the break, and when Sam Wooldridge was played in down the right his cross found Tom Hunter, whose shot was blocked for a corner. From the 22nd minute flag kick by Josh Knights, Shaun Whiteman, who was magnificent in defence all afternoon, headed his side into the lead.
Three minutes later John Riches fired narrowly wide from another good build up, and Knights got in a fierce shot straight at the keeper.
Ian Fancett put a difficult header wide for Mundford, but three minutes from the interval Bungay went 2-0 ahead as Craig Hunting headed a corner back into the danger area, where Riches finally turned the ball in from close range.
In added time Mundford were awarded a penalty but 17-year-old keeper Brandon Ling dived to save Mason Thorogood’s spot-kick.
Mundford’s expected onslaught in the second half did not materialise as Bungay defended well and still created chances, though Ling had to make a smart save at the start of the second half.
Canham tested the keeper again and Spencer Cawcutt, on as a substitute, also brought the keeper into action, before a long range effort from Brannan Solomon just cleared the bar. Ling comfortably took another Mundford shot, and with three minutes to go Bungay clinched victory with a third goal.
Solomon played Cawcutt in with a shrewd ball and the 17-year-old took it round the keeper to score into an empty net, to the joy of his team-mates and Bungay’s travelling supporters.
The Black Dogs final game is not for nearly three week – at Easton on Friday, May 3rd.(7.15pm) A point will secure at least third place, though their goal difference is already significantly better than Stalham’s - the only side who could pip them.
Team: B Ling, J Weston, C Hunting, S Whiteman, T Daniels, S Wooldridge (S Cawcutt), B Solomon, J Knights (S Wooldridge), T Hunter, J Riches, A Canham (D Mirner, A Canham, J Wightman)
 

Scorers: Ash Canham, Sam Wooldridge 2, Tom Hunter

SAM Wooldridge was the hero for the Black Dogs on Saturday as he came off the bench to score two vital goals to turn the game round after Kirkley had taken a first half lead.
His two well-taken efforts paved the way for a crucial win, which means that if Bungay can win their final two games (both difficult away games) they will finish third in the Anglian Combination division one – and there are likely to be three promotion positions this season.
It means Bungay remain unbeaten in 12 games in 2019 and have lost only once in their last 17 games.
Bungay started well, and Jamie Weston almost got on to a cross into the box from Ash Canham, but the keeper just got there first to boot clear. But they moved ahead in the 15th minute as Darrell Wigger’s free-kick caused panic in the visitors’ defence and Canham got the final touch as the ball bobbled in off a post for his 11th goal of the season.
But Kirkley went close with a shot that hit the bar following a corner. John Riches drove a low free-kick straight at the keeper in the 27th minute, and immediately Kirkley attacked down the right and when the ball was crossed to the left Ross King drove a fine first time shot inside the far post.
Six minutes later they took the lead with a fine 25-yard shot from Gary Williams which found the top corner after a corner had been headed clear. For the rest of the half they were the better side as Bungay struggled for rhythm. And only a good save from Lewis Riches prevented a third for Kirkley as he grabbed an intended lob from James Gill when the former Bungay player broke clear.
And the keeper thwarted the same player at the expense of a corner when he cut in again at the start of the second half. But the home side gradually worked themselves back into the game, and Canham was unlucky to see his curling free-kick go narrowly wide.
Wooldridge came on for Solomon in the 60th minute, and Wigger had a chance at the far post from Tom Hunter’s cross, but could not direct his effort.
The equaliser came with 20 minutes left as Wooldridge was played in following a move down the right and he stayed cool to beat the keeper.
With six minutes left Canham had a long range shot well saved by the keeper at the foot of the post as Bungay strived to avoid their fifth successive draw. And with three minutes left the vital goal came as another cross into the area caused Kirkley problems and Wooldridge took the chance to beat the keeper at his near post.
And the points were clinched in added time as Hunter beat the offside trap and took the ball on to beat the keeper.
Team: L Riches, J Weston, C Hunting, T Daniels, S Whiteman, D Wigger (R Cook), B Solomon (S Wooldridge), J Knights, T Hunter, J Riches, A Canham.
 

Scorers: Ash Canham and Shaun Whiteman (pen)

THE Black Dogs were held back by another late goal in a fine game at the Maltings Meadow on Tuesday evening.
Both sides were committed and fully focussed in an encounter which showed both would be a credit to the Anglian Combination premier division which they are striving to reach.
It was cut and thrust in front of the biggest crowd of the season and two goals early in the second half looked to have edged it fore the home side, until the students’ 88th minute equaliser.
In a first half in which defences were on top and much of the play was in mid-field, Bungay went close in the 10th minute as Josh Knights’ fine ball into the area picked out Ryan Crisp, whose volley was just too high.
Darrell Wigger had a shot blocked after Dom Mirner’s lay-off, but the ball broke for the UEA who raced to the other end where Mo Hassan’s tame shot was misjudged by keeper Lewis Riches and ended up in the net.
Soon after the keeper made a fine block from another effort, and he made another great saved before the interval as the UEA finished the half strongly.
Tom Hunter replaced Mirner at the interval and within 30 seconds of the re-start had laid on the equaliser. Crisp sent him away down the left and he cut in to square the ball for Ash Canham to score from close range – his 10th goal of the season.
Two minutes later captain Shaun Whiteman, who had another outstanding game in defence, was brought down in the box following Hunter’s corner, and got up to convert the spot-kick – his sixth successful penalty among his 12 goals – to put Bungay ahead.
UEA came mighty close to an equaliser in the 63rd minute as Frankie Bolter saw a shot come back off a post. The pace and commitment of the game did not slacken as both sides gave everything. But again, just as Bungay were close to holding out for a vital victory, the visitors came up with an 88th minute equaliser as a corner found its way to the far post, where Bolter turned it in.
Team: L Riches, J Weston (D Mirner), J Riches, T Daniels (R Cook), S Whiteman, D Wigger, J Knights, B Solomon, D Mirner (T Hunter), A Canham, R Crisp.
 

Scorer: Dom Mirner

FOR the fourth time this season, Bungay were robbed of victory by a goal in the last minute or added time, when they visited Aylsham on Saturday.
At East Harling it was the 90th minute, at Reepham the 89th minute, at Watton the last kick of the game in the 96th minute and on Saturday Aylsham equalised in the 93rd minute to mar another good performance by the team.
But despite that, manager Richard Daniels was philosophical and saw it as point gained against a side currently second in the table, The result leaves Bungay three points behind them with a game in hand, and they are certainly still in with a chance of promotion from the Anglian Combination division one, as there are likely to be three promotion places.
The Black Dogs started well and Brannan Solomon struck the bar with an angled shot in the second minute. John Riches got in a shot on the turn which was blocked, and Darrell Wigger had a header cleared off the line.
They went ahead in the 11th minute as Dom Mirner struck a shot which took a deflection to wrong-foot the keeper. It was his 11th goal of the season.
The home side settled and were more in the game after that, though penalty area action was limited. Lew Riches in the Bungay goal took two efforts low down, but shortly before the interval Bungay were denied what looked a clear penalty when Ash Canham was brought down.
Aylsham had more possession in the second half and Riches did well to grab a deflected shot, but Alex Husband, on for Mirner, had a shot blocked and from the loose ball John Riches also saw his shot turned away.
Aylsham’s best chance came from a header which struck the underside of the bar and was cleared. Ryan Cook tested the Aylsham keeper with a well struck shot, and Aylsham netted with nine minutes to go, by it was disallowed for offside after the referee consulted a linesman.
Bungay defended well in the final 10 minutes,. But three minutes into added time Riches made a superb save to turn over a goalbound shot, and from the corner to the far post Kieron Belton nudged the ball in.
Team: L Riches, J Weston, C Hunting, T Daniels, S Whiteman, D Wigger (S Cawcutt), J Riches (R Cook), B Solomon, J Knights, A Canham, D Mirner (A Husband).
 

Scorer: own goal

THE strong wind was the real winner on Saturday as the Black Dogs battled out their eighth draw of the Anglian Combination division one season at Stalham on Saturday.
Against the wind in the first half they defended well and went in level at the interval. But with the wind they were unable to make the advantage count, despite going close, and remain fifth in the table in a very close top six.
Good football was difficult but any there was came from Bungay, though the home side had the first real chance in the eighth minute, but a forward’s lob from a good position was carried over the bar by the wind.
For Bungay John Riches drove in a free-kick that was cleared for a corner, and the same player then headed Tom Hunter’s flag kick only to see it palmed away by the keeper.
But Stalham took the lead in the 23rd minute as a corner played low to the near post was turned in by Thomas Crabb. The same player got clear soon after but Shaun Whiteman and keeper Lewis Riches cleared the danger.
In the 25th minute Darrell Wigger was brought down on the edge of the aea but Riches drove the free-kick low just wide. Whiteman found Dom Mirner with a fine ball to put him clear but his first touch was poor and the chance was gone.
But two minutes from the interval Bungay equalised as Wigger’s cross into the six-yard box was turned into his own net by a defender with Brannan Solomon waiting to pounce.
Early in the second half Bungay created a chance as Wigger’s cross found the unmarked Solomon, who volleyed the swirling ball off target. From a Riches corner Whiteman’s header was cleared from under the bar, while a 30-yard shot form Solomon dipped narrowly over, Ash Canham, on for Mirner tried his luck with five minutes left but it as wide, and Josh Knights was agonisingly close to a winner in added time with a curling shot which grazed the outside of a post.
Before the end Solomon had a shot from another Wigger cross blocked by the keeper.
Team: L Riches, J Weston (B Carter), C Hunting, R Daniels, S Whiteman, J Riches, J Knights, B Solomon, T Hunter, D Wigger, D Mirner (A Canham).
 

Scorer: Shaun Whiteman

ONE of Bungay’s most disciplined 90 minutes of the season was marred on Saturday by a moment of defensive hesitation that allowed East Harling an undeserved 90th minute equaliser.
Until then they had not seriously tested keeper Lewis Riches, and Bungay had defended their first half lead relatively comfortably in this second v third clash in the Anglian Combination division one.
But for the fourth time this season a late, late equaliser cost them vital points in their promotion push, to the clear frustration of manager Richard Daniels.
The home side started well, but it was Bungay who went closest as Ash Canham’s 25-yard effort in the 15th minute flew narrowly wide. Soon after his diving header in a crowded 18-yard box was also off target. Then John Riches hit a fierce 30-yard free-kick the keeper blocked and the loose ball was cleared.
In the 22nd minute Tom Hunter put Dom Mirner away down the left and when he moved into the area he was felled by a defender. The keeper blocked Shaun Whiteman’s spot-kick, but Whiteman re-acted quickest to ram home the rebound for his 11th goal of the season.
Mirner had a chance soon afterwards but could not work a clear shooting chance.
Keeper Riches did see action in the 35th minute, fisting away a corner, and then comfortably held a 35-yard shot.
Early in the second half Darrell Wigger lobbed an effort onto the top of the netting, before Harling put a volley over the top from 20 yards. Wigger saw a shot deflected for a corner, and the same result came from a Mirner back heel.
Bungay were generally comfortable in breaking up Harling forays, and they created half chances themselves, with Brannan Solomon finding Alex Husband, who slipped inside his marker to fire just wide.
It looked as if they had done enough to shepherd the three points home, but in the 90th minute a free-kick flowered in from the right caught defenders and keeper hesitating and Joe Allen took advantage to head in at the back post, for a disappointing end to an otherwise good performance.
Team: L Riches, J Knights, C Hunting, T Daniels, S Whiteman, D Wigger (S Wooldridge), J Riches, B Solomon, T Hunter, D Mirner, A Canham (A Husband).
 

Scorers: Craig Hunting and Dom Mirner

TWO first half goals were enough to bring the Black Dogs their fifth successive win in the Anglian Combination division one when they entertained Attleborough on Saturday.
They have now lost only once in their last 12 games, and consolidated second place in the table with eight games to play.
They dominated the first half and were good value for their lead, but the visitors came back well in the second half have and gave the home defence some anxious moment before the whistle went on only their fourth clean sheet of the season.
In only the fifth minute Craig Hunting put a header from a corner against the post from Tom Hunter’s corner, and Shaun Whiteman struck the woodwork in the 11th minute as his header bounced up on to the bar before being cleared.
But in his 560th game Hunting had more luck from another Hunter corner – this time his firm header at the far post game the keeper no chance.
Dom Mirner had a shot blocked later from a good cross from Jamie Weston, and then a fine ball by Whiteman found Ash Canham down the left and his first time cross caused problems before the keeper just beat Mirner to the ball. And Mirner worked a good chance in the 30th minute only to put his shot narrowly wide.
Finally, he did get his 10th goal of the season in the 41st minute, curling a fine left foot shot into the top corner after Brannan Solomon’s shot had been blocked.
Early in the second half Mirner curled another effort narrowly wide, and Darrell Wigger had another chance after more good football, but fired straight at the keeper. Then Whiteman scooped a shot over the bar from close in when he should have hit the target.
Attleborough’s first shot of the game did not come until the 55th minute. It was deflected wide and led to a series of corners which Bungay defended with difficulty. The spell of pressure lifted the visitors. Keeper Lewis Riches took a powerful shot well, and shortly after Attleborough netted when the keeper dropped the ball, but the flag was up for offside.
Riches had to make another good save to turn away a shot as Attleborough put pressure on, with Bungay unable to put together the football they had shown in the first half. A home defender deflected the ball over the bar following another corner, and before the end Riches was needed again to keep a clean sheet with a save from another well struck shot.
But the goal remained intact, and near the end substitute Spencer Cawcutt tested the Attleborough keeper with a strong angled shot.
Team: L Riches, J Weston, T Daniels, C Hunting, S Whiteman, D Wigger (J Knights), J Riches, B Solomon , T Hunter, D Mirner (D Bensley), A Canham (S Cawcutt).
 

Scorers: Shaun Whiteman 2, John Riches own goal, Ash Canham, Dom Mirner

THE Black Dogs moved into the second promotion spot in the Anglian Combination division one with this clear-cut victory over Reepham Town on Saturday.
The four leading scorers shared the goals, four of which came in the first half as for once the side saw that the score-line reflect their superiority, with captain Shaun Whiteman being the first into double figures.
It was he who put Bungay ahead after just two minutes as Ash Canham’s long throw into the box caused problems. Dom Mirner had a shot blocked and Whiteman fired home the loose ball from inside the six-yard box.
Canham tried a first time volley from 25 yards which was off target, but Bungay made it 2-0 in the sixth minute as Canham won a free-kick on the edge of the area and John Riches drilled the kick low into the net for hs eighth goal of the season.
The same player had a shot deflected for a corner later, and Jamie Weston stabbed a shot straight at the keeper as Reepham were not allowed a look-in. The inevitable third goal came in the 25th minute as Whiteman headed his 10th of the season from Darrell Wigger’s corner.
Shortly after Wigger sent Tom Hunter away down the left and his low cross into the danger area was turned in by a defender with Mirner waiting to pounce. In added time Reepham directed their first shot of the day wide following a corner.
Bungay made it 5-0 just two minutes into the second half as Canham curled a free-kick from the edge of the area inside the near post for his ninth of the season. But Reepham were more determined in the second half and Lewis Riches in the home goal had to grab the ball at the second attempt in one attack. Nevertheless 16-year-old Spencer Cawcutt, on his debut,. put a header wide from Riches’ cross before, in the 62nd minute, Dom Mirner made it 6-0 from a good Cawcutt lay-off, banging in a powerful shot from the right edge of the area. It was his ninth of the season.
Hunter headed another cross into the side netting, but keeper Riches had to make a reflex save to keep out a Reepham shot, before Hunter brought a fine save from the Reepham keeper with a tremendous 35-yard volley.
But with three minutes left the visitors did grab a consolation as the ball bobbled about in the six-yard box before going into the net off a defender.
Team: L Riches, J Weston (D Mirner), C Hunting, S Whiteman, T Daniels, D Mirner (D Wigger, J Riches)), B Solomon (J Knights), J Riches (B Solomon), T Hunter, A Canham (M James), D Wigger (S Cawcutt).

Scorers: Darrell Wigger, Thomas Daniels and Dom Mirner

ONCE again the Black Dogs made hard work of beating a struggling side when they visited North Walsham in Saturday.

The previous week Mundford hit 13 against the Norfolk side, and to begin with it looked as if Bungay would challenge that figure – they were two up in in four minutes and three up in 20 minutes.

But they took their foot off the pedal, and despite creating numerous chances and half chances could not add to the score, with the result that Walsham gained in confidence, and scored two late goals to threaten to turn the game around completely.

However, the Black Dogs hung on for their fourth win in five games, consolidated third place in the Anglian Combination division one and kept their promotion bid on track.

They took just 25 seconds to take the lead as Darrell Wigger received the ball on the right side of the penalty area and curled a low shot inside the far post. Three minutes later a long cross from the left from Ton Daniels deceived the keeper and curled into the far top corner of the net.

Shaun Whiteman was just wide with a header from Matt James’ corner, and then James put a chance wide before Whiteman had another header cleared off the line.

Walsham did go close soon after, keeper Lewis Riches having to stretch to turn a shot onto the bar before the ball was cleared. But it was 3-0 after 20 minutes as Mirner turned the ball in at the far post after more good work by Wigger and John Riches’ head on

James was unlucky to see his 25-yard shot narrowly clear the bar, and before the interval Mirner netted again but was offside.

In the second minute of the second half Mirner hit the bar and a scramble ensued in the six-yard box before the ball was cleared. The same player fired over when Damon Bensley set him up, before heading a free-kick wide.

But Walsham got a foot-hold in the game in the 59th minute when Alex Husband was judged to have fouled a player just inside the penalty area and Tim Wylie converted the resultant penalty. Mirner saw a glancing header hit the outside of a post before Tom Hunter struck the far post with a free-kick. But with five minutes left the home side got another goal back as Whiteman turned the ball past Riches in attempting a clearance.

Team: L Riches, A Husband, S Whiteman, T Daniels, J Weston, D Wigger,(T Hunter), B Solomon, J Riches, T Hunter (S Wooldridge), D Mirner, M James (D Bensley)

Scorers: Tom Hunter and John Riches

THE Black Dogs edged home against Thetford Rovers on Saturday to gain revenge for their defeat at Euston Park earlier in the season.

The home side dominated for much of the first half, but only had one goal to show for it, and Rovers were a different side after the interval, forcing Bungay to defend determinedly to ensure they kept the pressure up in their quest for promotion from the Anglian Combination division one.

Tom Hunter headed over form Josh Knights’ far post cross in the first minute, and they soon created another chance as Darrell Wigger’s cut-back saw Ash Canham slide the ball just wide. There were only four minutes gone when Wigger fired another half chance over the bar.

It was one-way traffic at this stage, and Bungay duly took the lead in the 13th minute as Hunter was released down the left and he cut in to slot the ball past the advancing keeper.

Shortly after Matt James netted after more ignored work by Canham and Wigger but it was disallowed for offside. And when James was played in soon after the keeper did well to block his shot, and the same player lifted another chance over the bar under challenge form a defender.

But the visitors finally settled and had a golden chance when a forward somehow lifted the ball over an open goal from three yards. Shaun Whiteman got in a great blocked when a forward pulled the trigger again. But before the interval Hunter twice, Wigger and Dom Mirner tried their luck without success.

Once again the Black Dogs were made to pay as Rovers equalised three minutes into the second half as James Dean controlled a cross to the far post and beat Lewis Riches.

Hunter and John Riches (on as a substitute at half-time) both had shots blocked in quick succession as the side tried to get back in front. But keeper Riches had to make a fine save to keep out another Thetford effort and the ball was finally out for a goal-kick.

Both teams went close again before, in the 64th minute, Bungay nudged ahead again. Wigger worked his way to the by-line and his low cross was deftly back-heeled in by Riches.

Almost immediately Thetford struck the bar with a free-kick to show they were not finished, and soon after Riches had to be alert to keep out another free-kick, and they had another shot deflected for a corner.

The home defence had to clear several corners with difficulty, but held out, and in added time Rovers’ Luke Woods was sent off for pushing Brannan Solomon over.

Team: L Riches, T Daniels, C Hunting, S Whiteman, T Hunter, D Mirner (A Husband), J Knights, B Solomon, D Wigger (D Mirner), A Canham (M James, D Bensley)), M James (J Riches).

Scorers: Darrell Wigger, Shaun Whiteman (pen), Ash Canham, Matt James

THE Black Dogs made it seven points from three games in 2019 as they comfortably beat Hindringham on Saturday.

This was a far better performance than the one the previous week when they were held to a draw by bottom club Reepham. It brought their first clean sheet since October 6, and the first time they have scored more than twice in a game since the 3-3 home draw with Hindringham on October 27.

Bungay dominated the game and created numerous chances – had they taken them, even the easy ones, they would have been well into double figures., But this was a positive outing in which everyone was buzzing, and the home side had little answer to their attacking play.

In the first minute Dom Mirner headed over from Tom hunter’s cross when it seemed easier to score, but Bungay were ahead in the seventh minute as Hunter played the ball forward and Darrell Wigger beat the keeper to it and rolled the ball into an empty net.

Ash Canham tried his luck with a first time effort that flew wide and the keeper made a finger top save to keep out another Wigger effort, before the same player missed another easy chance, sliding the ball wide the goal from two yards after more good work from Hunter.

Wigger tested the keeper again after winning the ball well on the right, and Mirner netted but was clearly offside, and then was unlucky to see the keeper block another shot when he raced clear.

Supporters were hoping the side would not pay for its profligracy in the second half, but those thoughts were dispelled early on when Brannan Solomon was pushed in the area nd Shaun Whiteman drilled home his fifth penalty of the season and eighth goal in all.

As the Black Dogs continued to dominate Jamie Weston netted was judged to have handled the ball, Canham saw a shot blocked, and the keeper saved well from another Weston shot, and also from a Whiteman header.

Following a 65th minute corner Canham saw his curling shot come back off a pot, but he made it 3-0 in the 70th minute, taking advantage of a poor goal-kick to beat the keeper comprehensively for his eighth of the season.

Alex Husband, on as a substitute, missed another golden chance, firing wide of a gaping goal from Hunter’s cut-back, and Matt James, another substitute, completed the scoring with 13 minutes left, bursting clear to slot past the exposed keeper – his second first team goals in 34 appearances.

The home side created no chances at all until a header hit the bar with three minutes left.

Team: L Riches, T Daniels, C Hunting, S Whiteman, T Hunter, J Weston, J Knights, B Solomon (D Mirner), D Mirner (M James), A Canham (S Wooldridge), D Wigger (A Husband).

Scorer: Shaun Whiteman 2 (1 pen)

THE Black Dogs dropped more vital Anglian Combination division one points on Saturday as they once again conceded a last minute goal – this time to bottom club Reepham.

This was their sixth league draw, and all but one of them have come from winning positions, something that is clearly of concern to manager Richard Daniels and his team. If they cannot beat teams from the lower half of the table who they dominate territorially, the hopes of promotion will drift away.

Once again all looked well to begin with. Captain Shaun Whiteman put two headers from crosses just off target in the opening stages, and when Ash Canham had a shot turned away for a corner in the eighth, Whiteman powered home a header form Tom Hunter’s flag kick.

But again they were quickly pegged back as they conceded a free kick in a dangerous area, and Martin Nantonque’s kick deflected off the wall past Lewis Riches.

Matt James had a chance when put clear down the right but the keeper blocked his shot for a corner, and Canham tested the keeper with another shot on the turn, before Reepham went close from another free-kick as a player got in behind the defence.

Canham set up James for a run and shot which flew wide, and Canham himself was unlucky to see another attempt go just wide of the far post. He again tested the keeper before the interval, while Reepham were not far off target following a quick break.

Just 35 seconds into the second half Bungay won a penalty as Canham was brought down in the area, and Whiteman duly converted the spot kick for his seventh goal of the season. Later he hooked a shot just too high following another free-kick. Darrell Wigger, on as a substitute, worked a shooting chance but the keeper gathered his shot at the second attempt, and Sam Wooldridge, also a substitute following his return to the club, fired narrowly wide in the 80th minute following another free-kick.

But the Black Dogs struggled to make their superiority count, and paid the penalty in the 89th minute as they conceded a free-kick 25 yards out, failed to clear the kick properly, and Tom Fisher grabbed the chance to fire home from eight yards. The resulting draw felt like a defeat.

Team: L Riches, C Anderson (D Wigger), C Hunting, S Whiteman, J Weston, D Mirner, J Knights, B Solomon (A Husband), T Hunter, A Canham, M James (S Wooldridge).

Scorers: Craig Hunting and Ash Canham

THE Black Dogs got 2019 off to a winning start as they finally overcame a stubborn Stalham at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.

They dominated much of the game and created and spurned numerous chances, some of them well saved by the visiting keeper and others kept out by desperate defending.

In fact the visitors took an early 9th minute lead in fortuitous fashion. An intended clearance by keeper Lewis Riches crashed against Thomas Crabb as he closed him down and rebounded into the net.

Before that Ash Canham had had a shot deflected for a corner and Brannan Solomon put a speculative shot high and wide.

Bungay were only behind for two minutes, however. Veteran defender Craig Hunting turned the ball in from close range following a corner, for his first goal for more than three years in his 555th game.

Soon after Canham got away down the left but his cross was easily cut out. The visitors saw a shot clear the bar in the 15th minute, but Bungay were soon attacking again, and from a corner Matt James put a lob off target, and then Canham was just beaten to Chris Anderson’s low cross. Tom Hunter put James clear but the keeper came out well to block his path.

Bungay had what seemed a clear penalty appeal turned down when Canham was felled in the box, and before the interval James was clear three times but failed to convert any of the chances. Dom Mirner won the ball well and couldn’t beat the keeper, and the same player was unlucky with a curling effort that beat the keeper but hit the top of the bar.

Bungay should have had a clear lead at the interval, and the pattern continued in the second half. Canham turned to put a first time effort over the bar and then his close range flick was straight at the busy keeper. James turned another golden chance, set up by Mirner, over the bar, and Bungay almost paid for their profligacy in the 77th minute as Stalham drove a powerful effort narrowly wide.

But having wasted easy chances, Bungay went ahead in the 81st minute from a more difficult one, Canham stretching to loop a header over the keeper from Shaun Whiteman’s free-kick.

In added time Stalham went close to an equaliser with another shot that was just wide, and Canham somehow scooped another golden chance over the bar from six yards after good work by debutant Alex Husband.

Team: L Riches, J Weston (K Caley), C Hunting, S Whiteman, T Hunter, C Anderson (A Husband), J Knights, B Solomon, D Mirner (J Weston), A Canham, M James (R Cook).

Scorer: Shaun Whiteman (pen)

BUNGAY’S poor run continued on Saturday as they were beaten at home by East Harling.

Generally the visitors coped better with the difficult wind, but it was poor defending which brought them their winner late on to inflict on the Black Dogs only their third league defeat of the season.

The only saving grace for the home side was that the other three sides with them in the top four of the Anglian Combination all also lost.

With the wind in the first half Harling started well, and tested Lewis Riches with a long range shot, before taking an early lead. Jack Flynn headed on a cross from the right and it went in off the far post with Riches stranded.

A minute later the visitors had a player sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes for dissent, but despite that they saw a corner hit the top of the bar. Bungay struggled to create clear cut chances against the wind, bur John Riches did find Ash Canham, and he got in a shot the keeper took well low down. Matt James, who replaced Damon Bensley, could not get any power with a side-footed effort when a half chance came to him. Riches powered an effort straight at the keeper, but only a great block by Shaun Whiteman prevented Harling going further ahead.

Bungay stsr5ted the second half well, but again the visitors went close with a snap shot from 25 yards which hit the angle of post and bar, before their keeper made a fine block from Dom Mirner’s point blank effort, with Mirner putting the follow-up wide.

Canbam put a header from a free kick narrowly over the bar, but the Black Dogs finally equalised with nine minutes left. Riches was fouled in the area, and Whiteman drilled home the resulting penalty.

Craig Hunting, in his 554th appearance, put a header from a corner over the bar, and Bungay were undone with three minutes left as they failed to clear the danger when Matt Johnson’s persistence caused them problems, and he was finally able to poke the ball home.

Team: L Riches, J Weston, C Hunting, S Whiteman, D Mirner (D Wigger), J Riches, J Knights, B Solomon (A Crossan), T Hunter, A Canham, D Bensley (M James, D Mirner).

Scorers: Dom Mirner, Jamie Weston.

BUNGAY dropped two more valuable Anglian Combination division one points as Watton equalised with literally the last kick of the game on Saturday.

The Black Dogs had twice taken the lead in a game spoilt by a strong wind and an over-officious referee, and had chances to put the game to bed against a side they had trounced 8-0 at home earlier in the season.

Without strikers Ash Canham and Shaun Flint, Bungay started with Damon Bensley up front. Tom Hunter’s speed down the left worried the home side from the start and in one move with Thomas Daniels the latter’s cross was just too high for Dom Mirner at the far post. Soon after Hunter cut in and fired into the side netting when a cross might have brought a better result.

But Hunter’s good work finally paid off in the 25th minute as Daniels again put him away down the left and this time his cross to the far post gave Mirner the chance to fire into the roof of the net from a narrow angle.

However, Watton were level four minutes later as they beat the offside trap for Ty Bond to take the ball on to coolly beat the advancing Lewis Riches. Bungay were producing more going forward, and the keeper grabbed another Hunter cross just ahead of Bensley, and a half-blocked effort form Mirner landed on top of the bar.

The Black Dogs were ahead again in the first minute of the second half as Josh Knights’ floated cross to the far post saw Jamie Weston loop a header beyond the keeper into the top corner. The keeper made a fine sae from Hunter soon afterwards, before Matt James, on as a substitute, somehow failed to connect with a Hunter cross through the six-yard box, and another cross from Knights just eluded James.

For all their efforts Bungay could not find the clinching goal, and Watton were awarded a dubious free-kick 25 yards out in the fourth minute of added time. Craig Barton stepped up to curl a fine effort into the top corner, and there was no time to restart the game before the referee blew the final whistle. It means the Black Dogs have won only once in their last eight games.

Scorer: Dom MIrner

THIS was a game between two strong, committed teams who provided an entertaining afternoon which fairly ended in a draw.

The home side, currently leading the Anglian Combination division one, had the better of the first half and the fourth placed Black Dogs the better of the second. With none of the sides around them winning, neither lost ground in their promotion quest.

Early on Shaun Whiteman, back as captain after missing two games through injury, made a great tackle to prevent the home side breaking through, and at the other end the same player got in a header from a corner but the keeper saved comfortably. Then a Yelverton forward rolled a good chance just wide after the Bungay defence had hesitated.

Ash Canham tested the keeper with a long-range effort, before a good move down the left saw Brannan Solomon’s low cross gathered by the keeper at the second attempt.

It was the home side that made the breakthrough, however, as a 36th minute goalmouth scramble ended with Dan Cook getting the final touch to force the ball home.

Bungay came out in determined fashion in the second half and Dom Mirner was unlucky to see a left-foot shot on the turn just clear the bar. At the other end Lewis Riches had to make a sharp save at his near post when the defence failed to clear decisively. Canham put an effort straight at the keeper, and Thomas Daniels weaved his way through the home defence to bring a good save from the keeper at his near pot. John Riches had a volley cleared off the line by a defender as the Black Dogs sought an equaliser. Canham had another shot shovelled away by the keeper before trying an overhead kick thst lacked power.

Bungay were dominating the half and the equaliser they deserved finally came in the 76th minute as a cross came in from the right, the keeper failed to gather it cleanly, and Mirner pounced to turn it over the line for his sixth goal of the season. Before the end John Riches again tested the keeper with a low 20-yard free-kick.

Scorers: Dom Mirner and Shaun Flint

THE Black Dogs got back to winning ways on Saturday with a deserved victory over Aylsham to end a run of five games without a win.

In an open game with plenty of goalmouth action the margin would have been greater had they taken their chances, but it was a welcome three Anglian Combination division one points against a side just below them in the table.

Josh Knights got in an early long range shot that was not far wide before the home side went ahead after only five minutes. A good passing move down the left ended with Ash Canham crossing from the by line for Dom Mirner to glance a neat near-post header in off the keeper.

Soon after Tom Hunter got in a shot that the keeper took comfortably, before Lewis Riches made a great save when an intended clearance cannoned off a colleague, leaving an Aylsham forward with a clear shot. And after Shaun Flint had forced the visiting keeper to save at his feet Riches made another point blank save to keep out a stinging shot.

But from the resulting corner Aylsham equalised as the ball was crossed to the far post where Jamie George had an easy chance to convert.

That was against the run of play, and Bungay resumed their offensive, which saw Canham play Darrell Wigger in, but the keeper blocked his toe-poke. A looping cross from Hunter sailed narrowly wide of the far past, but Bungay regained the lead in the 44th minute. John Riches found Canham down the right and he again proved the provider, finding Flint, who took one touch before firing low across the keeper into the far corner.

At the start of the second half Canham again put Wigger clear, but again the keeper was equal to his effort, and Tom Daniels had to get in a great tackle to thwart a determined Aylsham forward. Soon after John Riches had to clear off the line in another attack.

Matt James, who replaced Flint, soon tested the keeper, with Canham inevitably setting up the chance, but Aylsham went close when a cross from the left came back off the face of the bar.

The clinching goal for Bungay would not come, though John Riches tested the keeper with a low free-kick and Canham was narrowly wide with another set piece. James almost got the vital third when he rounded the keeper but a defender got back to clear.

With the visitors having a player sent to the sin bin for the final 10 minutes Bungay held out comfortably, with James again going close.

Team: L Riches, D Mirner, C Hunting, J Riches (S Flint), T Daniels (D Bensley), D Wigger (C Ling), J Knights, B Solomon, T Hunter, A Canham, S Flint (M James).

Scorer: Darrell Wigger

THE Black Dogs shared the points on Saturday for the third time in four games in an entertaining game against Yelverton.

It was their fifth game in a row without a win, but this was a much better performance than the one at Thetford the previous week. They had chances to win it, but a draw was probably a fair result.

In front of a large crowd in autumn sunshine Bungay gave a debut to another goalkeeper, Lewis Riches from Diss. The game also marked veteran defender Craig Hunting’s 550 appearance for the team.

The visitors put an early header wide, and for Bungay Ash Canham broke clear but the keeper managed to grab the ball at his feet at the second attempt, before Darrell Wigger was inches short of meeting Canham’s ball into the area.

The visitors, physically strong, had a chance in the 22nd minute but put an angled effort wide, and it was the Black Dogs who went in ahead at the interval with a goal in the 35th minute. Dom Mirner headed a ball forward, Canham moved it into Wigger’s path and he deftly lobbed the keeper as he came off his line.

But Yelverton were back on level terms in the 51sr minute as Tom Pitchell got away down the left and his angled drive nestled into the far corner. Soon after Lews Riches made a great save, holding a point blank volley at his near post. For Bungay Tom Hunter won a dual down the left and his angled shot just missed the far post.

As both sides attacked in turn Jamie Weston cleared a Yelverton effort off the line with John Riches completing the clearance and at the other end Josh Knights saw an effort blocked by the keeper. Then Shaun Flint had a great chance as he robbed the keeper as he was about to grab the ball, only to delay his shot and the chance was lot.

Bungay went close again when Canham found Hunter with a fine ball but Mirner could only turn his low cross against the keeper, and with ten minutes left Mirner spooned another chance close in over the bar.

And in the final minute John Riches rifled in a fierce low free kick which the keeper failed to hold, but as the ball reared up Flint could only head it over the top from close range.

Team: L Riches, J Weston (C Solomon), C Hunting (M. Payne), D Bensley, T Daniels, D Wigger (S Flint) , J Riches, J Knights, T Hunter, D Mirner, A Canham.

Scorer: Shaun Whiteman

BUNGAY’S season has hit a worrying blip as they were beaten at Thetford Rovers on Saturday.

They have not won since October 13th. This was their fourth game without a victory following three draws, and it was generally a disappointing performance against the type of team they would be expected to beat if they are to gain promotion from the Anglian Combination division one.

It was exacerbated by what appeared to be a serious knee injury suffered by Ryan Cook.

Thetford turned in a performance which belied their lowly position in the table, and they took the game to Bungay from the start. Three long range efforts showed their intent, with Mark Sutton getting down well to one of them. For Bungay Ash Canham volleyed Tom Hunter’s cross narrowly over the bar, but it proved their one serious effort of the first half, though the home keep jut beat Cook to a Canham pass.

One Thetford shot came back off the post with Sutton beaten and Bungay had to defend desperately to block other efforts in the run up to the interval.

But the home side went ahead in the 43rd minute as they broke quickly from a Bungay corner and James Dean was at the far post to ram in a low cross from the right.

The Black Dogs were level immediately after the interval as the keeper could not hold Josh Knights’ low free kick and Shaun Whiteman nipped in to score from the rebound.

They were expected to kick on from there an dominate, but though they were better in the second half they were unable to create any clear-cut chances. They did go close once, and Knights free kick found Dom Mirner and he was unlucky to see his shot on the turn go just wide.

Thetford regained the lead in the 62nd minute as Luke Woods won the ball 20 yard out and rifled a low drive past Sutton. The final ball was lacking for Bungay, though Shaun Flint had a header deflected for a corner, Knights had another effort turned away, and finally Canham saw a free-kick bounce up on to the top of the bar.

Team: M Sutton, J Knights, J Weston (M Payne), R Cook (S Flint), S Whiteman, K Caley (S Flint), D Wigger, J Riches, R Cook (S Flint), T Hunter, D Mirner, A Canham (S Bensley).

Scorers: Darrell Wigger and Dom Mirner

FOR the second week running Bungay surrendered a two-goal interval lead on Saturday and had to settle for a draw – and also failed to convert two penalties.

It made for a frustrating afternoon for the Black Dogs as they forfeited two more points in a game they should have won. Even so, 20 Anglian Combination division one points, and third place in the table, after nine games is an encouraging start overall.

Again they were ahead early on. Ash Canham’s cross-field ball found Dom Mirner and when it broke to the lively Darrell Wigger he took it on a stride and beat the keeper at his near post from 15 yards.

That was in the eighth minute. Soon after Mirner laid the ball off for Ryan Cook and his 25-yard effort was wide. Mark Sutton, making his debut in goal in place of the injured Tom Wickham, comfortably took Fakenham’s first shot, and then a forward put a better effort wide, a free header from a left wing cross.

Keith Caley landed an angled cross on to the roof of the net, and Dom Hunter headed a cross wide, before Fakenham failed to convert two other chances.

The Black Dogs made it 2-0 in the 38th minute as Canham sent Hunter away down the left and his cross through the six-yard box was turned in at the far post by Mirner – his fourth goal in five games.

But three minutes into the second half the home side got back into the game as James Slater scored with a firm header from a right wing corner. Sutton made a fine save to keep out a powerful shot from Luke Gray. For Bungay Josh Knights struck a 30-yard free kick which the keeper did well to turn away.

Bungay had a great chance to extend their lead in the 72nf minute as another fine cross from Hunter found Mirner unmarked eight yards out, but he put his header wide. Then a curling effort from John Riches hit a post.

There was an even better chance to go further ahead in the 76th minute as the Black Dogs were awarded a penalty for handball, but the keeper dived to block Shaun Whiteman’s spot-kick, and three minutes later Fakenham were level, as Ben Darby nipped in to glance a header over Sutton as the keeper hesitated..

Four minute later Bungay were awarded another penalty and this time Canham, who had won it, tried his luck, only for the keeper to dive to make another fine save. Before the end Craig Hunting had to get in a timely tackle to prevent Fakenham grabbing all three points.

Team: M Sutton, J Knights, C Hunting, S Whiteman, K Caley, D Wigger (M Payne), J Riches, R Cook, T Hunter, D Mirner, A Canham.

Scorers: Tom Hunter, Ryan Cook and Ash Canham

THE Black Dogs forfeited a 2-0 interval lead under the Maltings Meadow lights on Friday evening and in the end had to rely on a goal three minutes into added time to salvage an Anglian Combination division one point.

All was going well in the first half, though the visitors showed why they had started the season brightly and had temporarily led the table. And the way they stormed back in the second half indicated they will be a match for most clubs in the division.

Early on Ryan Crisp and Tom Hunter were working well down the left, causing the Hindringham defence problems, while Ash Canham put a 25-yard free-kick into the keeper’s arms. The visitors had chances too, and Josh Clark put an effort into the side netting, For Bungay, Dom Mirner saw a dangerous cross cleared over the bar by a defender. John Riches and Craig Hunting also went close.

But on two occasions poor back passes by Bungay played Hindringham in and on both occasions Tom Wickham had to make vital saves.

Bungay took the lead in the 20th minute as Crisp sent Hunter away down the left and he cut in to beat the keeper for his first goal of the season.

Both sides continued to create chances, but Bungay moved 2-0 ahead in the 31st minutes as Ryan Cook lashed in an unstoppable 25-yard volley which went in off the bar.

In the second half Canham forced the keeper to get down and turn away his 52nd minute shot, but immediately the visitors pulled one back as Matt Hudson fired through a crowded six-yard box with Wickham, probably unsighted, unable to hold the effort.

It put their tails up and they were level in the 61st minute when Wickham did well to block a fierce close-range shot from Josh Clark but the impetus carried the ball over the line.

Riches and Crisp put attempts over the bar as they sought a winner, but it was Hindringham who moved ahead with 11 minutes left, Clark stealing into the six-yard box ahead of Wickham to steer a cross home.

It had not been a good half for Bungay, but to their credit they kept battling, and three minutes into added time, as the ball pin-balled around the six-yard area, Canham got the final touch to salvage a point.

Team: T Wickham, J Weston, C Hunting (J Knights), S Whiteman, T Hunter, D Mirner (S Flint), J Riches, R Cook, B Solomon (D Wigger), A Canham, R Crisp.

PENALTIES were needed to decide an entertaining Suffolk Senior Cup local derby at College Meadow on Saturday – and it was the home side who edged through to the second round.

The Black Dogs, finalists last season, can count themselves a little unlucky in a game in which all the goals came in the opening 35 minutes, but Beccles looked the more dangerous in attack for much of the game, played in warm autumn sunshine in front of a big crowd. They play a division higher in the Anglian Combination and sometimes that showed.

In a remarkable first half Bungay took the lead in only the second minute. Keith Caley’s free-kick was headed into the dangerous area and Dom Mirner stole in to turn the ball just inside the far post.

But the home side equalised from the re-start as the Bungay defence got stretched and Joe Clark had an easy chance which he converted. And seven minutes later the home side were in front. Beccles won a corner and when the kick came over Neil Hurren glanced in a near post header.

Play went rapidly from end to end. Bungay had one appeal for a penalty turned down when Ash Canham went down in the box, but when the same thing happened in the 23rd minute the referee did point to the spot and Shaun Whiteman powered home the penalty.

Beccles again went close immediately, with Tom Wickham grabbing an overhead kick from Clark, and in the next minute the home side regained the lead. Again the home defence got in a muddle on the right and when a cross came over Like Bailey had the simple chance of heading into an open goal.

The home side went close twice more after that, but Bungay were not to be denied, and equalised for the second time in the 35th minute. Whiteman found Mirner with a great ball down the right, and he played it into John Riches, who held off a challenge well to turn and fire into the roof of the net.

Before the interval Bungay went close to taking the lead again but Tom Hunter was just unable to turn a floated cross from Mirner to account at the far post, while Bailey thudded a Beccles free-kick against the bar.

As so often happens after a first half goal feast there were none in the second half, but it was not for want of trying by both sides. For the first 20 minutes Bungay were on top, without being able to create a clear cut chance, though Riches put a header over the bar and twice had other goes without success, and Hunter put an effort wide after a good run.

The home side came back in the final quarter. One curling effort cleared the bar, and Bailey was wide with another shot. Hurren put an effort into the side netting, and in the last minute Canham landed a free-kick on to the roof of the net for Bungay.

In the shoot-out Hurren converted Beccles’ first penalty but Whiteman saw his saved by Dan Cable. Bailey and Canham converted their’s, but when Mirner put his kick over the bar it was left for Clark to win the game for the home side.

Bungay: T Wickham, C Anderson (J Weston), C Hunting (D Wigger), S Whiteman, K Caley (S Flint), D Mirner, B Solomon, R Cook, T Hunter, J Riches, A Canham. 

Scorers: Dom Mirner, John Riches, Ash Canham

A LATE winner brought Bungay their fifth league win in a row on Saturday as
they edged past an Attleborough side whose performance belied their lowly
position in the Anglian combination first division.
The points lifted them level on points with leaders Mundford but second on
goal difference. Despite an indifferent second half performance the Black
Dogs were resolute and worked hard to dig out the victory they deserved
overall.
In the first have they played some good football and Ryan Crisp and Dom
Mirner combined in the 12th minute, only for the latter's shot to drift wide
of the far post. A fine run by Brannan Solomon brought promise but his ball
to Crisp was forced away and at the other end Tom Wickham had to make a good
save from a powerful effort and managed to block the follow-up.
Good approach work was spoiled by sloppy final balls too often, and
Attleborough proved dangerous on the break, testing Wickham on another
occasion when Jay Webb broke through. Even so it was against the run of play
when the home side took the lead, Webb giving Wickham no chance with a
25-yard effort which swirled into the top corner.
But right on half time Bungay were level, as Crisp did well to hook the ball
into Mirner's path, and he took it round the keeper to score.
Two minutes inti the second half they were ahead. After Crisp had had an
angled effort blocked, Chris Anderson crossed to the far post where John
Riches headed his fifth goal of the season.
But the Black Dogs allowed the home side back into the game, and had to
defend stoutly at times. It led to an equaliser in the 69tgh minute as a
slip by Craig Hunting let a forward clear and Wickham brought him down as he
went to take the ball round him. Matt Carr made no mistake from the penalty
spot. Soon after Wickham had to make another great save to prevent
Attleborough going ahead.
Eventually they took the sting out of the home side's attacks, and the
winner came in the 81st minute, Josh Knights found Crisp down the left with
a fine ball, and he got to the byline and crossed for Canham to get his
fifth goal of the season from inside the six-yard box.
Team: T Wickham, C Anderson, C Hunting, R Cook, T Hunter, D Mirner (J Gill),
J Riches (K Caley), J Knights, B Solomon (D Mirner), A Canham, R Crisp.
 

Scorers; Chris Anderson, Ryan Crisp, Ash Canham 3, Shaun Whiteman (pen), Ryan Cook, James Gill

Scorers: Ryan Cook and Shaun Flint

The Black Dogs came from behind on Saturday to be the first team to inflict league defeat on Easton this season.

In an entertaining game the first half was fairly even, but Bungay dominated for much of the second, and the winner from Shaun Flint, 10 minutes from time, was deserved. The only thing to mar a good afternoon for the home side was the sending off of Flint, shortly after his goal, for a second bookable offence.

The hard-working Ash Canham put the first chance of the game over the bar from a good position after a good move involving John Riches and Darryl Wigger. And from the goal-kick George Crowe found space out on the right to beat Tom Wickham with a well judged lob to put Easton ahead. Soon after Crowe got to the left byline in a nimble run but Wickham was equal to the danger.

Riches had a half chance from a cross form the lively Wigger but his shot was deflected away, and from another Wigger cross Canham collided with the keeper as he went for the chance, with the burly keeper coming off worse.

Wigger picked up an injurty soon after and was replaced by Flint, who immediately got in a shot the keeper took comfortably. But Bungay were level in the 36th minute. Riches saw a header headed away for a corner, and from his flag kick Whiteman headed back across goal for Ryan Cook to stab home from close range.

Bungay were now on top, but had a let off when the ball bobbled badly as Wickham went to clear, and he and the defence did well to clear when Easton looked certain to take advantage.

Bungay were by far the better side after the interval, and Flint turned to send an effort narrowly over the bar. Tom Hunter twice put powerful efforts just too high, and Craig Hunting’s header from a corner met the same fate. But in a short spell of pressure from Easton Bungay were lucky to survive when a forward headed across goal with the goal gaping for another forward to head an even easier chance wide. Then Wickham made a fine leaping save to turn away a lob when a forward broke clear.

|But Bungay resumed their ascendancy, and in the 80th minute Riches did well to force his way to the byline and cross for Flint to score with a firm downward header. Soon after Flint was dismissed for a second yellow card offence, but apart from one Easton lob which just cleared the bar, the home side held out comfortably for an important win.

Team: T Wickham, C Anderson (D Bensley), C Hunting, S Whiteman, K Caley (J Gill), J Knights, J Riches, R Cook, T Hunter, D Wigger (S Flint), A Canham.

Scorers Ash Canham & own goal from Elliot Patrick.

The Black Dogs returned from Walmer Road, Lowestoft with all three points on Saturday, first half goals from Ash Canham & and own goal giving Bungay a reasonably comfortable win.
After an even start Bungay showed signs of what was to come when Canham fed Hunter wide on the left but his low cross was cut out by the K & P ‘keeper.
John Riches almost gave Bungay the lead in the 10th minute but his lob evaded the keeper only to bounce in front of the line & hit the bar. Two minutes later Black Dogs skipper Shaun Whiteman had to be alert to block Holt & stop the hosts getting their first shot on goal. On the quarter hour mark John Riches attempted an overhead kick but it was easily held by home keeper Reynolds as Bungay started to build up a head of steam. Two minutes later Riches set up Canham but his effort went wide.
Half way through the first half young Bungay keeper Tom Wickham held on to a Kirkley cross whilst under pressure from a home forward & two minutes later a tackle from Craig Hunting blocked a shooting chance for Kirkley.
Bungay Town eventually took the lead on 26 minutes when Ash Canham headed past the keeper from 12 yards after the home defence had failed to deal with a free kick from the lively Tom Hunter.
Seven minutes later Tom Hunter was once again the instigator as The Black Dogs doubled their lead after former Bungay Town player Elliot Patrick could only turn Hunter’s free kick into his own net.
The home side had two former Bungay players in their starting eleven & seven minutes after Patrick had inadvertently doubled Bungay’s lead the second of them Tom Cole was given 10 minutes in the dug out for dissent just before the half time interval. The hosts had a glorious chance to reduce the deficit in first half stoppage time but Michael Tacon headed wide.
Brannan Solomon made his first competitive appearance of the season after an injury picked up in a friendly, replacing Archie Wallis at half time. The home side had the first chance of the second period but Holt sliced wide when well placed. Two minutes later Bungay had a third goal ruled out for offside although the home linesman didn’t raise his flag. On the hour mark Canham sliced the ball wide of the post when well placed & shortly after Bungay survived an almighty scramble more akin to a pinball machine rather than a football pitch.
In the 69th minute Bungay brought on youngster James Gill to replace Ryan Cook. Kirkley created a couple of half chances which were both dealt with comfortably by the Bungay defence. On 80 minutes Bungay full back Chris Anderson picked up a foot injury & was replaced by Damon Bensley, five minutes later Bensley blocked a Kirkley chance with a timely intervention, the corner being wasted as Kirkley blasted a shot high & wide.
In injury time Tom Wickham had to be alert saving at the feet of a Kirkley striker & then gathering the resulting corner comfortably, the hosts blazed one more chance high & wide before the final whistle. A well deserved three points for Bungay in a workmanlike although unspectacular performance.

Scorers: Shaun Flint and Dom Mirner

COMFORTABLY 2-0 ahead with nine minutes to go on Saturday, the Black Dogs looked set for a place in the second round of the Anglian Combination senior-knock out cup.

But then it all went horribly wrong. An unfortunate own goal put Harling in with a chance, two minutes later they equalised with a deflected shot, and five minutes later Dom Mirner was controversially sent off in an incident with a defender, who was only shown a yellow card.

And when the game went into extra time the home side won it with a well taken goal at the start of the second period.

Without three key players – Shaun Whiteman, John Riches and Ash Canham - Bungay were comfortable for much of the game. After only two minutes a cross from Tom Hunter was deflected on to the post and the referee controversially awarded Bungay a free-kick six yard out. Shaun Flint’s shot was blocked and cleared. But in the seventh minute the striker put Bungay ahead with when he and Mirner won the ball on the left and he struck a great 20-yard effort into the roof of the net.

When the home side enjoyed a good spell Josh Knights cleared an effort for a corner, another header was narrowly wide and Tom Wickham made a great save to thwart another effort.

But it was 2-0 in the 22nd minute as a cross from Hunter caused problems, the keeper was drawn out of position, and Mirner stooped to head in James Gill’s cross.

Flint had another shot turned away by the diving keeper, but Wickham also did well to thwart a home effort, and debutant Chris Anderson headed another chance away from the sdnger area.

Wickham made a fine save at the start of the second half as the home side came out in determined fashion, and for Bungay Mirner had a chance when he was put clear, but the keeper robbed him as he tried to turn.

The dramatic turn-around came when Anderson’s attempted clearance found Wickham wrong-footed and it rolled into the corner of the net, before Ryan London equalised in the 83rd minute, his shot taking a deflection off a defender to thwart Wickham.

Mirner’s sending off gave Bungay a hill to climb, but they had chances before the end and in the first half of extra time – as did Harling, who saw one effort come back off a post and another off the underside of the bar. But the winner came in the first minute of the second period of added time as Jack Flynn turned well and put a shot from the edge of the area low inside the post, and Bungay were unable to come back.

Team: T Wickham, C Anderson (A Wallis), C Hunting (S Flint), D Bensley, T Hunter, A Wallis (O Brighton (A Gill)), J Knights, R Cook, D Mirner, J Gill (K Caley), S Flint (M Payne).

Scorers: John Riches 2, Shaun Whiteman, Archie Wallis

SOME superb team goals were highlights of this fine win for the Black Dogs against one of the sides expected to be in the Anglian Combination division one promotion mix this season.

John Riches struck twice in the first half on Saturday and two more goals followed after the interval to make it two wins from three so far to confirm a satisfactory star to a season in which promotion will be Bungay’s over-riding priority.

The side looked purposeful from the start, and Ash Canham put a diving header from Tom Hunter’s free-kick narrowly wide in the sixth minute.

The opening goal came in the 20th minute from a combined move down the left involving Hunter and Darryl Wigger, and when Canham’s cross came over Riches looped a fine header over the keeper from the edge of the area.

The second followed 15 minutes later, this time down the right, as Dom Mirner and Archie Wallis combined and Canham cut the ball back, to Riches to send a powerful volley past the keeper from 15 yards.

Thomas Wickham, making his debut in goal, had his first serious action right on half-time when UEA opened the Bungay defence, and he did well to divert to safety a close range shot.

Wigger had a sharp chance at the start of the second half but the keeper took his intended chip comfortably, and UEA went to the other end to pull one back with a fine curling 20-yard left foot shot from Henry Clarke that found the top corner.

Canham had a chance for Bungay soon after but he could not quite throw off his marker. It was 3-1 in the 54th minute, however as Shaun Whiteman got in a powerful close range header from Hunter’s corner which the keeper could only fumble into the net. Another fine run by Canham to the byline created possibilities which came to nothing, and Mirner went on a great solo run which took him clear in the area, only to delay his shot and the danger was cleared.

At the other end Craig Hunting got in a great saving tackle to prevent a clear chance for IEA, while Canham was unlucky to see a free-kick on the edge of the area, following a foul on Josh Knights, just clear the bar. Shaun Flint tried his trademark long range effort which was not too far off target.

The unluckiest man of the field was Canham, however, as his 30-yard lob cleared the keeper and looked destined for the net before the bounce took the ball over the bar.

Bungay sealed an impressive win in the 89th minute as Wallis won the ball well from a defender and the keeper allowed the low shot through his legs and was unable to retrieve the ball before it crossed the line.

Team: T Wickham, A Wallis (D Bensley), C Hunting, S Whiteman, T Hunter, D Mirner, J Riches, J Gill (R Cook), J Knights, D Wigger (S Flint, A Wallis), A Canham.

Scorer: Shaun Flint

THE Black Dogs’ second game of the season ended in disappointment as they were beaten by a good Mundford side at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.

The visitors were ahead within two minutes and added two more before the interval. In the second half Bungay dominated much of the play without being able to break down the tall Mundford defence.

For the second game in a row Shaun Flint came off the rolling subs bench to score, but it was in added time and by then too late to make a difference.

Mundford mounted an early move down the right and striker Ian Fancett, from a tight angle, managed to slot his low shot just inside the far post to give his side the lead.

Flint unsuccessfully tried his luck from distance for Bungay, and James Gill floated in a cross from Jordan Smith’s free-kick but the keeper took it comfortably. Another cross from Gill found Ash Canham, but he was crowded out.

Bungay enjoyed a good spell of pressure and Canham had another shot blocked. It was against the run of play when Mundford got a second in the 26th minute. A pass picked out Tom Walters 25 yards out and his powerful drive was deflected past Smith.

Bungay were unable to create any clear-cut chances, and in the 37th minute it was 3-0 as Craig Hunting was harshly judged to have fouled a forward and Fancett banged home the spot-kick.

Canham put one effort narrowly wide at the start of the second half after good work by Clay, and Flint had a shot blocked. The home defence blocked a Fancett free-kick in a danger area, and for Bungay, John Riches was unlucky to see his free-kick hit the top of the bar. Kevin Riches stretched for a header but could not direct it on target.

Owen Brghton, who had replaced Gill, tried his luck without success, and Clay turned well but hit his effort off target. Smith saved well from Fancett in another Mundford raid, and a powerful effort flew wide, but generally Bungay had more of the possession.

With 14 minutes left Mundford were deduced to 10 men when a player was given a straight red card for retaliation on Kevin Riches, but Bungay were unable to take advantage until the 92nd minute when Brighton got to the right by-line and his cross came to the unmarked Flint to score from 10 yards.

Team: J Smith, L Thompson (M Clay), C Hunting, S Whiteman, K Riches, D Bensley (S Flint), J Riches, J Knights, J Gill (S Flint), A Canham, S Flint (M Payne).

Scorers: John Riches and Shaun Flint

Bungay Town 2, Fakenham Reserves 0

Bungay Town got their season off to a winning start with a hard-earned win over Fakenham Reserves at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.

An early goal from John Riches and a late one from Shaun Flint did the trick as the Black Dogs, lacking several players who would normally expect to figure in the starting XI, defended well and caused the visitors problems going forward.

Ash Canham, signed from Wenhaston following five great performances late last season, worked tirelessly up front and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, while at the back, Craig Hunting made his 539th appearance, to take him clear in second place in the all-time appearance charts.

Three new players all had promising debuts – James Gill in mid-field, Damon Bensley at right back and Owen Brighton wide on the right – while Darrell Wigger, who has returned to the club, put in an indistrious shift.

After an opening few minutes in which both sides sized up the opposition Bungay took the lead in the eighth minute. A shot from Ash Canham was deflected into the path of Riches, and he finished coolly from eight yards.

Gill tested the keeper later. Fakenham had a chance when a forward got clear down the left, but his low shot was wide of the far post, and soon after another forward was just unable to connect with a low cross as Fakenham enjoyed a spell of pressure. For Bungay Flint just cleared the bar with a well struck 40-yard shot which had the keeper tracking back.

Riches set up Canham for a sharp chance, but his effort also missed the far post.

Before the interval a move down the left ended with Riches flicking a shot against the outside of the post.

At the start of the second half the Fakenham keeper made a fine save when Canham’s corner caused problems, and then Canham had a goalbound shot blocked for a corner.

But Fakenham were playing some good football and Jordan Smith made a fine blocking save to keep a clean sheet from a point blank effort, and later he had to turn a dipping shot over the bar.

But in the 77th minute Keith Caley’s forward ball put Flint clear and he hit a superb dipping lob into the roof of the net from 20 yards.

Smith had to deal with an awkward low shot form Fakenham as they tried to get back into the game, but Bungay finished well and Canham tested the keeper with a 25-yard free-kick.

Team: J Smith, D Bensley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, O Brighton (M Clay), J Riches, J Gill (S Flint), R Cook (M Payne), D Wigger, A Canham, S Flint (K Caley).

Scorers: Archie, Shaun Flint 2

Scorers: own goal, Shaun Flint 2

Scorers: Darrell Wigger, Shaun Flint , John Riches & Owen Brighton

THE Black Dogs battled determinedly in their Suffolk Senior Cup final at Portman Road, Ipswich on Friday evening – but in the end Woodbridge emerged victorious.

That was despite a magnificent second half in which Bungay went close on several occasions – particularly Ash Canham, who was desperately unlucky not to get on the scoresheet on four occasions.

But the whole team performed with credit, and were able to return home with their heads held high as they gave as good as they got for much of the game against their opponents from three steps higher in the football pyramid.

Manager Richard Daniels said afterwards: “I am proud of my boys – they have done the town proud, and the support there was second to none.

“Shaun Whiteman was magnificent in defence and John Riches in mid-field, but we definitely missed Tom Hunter and his pace. But for us to get to the final in the first place was a magnificent achievement.

“It has been a good night and the team has been superb all season. We have certainly put Bungay back on the map and there are lots of positives going forward to next season.”

Daniels also praised veteran defender Craig Hunting, who put in another sterling performance in his 538th game for the Black Dogs.

“He deserves his recognition, and I am proud as manager to have got him to Portman Road,” he said, while acknowledging that Woodbridge were a good side and deserved to win.

The Black Dogs started well, had the edge for the first 15 minutes, and got in the first shot of the game as Canham brought a good save from the Woodpeckers’ keeper Alfie Stronge in the 6th minute. Shortly after Bungay called for a penalty as Brannan Solomon went down in the area, but the referee waved play on – and did the same at the other end when Matt Mackenzie tumbled.

In the 16th minute Jordan Smith required lengthy treatment after he was charged into as he caught the ball from a corner. The stretcher was called for – but he eventually recovered and was able to continue.

As Woodbridge settled they began to put Bungay under pressure, and Jamie Weston made a great tackle to cut out one threat. But two goals in three minutes put the Thurlow Nunn division one side in control.

In the 36th minute Bungay failed to clear danger in the penalty area and when the ball fell to the 30-goal striker Mackenzie he lashed it into the roof of the net. And it was 2-0 shortly after as Liam Scopes headed in a corner from close range. Just before the interval they went close again but this time Mckenzie was crowded our as he was set to shoot.

Bungay were grateful for the half-time whistle, but they came out fighting in the second half, and in the first minute Solomon got to the by-line and pulled the ball back for Ryan Cook, but he hurried his shot and it flew over. Shortly after Canham worked an opening and his 25-yard effort looked destined for the top corner before Stronge made a spectacular save to turn it away for a corner.

Whiteman and Smith combined to thwart Woodbridge when they threatened, and Mackenzie squandered a great chance soon after. But Bungay were generally pressing forward positively. Canham found space down the right but his cross was cut out before it could reach unmarked substitute Shaun Flint.

Canham was unlucky again with a free-kick which Stronge clawed away at the last moment, and then Josh Knights put another chance over the top. Substitute Sam Wooldridge had a half-chance he was unable to use, and Canham curled another free-kick agonisingly wide with Stronge this time clearly beaten.

But Bungay were denied the goal they richly deserved in the 76th minute as Wooldridge caused problems on the right, and when the ball fell to Canham his powerful shot beat the keeper only to cannon off the post. Flint scored from the loose ball but was adjudged offside – action replays showed he was clearly onside.

Woodbridge broke well, and caused problems in the Bungay defence which allowed George Bowman to net the clinching goal from close range. They took the trophy - but they knew they had had to battle for it.

Bungay: J Smith, J Weston (S Olley), C Hunting, S Whiteman, T Daniels, D Mirner, J Riches, J Knights, R Cook (S Flint), B Solomon (S Wooldridge), A Canham.

Scorers: Shaun Flint and John Riches

SHERINGHAM completed a five-day double over the Black Dogs on Saturday as they came form 2-0 down to win 3-2 with three goals in 10 minutes in the final quarter of the game.

They had earlier won 2-1 at Sheringham, where they also knocked Bungay out of the league cup. It was the last home game of the season for the Black Dogs.

With nothing depending on the game, both clubs fielded under-strength teams, with both sides thinking about cup finals next week. But though the first half had an end-of-season feel about it, the second was more eventful.

Bungay took the lead after just four minutes as Mark Clay chased a long ball down the right and crossed low for Shaun Flint to notch his seventh goal of the season from close range.

Both teams created chances, with Charlie Jones seeing an effort well saved by the keeper at the expense of a corner. Flint’s close range heard from John Riches’ fine ball was parried by the keeper and , off balance, Flint could only put the loose ball over the bar.

A finely worked goal on the hour seemed to put Bungay in control. Dom Mirner freed Josh Knights down the right and his perfect cross beyond the keeper enableds Riches to score with a firm header- his 10th goal of the season.

But far from taking the sting out of Sheringham it rallied them. Tim Cary pulled one back in the 67th minute, firing into the far corner after getting free down the left, and three minutes later Jamie Nelson equalised as a ball over the top took him clear. What proved to be the winner came in the 77th minute as Dale Wilton lashed in a 25-yarder which game Ed Fuller in the home goal no chance.

Team: E Fuller, R Cook, S Whiteman, T Hunter, B Solomon, J Riches, J Knights, M Clay (S Wooldridge), D Mirner, C Jones (C Hunting), S Flint (R Evans).

Scorer: Reece Evans

BUNGAY began a run of three games in five days with a narrow defeat at Sheringham on Tuesday evening – a result which clinched promotion for the home side.

With a team showing seven changes from the starting line-up which reached the Suffolk Senior Cup final on Friday, they pushed Sheringham all the way and were a shade unlucky not to get a draw out of it.

Reece Evans gave the Black Dogs the lead in the 17th minute, heading home Josh Knights’ corner. Sheringham had more of the play and Jamie Nelson should have scored, but could only put the ball over the bar from close range. Sam Wooldridge narrowly cleared the bar with a chance for Bungay.

The home side equalised in the second minute of first half added time as Matt Halliday headed home from a corner. In the second half 16-year-old Bungay keeper Brandon Ling made a couple of point blank saves to keep Sheringham out, but they got what proved to be the winner in the 75th minute as Nelson squeezed the ball home at the end of a left wing move.

Brannan Solomon was desperately unlucky not to equalise in the 82md minute with a great 25-yard shot which hit the underside of the bar and came out. Jordan King had a fine game in mid-field on his debut.

Team: B Ling, S Olley, R Cook, J Riches, T Hunter, M Clay, B Solomon, J King, J Knights, R Evans (L Lonergan), S Wooldridge (C Jones).

Scorers: Dom Mirner, Tom Hunter 3, Ash Canham, own goal, John Riches

PORTMAN Road here we come!

That is the song of the Black Dogs’ supporters after a scintillating performance at Walsham le Willows on Friday night in their delayed Suffolk Senior Cup semi-final.

Seventeen-year-old Tom Hunter led the way with a well-taken hat-trick as they completely outplayed Brantham Reserves to book their place in the final for the first time in 55 years. They will meet Woodbridge Town at Ipswich Town’s ground on Friday, May 11.

This game arguably eclipsed their stunning performance in the quarter-final when they beat Lakenhheath 4-2. It was again full of the fire and determination and teamwork that epitomise their nickname, The Black Dogs.

Yet it was Brantham who struck first. Bungay started well, but in the 11th minute, in their first attack, Aaron Lehane struck a shot from 25 yards which Jordan Smith got a hand to but was unable to keep it out.

It took Bungay just five minutes to equalise. Ash Canham crossed from the left and found Josh Knights in space on the right, and he turned it inside for Dom Mirner to side-foot home from six yards.

They went close to taking the lead in the 20th minute as John Riches struck a shot which cannoned back off the bar, before they moved ahead three minutes later. Knights was again involved, releasing Tom Hunter with a deft flick, and he cut in from the left to strike a shot in off the bar.

And in the 35thg minute Bungay’s noisy contingent of supporters were in raptures as they made it 3-1. Hunter’s free-kick was cleared only to Canham on the edge of the area, and he manoeuvred a shooting chance to give the keeper no chance with a shot into the roof of the net. It was his fifth goal in three games, and he had another chance when he was put clear but this time the keeper blocked his effort.

Brantham did get in another shot before the interval but it did not trouble Smith.

The Black Dogs’ complete domination of the game continued in the second half, and the fourth goal came in the 58th minute as Knights put Hunter clear and he took it on to confidently slip it past the advancing keeper.

Bungay were slicing through the opponents’ defence and will and in the 68th minute Riches almost made it 5-1 with an overhead kick which keeper saved t the expense of a corner. But two minutes later it was 5-1 as Hunter’s free-kick was headed into his own net by a desperate defender.

Chance came and went regularly. The keeper saved well from Hunter before, in the 75th minute Riches rifled in number six from the edge of the area. And a wonderful evening was rounded off in the 90th minute for the chanting fans as Hunter completed a deserved hat-trick, lobbing the keeper after again being sent clear.

It will be Bungay’s sixth appearance in the final and they have won it twice – can they complete a hat-trick on May 11?

Team: J Smith, J Weston (S Olley), C Hunting, T Daniels, S Whiteman, J Knights (B Solomon), J Riches, R Cook, T Hunter, D Mirner, A Canham (S Wooldridge). Unused subs: S Flint, M Clay, B Ling.

Scorer: Shaun Flint

Scole United 3, Bungay Town 1

WITH a team made up mainly of Reserves and A team players, the Black Dogs put up a good showing before going down to Scole on Tuesday evening.

In fact they took the lead in the 20th minute when Shaun Flint beat the goalkeeper to a long kick from keeper Brandon Ling, and took it round him to score.

Ling made a good save soon afterwards, tipping a shot away for a corner, but Scole equalised in the 25th minute as a low corner found its way to the far post, where James Harrison was on hand to score. Before half-time Flint was unlucky to see his effort on the turn saved by the keeper.

Two goals in six minutes after the interval won it for the home side. First a ball was played in from the left in the 54th minute for Keith Manning to convert, and then an attack down the other flank ended with Ryan Perry making it 3-1, to keep alive Scole’s chance of promotion.

Team: B Ling, C Jones, J Mirner, S Campbell, P Fuller, L Lonergan, K Riches, C Fuller, S Thompson-Friend, E Fuller (J Riches), S Flint.

Scorers: Brannan Solomon, Ash Canham 2, own goal

ANOTHER impressive performance by the Black Dogs brought them their second win in five days as they comfortably beat Watton on Saturday.

Three weeks previously they had lost at home to the same side with barely a whimper, but they seem to have got their mojo back.

New signing Ash Canham struck two goals for the second game in a row since joining the club and set up another.

That first goal came after just four minutes as Sam Olley freed Canham down the right and he cut in before squaring the ball to Brannan Solomon to coolly side-foot home for his second goal in successive games.

Shaun Whiteman was close with a half volley soon afterwards, but the home side had a chance themselves, with a forward just unable to connect with a free-kick.

But the Black Dogs moved 2-0 ahead after half an hour as Josh Knights found Canham 25 yards out and he took two strides before unleashing a superb shot in to the top corner of the net.

Logan Lonergan, in his full debut, went close in the 37th minute but his shot just cleared the bar, but Bungay had a let off in the 45th minute as some hesitant defending saw Jordan Smith fortunately in the right place to grab the ball before it crossed the line.

Two minutes into the second half Bungay made it 3-0 as Jamie Weston released Tom Hunter down the left and Canham was in the right place to firmly convert his low cross from six yards.

Smith made a fine safe when Watton finally got a shot on target, leaping to turn the effort over the bar, and the home side enjoyed their best spell of the game.

But after Craig Hunting had curled a free-kick narrowly over the bar, Bungay made it 4-0 in the 88th minute as substitute Luke Spear cut in from the right and his low cross was turned past his own keeper by a Watton defender. Spear had earlier had another chance

following good work by Hunter but could only loop the ball over the bar from close in.

Team: J Smith, S Olley (R Cook), C Hunting, S Whiteman, J Weston, L Lonergan, J Knights, B Solomon, T Daniels (J Riches), A Canham (L Spear),T Hunter.

Scorers: Ash Canham 2, Brannan Solomon.

THE Black Dogs brought to an end a winless five-game run with a much better performance on Tuesday evening against Yelverton.

New signing Ash Canham scored twice on his debut as the side shook of its lethargy of recent games and they were full value for the win in which the visitors played some good football but were unable to create any clear-cut chances.

It took Canham just five minutes to get off the mark, after Shaun Whiteman had put an earlier chance straight at the keeper. Sam Olley broke from defence, found Sam Wooldridge down the right, and he cut in to send in a low cross which Canham banged in from six yards.

A fine tackle from Jamie Weston thwarted a visiting forward when he was about to pull the trigger, and Whiteman should have got a second for Bungay in the 21st minute, but blazed over from inside the six-yard box when unmarked. Later Yelverton had a let off when a long cross from the left from Mark Clay was headed against his own post by a defender.

Canham should have got a second early in the second half when the busy Wooldridge put him clear but he mishit his shot with only the keeper to beat. But the second did come in the 61st minute as Ryan Cook released Canham down the right and his cross found its way to Brannan Solomon at the far post and he made no mistake.

Tom Hunter had a good chance at the end of a good move down the right, but could not convert it. However, Canham completed the scoring with a freak goal, firing in from an angle from the left byline, with the ball beating the keeper and trickling in via the far post.

Team: J Smith, J Weston, R Cook, S Whiteman, T Daniels, B Solomon, S Wooldridge (S Flint), D Mirner (T Hunter), M Clay (J Knights), A Canham.

Scorer: Mark Clay

THE Black Dogs are still searching for a winning formula after this draw on Saturday left them without a victory in five games.

They should have won in a game they dominated for long spells, but again chances went begging, and the visitors scored late on with their only real chance of the game.

Both sides were depleted – Bungay were without Dom Mirner, John Riches, Josh Knights, Shaun Flint and Lewis Bilham – and that showed often in the football, but Bungay started well. A chance fell to Tom Hunter early on, but it was on his wrong foot and he skied it. Then Shaun Whiteman had a volley blocked by the visitors’ defence in the ninth minute.

Brannan Solomon almost got his head to a Sam Wooldridge cross (both those players had useful games) in the 18th minute, and the goat they threatened came in the 20th minute. Wooldridge found Hunter down the left and he looped the ball over the keeper for Mark Clay to finish from two yards.

Whiteman put a header over from Craig Hunting’s free-kick, and Sam Olley had a chance from a Wooldridge corner, but it was too high. The closest Attleborough went in the first half was from a corner but a forward was off target.

The visitors were more in the game in the second half, but Hunter went closest with a fierce volley that cannoned off the keeper on to a post. Wooldridge saw a goal-bound shot well saved by the keeper in the 70th minute, and Luke Spear, on as a sub substitute, cut in from the byline but tried to deceive the keeper rather than pulling it back for a colleague.

The cushion of a second goal would not come for the Black Dogs, and the inevitable happened as Attleborough equalised with nine minutes left, Jay Webb scoring with a bobbling effort that crept in at the far post.

Team: J Smith, J Weston, C Hunting, T Daniels, S Whiteman, S Olley, B Solomon, R Cook, T Hunter, S Wooldridge (D Mitchell), M Clay (L Spear).

BUNGAY lost 2-0 at home for the second time in a week as Aylsham took the Anglian Combination division one points with a goal in each half.

More worryingly, they have now failed to score for three games, the first time that has happened for 10 years, though they also failed to score in three successive games when they lost the final two of 2009-10 and the first of 2010-11 without scoring.

The Black Dogs did create chances on Saturday but failed to take them, while the visitors took their two.

Shaun Flint just failed to reach a cross from Luke Spear in the third minute as Bungay started well, while Aylsham put a header wide from a corner. They went close in the 24rth minute but again a forward could only stab the ball wide form close in, while the visitors’ keeper did well to clutch a high cross from Jamie Weston.

But Aylsham went ahead in the 26th minute as a long cross from the left was turned in at the far post by James Oliver.

Bungay put together a good move down the left as Weston found Tom Hunter, whose low cross to the near pot was flicked just over by Dom Mirner. And they went close again before the interval as Flint worked his way into the box, only for his low cross to just elude the in-rushing Mirner. They should have scored in the 43rd minute as Hunter broke into the box, but both Flint and Spear had close range shots blocked by the keeper.

At the start of the second half Shaun Whiteman failed to hit the target at the far post when Craig Hunting found him with a free-kick, and on the hour the visitors went 2-0 up as a cross found Jamie George free at the far post and he slotted coolly past Jordan Smith.

The Black DOgs were unable to come back from that, though Spear brought a diving save from the keeper near the end.

Team: J Smith, S Olley, C Hunting, T Daniels (A Crossan), S Whiteman, J Weston, L Spear, R Cook, T Hunter, D Mirner (L Lonergan), S Flint (M Clay). 

THE Black Dogs hopes of promotion from the Anglian Combination division one seem to be in tatters following this defeat at home to Watton on Saturday.

It was always going to be a tall order with a long backlog of games to make up, but this latest setback means they have won just twice in their last nine league games, and once in their last six.

The visitors were well worth their victory, which could have been by a wider margin but for some desperate Bungay defending and poor finishing by Watton, whose football belied their position in the bottom half of the table.

Shaun Flint got in an early shot for Bungay, but it was over the top, and at the other end Shaun Whiteman got in a great block to prevent Watton going ahead soon after, and then Jamie Weston got across to do the same as the visitors carved open the home defence. The Watton forwards should have done a lot better with three simple chances, and a great block by keeper Brandon Ling prevented a certain goal. He made another good save from a corner and a forward put the loose ball over the bar from only two yards.

Bungay mounted one break but John Riches failed to find the unmarked Flint, before Watton resumed their powerful attacks, and the Bungay defence were called upon to block more goalbound efforts. Sam Wooldridge for Bungay had one shot well taken by the keeper, but the inevitable Watton goal came in the 37th minute as Kevin Bloomfield was put away down the right and his cross looped over Ling and just under the bar.

Bungay were more in the game in the second half, thought Watton hit the bar when they should really have scored. Bungay created few chances themselves, though Wooldridge did play Riches in on one occasion, but his shot was straight sat the keeper. Brannan Solomon also brought a good save from the keeper.

Bungay’s hopes were reduced in the 76th minute when Riches was shown a straight red card for what the referee deemed a dangerous tackle, and a minute alter Watton went 2-0 up as Matt Herring was put clear as Craig Hunting slipped and he took the ball round Ling to score.

Bungay’s grim afternoon was compounded when Tom Hunter was sent to the sin bin, leaving his side with nine men for the final five minutes.

Team: B Ling, S Olley, C Hunting, T Daniels (L Lonergan), S Whiteman, J Weston, B Solomon, J Riches, T Hunter, S Wooldridge, S Flint (L Spear).

North Walsham 0, Bungay Town 0

THE Black Dogs were held to a disappointing goal-less draw at North Walsham on Tuesday evening – their third draw in their last five games.

Dom Mirner, Sam Wooldridge and John Riches all had reasonable chances to win the game but were unable to take them, and the home keeper also made some fine saves to keep them out.

Bungay were on top for much of the game, but towards the end were forced into some serious defending to prevent the home side snatching an unlikely win.

Their cause was not helped when Josh Knights was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes, and then was sent off near the end for dissent.

Team: J Smith, S Olley, R Cook, S Whiteman, J Weston, J Knights, J Riches, B Solomon (L Spear), T Hunter, D Mirner, S Wooldridge (A Crossan).

Scorers: Shaun Whiteman and Ryan Cook

THE Black Dogs staged a great come-back against the UEA students on Saturday to grab a point – and came close to taking all three.

When they went 2-0 down midway through the second half defeat looked on the cards, but two goals in six minutes got them level and in a storming last quarter they forced the home side to defend desperately.

Shaun Flint got in a shot on the turn early on but it did not test the keeper, while UEA put an early effort into the side netting, but it was generally an uneventful first half in which the home side moved the ball around and showed good movement on and off the ball.

They took the lead on the half-hour as Ryan Swift received the ball out wide, cut in and from the edge of the area scored with a low shot just inside the post. Bungay were not helped by losing Josh Knights through illness and Tom Daniels through injury before the interval, though John Riches fired one effort over the bar and Flint brought a good save from the keeper.

Early in the second half UEA went close again with a snap shot from 20 yards which crashed against the bar, but again much of the play was in mid-field, with neither keeper seriously tested. But UEA got the benefit of a harsh penalty decision in the 63rd minute as Mark Clay was judged to have felled a player just inside the box, and Owen Betts converted the spot kick.

But Bungay pulled a goal back in the 68th minute as Shaun Whiteman rammed in a low shot through a crowd of players, and suddenly they were in the ascendancy. They won a series of corners, free-kicks, and throw-ins, with Archie Crossan, a 16-year-old from the U18s making his first team debut, hurling in remarkable long throws to cause panic in the home defence.

The equaliser came in the 74th minute as Tom Hunter’s curling corner was flapped at by the keeper and eventually the ball fell to Ryan Cook, who scored from six yards.

Another corner almost crept in under the bar and another nearly crept in at the far post. Mark Clay had a chance but miss-hit his shot and the keeper made fine blocking saves to prevent first Riches and then Cook forcing a winner.

Team: J Smith, S Olley, C Hunting, T Daniels (J Weston), S Whiteman, J Knights (A Crossan), J Riches, R Cook, T Hunter, D Mirner, S Flint (M Clay).

Scorers: Dom Mirner, Josh Kinghts, Tom Hunter, Shaun Flint.

THERE was first team football at the Maltings on Tuesday evening for the first time since January 28, and the Black Dogs marked it by completing the double over struggling neighbours Loddon.

The first half was largely uneventful, but after the interval the home side really got into gear, and could have won by a wider margin in the end.

Dom Mirner gave Bungay the lead in the 10th minute, heading home Tom Hunter’s corner for his first goal since December 2 and his 12th in all. Tom Daniels was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes midway through the half, and in the final minute Pete Graveling equalised for the visitors with a well taken goal.

But two goals at the start of the second half settled it, the first a superb one from Josh Knights. He picked up the ball on the run just inside the Loddon half, raced forward and without breaking his stride lashed a screamer into the top corner from 25 yards. That was in the 47th minute, and nine minutes later Shaun Flint’s persistence gave Sam Wooldridge the chance to cross from the by-line and find Hunter moving in to strike the ball into the empty net.

More chances came and went before there was a lengthy hold-up for treatment to Loddon player-manager Chris Hancock, who took a ball full in the face. He was finally stretched off, but later recovered.

Hunter sent up Flint for the fourth Bungy goal in the 72nd minute, with the striker beating the keeper from 10 yards. The Loddon keeper made more fine stops before the end to keep the score down.

Team: J Smith, J Weston (S Olley), R Cook, S Whiteman, T Daniels, J Knights, J Riches, L Bilham (S Wooldridge), T Hunter, D Mirner, S Flint (B Solomon).

Scorer: John Riches

AFTER four successive postponements, the Black Dogs finally got back to action at Mundford on Saturday.

But their bid to pick up points to make inroads into those above them in the Anglian Combination division one table proved fruitless., Their rustiness showed and the home side were worthy winners on the day in a game played in steady light snow.

They started well enough and Josh Knights hit the outside of the post with a low 25-yard shot in only the second minute. A Munford cross skidded across the six-yard box with no one getting s touch, and for Bungay Shaun Whiteman put a header wide form a free-kick.

But a well organised Mundford side began to asset their authority and one shot grazed the bar, before Jordan Smith made a great blocking save to keep his goal intact in the 25th minute, and the home side took the lead four minutes later as Craig Hunting and Whiteman completely missed a low cross, leaving Ian Fancett with a simple task. Smith had to get down to save another shot soon afterwards, and did the same again before half-time.

The home side netted two minutes into the second half, but it was ruled offside. Bungay had appeals for what looked a clear penalty denied soon afterwards, and then Mark Clay, who replaced the injured Connor Simpson, broke clear, only to be brought down from behind. From the free-kick the home keeper made a fine save to turn away Whiteman’s header.

At that stage Bungay looked capable of drawing level, but Mundford went 2-0 up in the 60th minute as a moved down the right ended with Alby Matthews ramming the ball home from close range.

The Black Dogs pulled one back seven minutes later, however, as John Riches glanced a header into the bottom corner from Knights’ free-kick, and again, for a few minutes, they looked in with a chance of drawing level. Dom Mirner stung the keeper’s hands with a strong effort, and he then made another good save from header.

But Mundford put the game beyond Bungay in the 74th minute as a quick break down the right ended with Fancett making it 3-1. Smith had to make two more impressive saves before the end to keep the score respectable.

Team: J Smith, J Weston, C Hunting, S Whiteman, S Olley, J Riches, J Knights (T Daniels), R Cook, T Hunter, D Mirner, C Simpson (M Clay).

ON a bobbly pitch in cold breezy weather and bright sunshine, this was a game that could have brough either t a lot of goals through defensive mistakes, or end goalless.

It turned out to be the latter as the Black Dogs sought to make ground on the front runners in the Anglian Combination division one through their many games in hand, but in the event they dropped a couple of points. Fortunately for them other leading contenders dropped three.

It could have been therefore Bungay if they had taken their chances, but once again some good ones went begging, while the home side rarely looked like scoring, except in the final 10 minutes when they threatened to snatch all three themselves. Generally it was a poor game following Bungay’s epic cup win at Lakenheath the previous week.

Sam Olley got in the first shot of the game after 13 minutes. The keeper failed to hold it but the ball was scrambled clear,. Shaun Flint got in a shot on the turn which did not test the keeper, and Josh Knights was unlucky with a shot the keeper blocked with his feet.

Two corners from Tom Hunter produced problems for the home defence without producing goals, and Flint went closest with a curling effort that just cleared the angle of post and bar. Olley volleyed another chance wide from Hunter’s cross to the far post.

Hindringham’s only chance of the half came from a poor back pass which played a forward in and Jamie Weston defended well to clear the danger.

In the first minute of the second half Bungay should have gone ahead as Cook’s crossed from the right found an unmarked Hunter but his first time side-footed volley flew just too high. Then a fine ball from Lewis Bilham put Hunter clear but the keeper made a fine save to keep his shot out.

Bungay keeper Jordan Smith was tested for the first time as the game moved into the final quarter but saved comfortably, and when Hindringham netted it was ruled out for offside.

In the 70th minute Whiteman’s head from Knights’ free-kick hit the bar, but in the final minute only a great goal-line clearance from Weston saved Bungay from defeat.

Team: J Smith, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, J Weston, R Cook (D Mirner), L Bilham, B Solomon (C Simpson), T Hunter, J Knights, S Flint (J Wheeler).

Scorers: Tom Hunter 2, Shaun Flint, John Riches

Memories of Bungay’s great cup-fighting qualities which made them famous in the 1950s came flooding back as they reached the semi-final of the Suffolk Senior Cup for the first time in nearly 50 years with this thoroughly deserved win at Lakenheath on Saturday.

The home side had won the trophy much more recently than Bungay’s two wins, in 1949-50 and 1960-61, but the Black Dogs were tenacious in their defending and some great finishing saw them go 3-0 ahead in the first 17 minutes. It was an impressive team effort, with the whole squad playing its part, and as Lakeneath’s frustrations surfaced they had a player sent off in the 89th minute and another after the full time whistle.

Bungay got the best possible start with a goal in just 50 seconds. Josh Knights’ corner was cleared only to Tom Hunter, 20 yards out, and his superb measured shot found the top right-hand corner of the net.

Knights brought a good save from the keeper in the 6th minute before in the 11th minute, Bungay went 2-0 up with another superb 20-yard effort from Hunter, this time side-footed into the top left hand corner.

And with Lakenheath stunned, it got even better. Shaun Flint had just rolled a shot narrowly wide when, in the 17h minute, Ryan Cook played a ball over the defence and Flint finished coolly for his fourth goal in four games since returning to the club.

The home side finally asserted themselves and pulled one back in the 25th minute of a highly entertaining game as a half-hit header from Isaac Smith bobbled away from Bungay keeper Jordan Smith. They went close again a few minutes later, but Bungay were still dangerous, and Hunter landed a cross on to the roof of the net.

Before the interval Bungay had two chances to go even further ahead, but on both occasions Knights’ finishing from tap-ins let him down.

Three minutes into the second half Lakenheath reduced the gap to one goal as Aaron Turner curled a fine left foot shot into the far top corner from the edge of the area, and the Bungay defence performed courageously as they sought an equaliser. Lakenheath went close on a number of occasions, but Bungay still threatened, and they gave themselves breathing space again in the 61st minute as John Riches stretched to turn Hunter’s powerful driven cross past the keeper.

There were more anxious moments for the Black Dogs before the end, including seven minute added time, but they held on to deservedly go through at the end of a memorable game.

Team: J Smith, J Weston, C Hunting, S Whiteman, S Olley, J Riches (J Wheeler), L Bilham, R Cook, T Hunter, J Knights (B Solomon), S Flint (M Clay).

# Bungay were last in the senior cup semi-finals in 1969-70. After beating Felixstowe, Brantham and Whitton, they lost by a single goal to Long Melford in a game played at Stowmarket on March 14, 1970.

 INTEREST in the Anglian Combination senior knock-out cup (The Mummery Cup) ended at the quarter-final stage for Bungay on Saturday.

Apart from the opening 20 minutes Sheringham were the better side and deserved to go forward to the semi-finals. Too many of Bungay’s key players had an off day, and the Black Dogs have to put the game behind them and move on to the next one.

Even so, if chances which came at key moments had been taken, the result could have been different.

After just four minutes a fine ball put Sam Olley clear on the right, and he took it on, only to fire narrowly wide of the far post with the keeper between.

Tom Hunter put a header from Olley’s cross over the top as Bungay’s opening spell brought promise, though they were hampered when Kevin Riches was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes for dissent. Even so John Riches had a headed chance from Hunter’s corner but could not generate any power in it, and when Kevin Riches returned the keeper fumbled his firm header from Josh Knight’s free-kick, but a defender cleared the danger.

Sheringham’s first goal attempt did not come till the 30th minute, and it was wide. But they took the lead a minute from the interval when a header from Craig Terrington from a right wing cross crept just inside the far post.

Early in the second half Brandon Ling made a fine save to turn a lob around the post after his clearance to the edge of the area found a Sheringham player. Bungay created a great chance to equalise in the 61st minute as Kevin Riches headed the ball back into the danger area but John Riches turned it just wide under pressure from a few yards out.

Six minutes later Sheringham got their important second goal as substitute Jamie Nelson went on a solo run through the Bungay rearguard to slot the ball past Ling.

The home side were on top at this stage and put another chance narrowly wide, and then missed a better chance as an unmarked forward failed to convert at the far post.

Shaun Whiteman was too high with a header from Knights’ free-kick, but Ling had to make a find save from close range, but was unable to get back into position before Nelson made the game safe for Sheringham in the 90th minute.

Team: B Ling, S Olley, C Hunting, R Cook (L Bilham), S Whiteman, J Knights, J Riches (J Wheeler), B Solomon, T Hunter (R Evans), D Mirner, K Riches.

Scorers: Shaun Flint & Josh Knights

The Crabs gave the Black Dogs a much closer game on Saturday than the one at Cromer earlier in the season.

On that occasion they won 8-1 in the league cup, but the visitors have signed several new players in the past couple of weeks and Bungay had to defend well at times on a heavy pitch to take the Anglian Combination division one points.

They still carved out plenty of chances – turning them into goals and comfortable wins is proving the difficult part at the moment, but this must be considered a good three points against a rejuvenated side who will beat other teams, having got their first points at Attleborough the previous week.

The opening period was even and neither side got a shot on target until the 20th minute, when Shaun Flint got on the end of a long ball from Lewis Bilham and lobbed the advancing keeper to give the home side the lead. Shortly after he put another difficult chance just too high, before Jordan Wheeler brought a good save from the keeper from John Riches’ pass.

An organised Cromer put an effort just off target themselves in the 32nd minute, but two minutes from half-time Bungay went 2-0 up as Josh Knights picked up the ball in mid-field and drove a powerful low shot into the corner from 30 yards – he called it a screamer himself.

At the start of the second half Brandon Ling did well to turn a well struck free-kick over the bar, before Kevin Riches saw an effort cleared off the line. Bungay were awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute as John Riches was brought down by the keeper, but Riches himself saw the keeper save his spot-kick – the third in a row Bungay have missed.

A surging run by Tom Hunter set up a chance for Wheeler, but his second bite was saved by the keeper. Four minutes later Cromer pulled a goal back as half-hit shot from Liam Amos was deflected past Ling.

Bungay should have increased their lead soon after as Dom Mirner found Wheeler in space but the keeper managed to deflect his shot just wide of the far post. Mirner and John Riches had other chances but could not quite force the ball in from closed range. Mirner’s pass to send Mark Clay clear was just too strong and the keeper reached it first, and Ling had to be in the right place to deal with a strong shot from Cromer and keeper the points in Bungay.

Team: B Ling, J Weston, R Cook, C Hunting, T Hunter, J Knights, J Riches, K Riches (B Solomon), L Bilham, S Flint (D Mirner), J Wheeler (M Clay).

Scorer: Shaun Flint

BUNGAY had to settle for a point at Aylsham on Saturday, after a first half-hour in which they threatened to over-run their opponents.

But having taken a early lead they failed to take other chances, and in the end had their 16-yearold keeper Brandon Ling to thank for keeping them in the game with some impressive shot-stopping.

Early on Dom Mirner clipped a difficult chance just wide from Kevin Riches cross to the near post. Then Mirner found Shaun Flint and his chip over the keeper was just too high.

Aylsham put a header wide from a corner but generally play was in the home half, and Shaun Whiteman found Kevin Riches at the end of a good run, but the keeper took the shot comfortably.

A goal was inevitable and it came in the 15th minute as Kevin Riches forced the keeper into a hurried clearance, and Flint drove the loose ball home from the edge of the area.

Soon after another good move set up Sam Wooldridge, signed from Gorleston, and he was unlucky to see his effort come back off a post. Before the interval Josh Knights found Flint but the keeper made another good save.

As the home side finally stirred Ling made two great reflex saves to prevent an equaliser for Aylsham, and he did the same at the start of the second half as the home side started with more purpose. The equaliser came in the 52nd minute, as Sam Bryant broke through on the right and fired low past Ling. Ryan Cook was agonisingly wide the a header as Bungay retaliated. They almost regained the lead when Flint had a shot blocked, Knights’ follow-up was also blocked, and Mirner’s stab at the rebound saw the keeper scoop it away from under the bar.

Then Knights put Wooldridge in down the right and his angled shot hit the far post. Mirner intecepted a poor goal-kick but a defender got back to clear his effort. At the other end Ling had to make two good blocks in an even second half. Bungay should have scored in the 80th minute but John Riches and Whiteman saw efforts failed to cross the crowded line, and the visitors had Whiteman and Cook to thank for great goal-line blocks in the final five minutes of a well fought contest.

Ling, Olley (Sub: Bilham), Cook, Whiteman, Hunter, K Riches (Sub: Solomon), J Riches, Wooldridge, Knights, Mirner, Flint (Sub: Wheeler)

Scorer: Shaun Flint

THE Black Dogs 2018 programme got off to a disappointing start as they were beaten by a good UEA side.

In a game in which both sides played some good football, with little between them, poor finishing and the needless sending off of captain Tom Daniels cost them the Anglian Combination division one points in the end.

Both defences were on top in the early stages, and it was not till the 12th minute that Josh Knights put Dom Mirner clear, but his shot was blocked for a corner. At the other end Daniels cleared his lines when the visitors threatened.

But the visitors took the lead in the 15th minute as John Kahodi got across his marker to glance a header from a corner into the roof of the net.

A great cross from Tom Hunter almost led to an equaliser but neither Sam Olley nor Mirner able to get the right touch in a crowded six-yard box. As play moved from end to end Daniels cut out a dangerous cross at the expense of a corner, and the UEA carved out another chance in the 28th minute, only for a forward to fire off target.

Mirner was unable to convert another chance for Bungay, and Kevin Riches hit the bar with a header from Knights’ cross as Bungay upped the pressure, but the best chance fell to Shaun Flint, in his first game since returning to the club, but his shot cleared the keeper and the bar.

A better chance came shortly afterwards as Mirner was brought down on the byline, but Shaun Whiteman saw his penalty saved by the keeper and cleared for a corner. But from Knights’ flag kick Flint headed the equaliser at the far post from almost on the line.

But right on half-time UEA were awarded a penalty, conceded by keeper Jordan Smith when well out of position, and Owen Betts converted it.

Bungay created a chance in the first minute of the second half, but Flint’s effort was blocked, and a drive from Kevin Riches brought a confident save from the keeper. UEA should have scored but their striker was the next to put a good chance wide. Bungay should have equalised at the end of a great run and cross from Hunter, but the unmarked Mirner somehow headed over the gaping goal from four yards. John Riches was unable to get power behind a sharp chance in the six-yard box.

Bungay’s chances were diminished in the 67th minute when Daniels, who had had an impressive game, was given a straight red card for swearing in front of the referee after being pulled up for a foul.

Despite that Bungay continued to apply some pressure on the UEA defence and from a corner Whiteman put a header over the top, and John Riches tested the keeper after another good move, before Smith kept the home side in the game with a great save to turn a well struck shot over the bar.

But UEA clinched the points four minutes from time when a cross from Ben George found the net off the underside of the bar, with Smith unable to keep it out.

Team: J Smith, S Olley (C Hunting), R Cook, T Daniels, S Whiteman, J Knights, J Riches, K Riches (J Weston), T Hunter, D Mirner, S Flint (M Clay).

Scorers: own goal, Shaun Whiteman (pen), Jordan Wheeler and John Riches.

Scorers: Ryan Cook, Tom Hunter 2, Dom Mirner 2, Reece Evans

THE Black Dogs completed a comprehensive victory in this Anglian Combination division one local derby at Loddon on Saturday.
They were four up at half time, and although the home side came more into the game in the second half and caused one or two problems for the Bungay defence, the result was never in doubt against a side who had hit nine themselves the previous week against Cromer.
The visitors took the lead within the first five minutes as Josh Knights’ free-kick was played into the area and when the ball came out to Ryan Cook on the right edge of the area he drilled a low shot across the keeper into the far corner of the net for his first goal for the club.
Shortly after Knights floated in another cross which just cleared the bar, before the home keeper made a great save from a well struck low shot from Brannan Solomon.
Bungay made it 2-0 in the 15th minute. Kevin Riches found Tom Hunter with a defence-splitting ball and he took it in his stride before beating the keeper with an angled shot.
For Loddon, Matt Ayre hit the bar with a header from a corner, but it was 3-0 to Bungay in the 19th minute. Sam Olley found Dom Mirner down the right and his cross to the far post saw Hunter convert with a text book downward header.
Then Mirner made it 4-0 in the 25th minute as Bungay’s flowing football had Loddon chasing shadows. He was in the right place to turn in Hunter’s low cross from two yards after Knights had set Hunter away down the left.
Riches put a header into the keeper’s arms from Hunter’s free-kick at the start of the second half, before Ricky Butler, on his debut, was only just too high with a spectacular overhead kick. But it was soon 5-0, Shaun Whiteman heading Riches’ free-kick goalward and Mirner getting the final touch from almost on the line for his 11th goal of the season.
As Loddon came more into the game Whiteman conceded a corner to prevent a goal chance. Substitute Mark Clay had a chance for Bungay but mishit Hunter’s pass. The home side went close again soon afterwards, but in the 82nd minute substitute Reece Evans, a former Loddon player, blocked an intended clearance by the keeper and as the ball fell kindly for him he put it into the empty net to make it 6-0.
The home side finished well, however, and after Jordan Smith had made a flying fingertip save to keeper out a goal-bound shot, Ayre got them a consolation with a firm header from the resulting corner. Before the end Whiteman hit the Loddon bar with a header from Olley’s cross.
Team: J Smith, S Olley, R Cook, S Whiteman, J Weston, B Solomon, K Riches, J Knights, T Hunter, D Mirner (R Evans), R Butler (M Clay).

Scorer: Shaun Whiteman (pen)

THE Black Dogs fell to their first home defeat of the season in an eventful game against a good Mundford side on Saturday.
They failed to take their chances while dominating the first 25 minutes, and the visitors took their’s. And the home side found themselves down to nine men when Shaun Whiteman and captain Tom Daniels were both sent for ten-minute spells in the sin-bin in quick succession.
A draw would have been a fairer result to a closely contested game which saw Bungay win two corners in the first 40 seconds. But it was the visitors who got in the first shot, Jordan Smith getting down to it well.
Craig Hunting found Same Olley with a fine ball down the right and his cross led to a corner, which Kevin Riches headed just too high. Tom Hunter had a header from a corner blocked by the keeper for a corner, and Olley fired another chance wide.
Bungay went even closer in the 21st minute as a lay-back by Dom Mirner saw Daniel’s drive come back off a post.
But Munford came more into the game and Smith took a firm low drive from Ian Fancett well. He made an even better save from the same player soon after, turning his goal-bound shot over the bar in spectacular style, and then blocked another shot form Fancett with his feet when he broke clear.
Hunter netted for Bungay but it was offside, and Jamie Weston fired a chance straight at the keeper, before the visitors went ahead in the 39th minute. Alby Matthews was at the far post to nod in a free-kick from out on the left.
Whiteman became the first Bungay victim of the sin-bin rules for dissent, and after Mirner had put a long range effort narrowly wide, Daniels also went to the sin-bin for dissent in the 43rd minute.
It meant Bungay finished the first half and started the second with nine men, but they held on. In an even second half Whiteman finally equalised from the penalty spot in the 80th minute after Mark Clay had been brought down in the box. Munford then had a player sin-binned for the final 10 minutes, but despite that the visitors got what proved to be the winner. A quick break from a Bungay attack saw the ball played to Fancett on the right and he took it forward to beat the advancing Smith with seven minutes left. The keeper had to make another good save with his feet to keep out another Fancett effort, before the visitors had Ben Coe sent off for a second bookable offence in added time.
There was still time for Whiteman to land a header on to the roof of the net.
Team: J Smith, S Olley, R Cook (J Knights), C Hunting, S Whiteman, J Weston (J Wheeler), K Riches, T Daniels (M Clay), T Hunter, J Riches, D Mirner.

Scorers: John Riches, Shaun Whiteman and Dom Mirner.

The Black Dogs reached the quarter-finals of the Suffolk Senior Cup for the first time in 36 years with this win on Saturday which was more comfortable than the score suggests.
They made hard work of seeing off a moderate side on a poor, sloping pitch, with both sides failing to convert penalties, though they were never in any real danger of being caught once they had gone ahead.
That was after the home side had taken a surprise lead, totally against the run of play, in the 19th minute.
Before that, in the first 40 seconds, Bungay created a good chance as John Riches found Tom Hunter with a cross-field pass, but his shot from an angle was too high. Five minutes later Hunter tested the keeper with a flick at the near post.
But in their first attack Hundon won a corner which the Black Dogs defence failed to deal with, and Nathan Hardy scored form six yards. But Bungay resumed their attack and were behind for only eight minutes. Jamie Weston found Sam Olley down the right and his low cross was turned in at the far post by John Riches.
Shortly after Olley fired in a shot which hit the top of the bar, and from the corner Kevin Riches had a header beaten away. From the resultant corner in the 30th minute, Shaun Whiteman headed Hunter’s cross firmly past the keeper.
Almost immediately the lively Hunter found Dom Mirner stretching at the far post but he was just unable to direct the ball into goal.
Little was seen of the Hundon attack but they went close with one free-kick before, in added time, Tom Daniels played the ball to Mirner on the edge of the area and he turned to fire a sweet left-foot shot into the top corner.
Mirner got in a shot in the first 30 seconds of the second half which the keeper took well. In the 56th minute Bungay were awarded a penalty when Kevin Riches was felled in the box, but the keeper made a fine save from Whiteman’s spot-kick. When Mirner turned the loose ball into the danger area, Josh Knights was unlucky to see his first time shot cannon off the bar.
In the 89th minute Hundon were also awarded a spot kick when Whiteman was penalised, but Jordan Smith made a great save to turn away the penalty.
Team: J Smith, S Olley, R Cook, S Whiteman, J Weston, J Knights (J Wheeler), K Riches, T Daniels, T Hunter (M Clay), D Mirner (S Artherton), J Riches.

Scorers: Tom Hunter, Dom MIrner 3, Josh Knights

The Black Dogs hit five goals without reply for the second home game in succession as they put North Walsham to the sword with a scintilating first half display on Saturday.
Dom Mirner hit a well taken hat-trick and Tom Hunter and Josh Knights their first goals of the season as they dominated the game.
The visitors rallied in the second half and managed to keep the home attack at bay, though Bungay had several chances to increase the score.
The first action of the game though – following an Armistice Day minute’s silence – was at the Bungay end. A Walsham forward arrowed a fine shot for the top far corner but Jordan Smith launched himself and superbly managed to finger-tip the effort round the post.
After that it was mostly Bungay, and they took the lead in the 10th minute. A fine cross-field pass from Mirner picked out Hunter, and he beat the keeper with a low first time volley from the edge of the area.
Three minutes later it was 2-0 as Mirner competed a tap in after the keeper had failed to hold a right wing cross from Kevin Riches under pressure from John Riches. Immediately Mirner had another chance, but his shot rolled just wide of the far post.
Kevin Riches hit the bar from another Mirner cross, and Tom Daniels fired wide from a goods position. Mirner hit the underside of the bar with another effort, as little was seen of the Walsham attack.
Mirner finally made it 3-0 in the 27th minute with a fine left foot 25-yard shot which found the top corner after John Riches had won the ball for him, and Knights made it 4-0 with a good finish after Kevin Riches had crossed from the left.
Mirner’s hat-trick, and his eighth goal of the season, came in the 44th minute as Kevin Riches intercepted a pass on the left and made ground before crossing low for Mirner to deftly turn the ball past the keeper.
The striker had another chance at the start of the second half from John Riches head-on, but fired straight t the keeper. More chances were created, but a re-organised Walsham team were more resilient in this half. John Riches, Knights and Sam Olley all spurned golden chances, A Hunter cross came back off the face of the bar, the keeper turned a Daniels’ shot on to the bar, and Knights saw another shot hit the underside of the bar when he should have scored. Finally John Riches beat the keeper but a defender got back to clear his lines as Bungay took their most comfortable Anglian Combination division one three points of the season so far.
Team: J Smith, S Olley, C Hunting, R Cook, S Whiteman (B Solomon), J Knights, K Riches, T Daniels, T Hunter (J Weston), D Mirner (J Wheeler), J Riches.

Scorers: Jamie Weston and own goal

The Black Dogs came back from 2-0 down at half-time to salvage a hard-earned draw at Yelverton on Saturday.
This was a good game between two strong, battling sides, with no quarter asked or given, and a draw was just about a fair result, though the home side struck the woodwork three times and may feel they deserved all three points.
Bungay’s come-back had much to do with the power and determination of Dom Mirner, who was involved in both Bungay goals and almost grabbed a winner late on.
The home side stated their intentions early on. In the first minute a low ball across goal found no one to get a touch, and five minutes later struck the far post with a curling shot. For Bungay, Shaun Whiteman had a shot from out on the left headed off the line, but the defence was having to work hard to keep a well organised Yelverton as bay. A klong shot from out on the left came back off the Bungay bar soon after.
Bungay had a great chance in the 22nd minute as Mirner broke on to a ball over the top from Ryan Cook, but his shot flew just wide of the far post.
Two goals for the home side in the last five minutes of the half sent them in well satisfied at the interval. Both came from long throws into the box.
The first caused consternation in the Bungay defence before Dan Cook applied the finishing touch form close range in the 40th minute, and in the 45th Bungay could only clear the throw to the edge of the area, where Paul Timms drilled a fine shot low into the corner.
Bungay started the second half well and Cook’s header from a free-kick was foiled by a headed clearance. Yelverton went close with a long range drive the other end, but Bungay pulled one back in the 69th minute. Mirner chased a lost cause and managed to pull the ball back from the byline for substitute Jamie Weston to score from two yards into the unguarded goal. Kevin Riches tried his luck from long range but the keeper held his effort well. Then the same player crossed well from the right and Mirner put his header from a good position narrowly wide.
But Bungay equalised with five minutes left as Mirner got free on the right, and his cross-cum-shot was diverted into his own net by the keeper. Yelverton were not finished, and struck the bar from a good position, before Mirner had a chance with an angled shot from the right which flew wide when a low ball across goal might have brought better dividends. And Whiteman had to make a great last-ditch block to prevent Yelverton getting the winner in added time.
Team: B Ling, S Olley, C Hunting, R Cook (J Weston), S Whiteman, B Solomon (T Daniels), J Riches, K Riches, T Hunter, J Knights (R Evans), D Mirner

Scorers: John Riches 2, Dom Mirner, Jordan Wheeler 2

THE Black Dogs took on the Pride of Waveney mantle on Saturday with an emphatic five-goal victory over rivals Beccles which took them into the quarter-finals of the Anglian Combination senior knock-out cup.
The margin by no means flattered them as they dominated proceedings for most of the game in front of a large crowd. It was the biggest margin of victory for either side in the traditional derby for over 20 years, when Beccles won the Hospital Cup by the same score in May, 1997.
It was Bungay’s first victory over their rivals in any competition for nearly 18 years and 15 games, since they won 3-1 on January 8th, 2000.
Nothing went right for the Wherrymen, who since winning promotion to the premier division have lost a number of players to other clubs. For Bungay it was a consummate squad performance, with new signing Jordan Wheeler from Easton coming off the bench for his debut and scoring two goals.
Bungay were quickly out of the traps and John Riches sent a 25-yard drive well off target in the fifth minute. But five minutes later Riches was brought down on the edge of the area, and got up to drill the free-kick low past Danny Cable to open the scoring.
The home side won three successive corners as the Beccles’defence defended desperately. John Riches headed narrowly wide from a Craig Hunting free-kick, before Ryan Cook cut out a Beccles threat from Rob Bishop as Beccles finally tested the home rearguard.
But after Dom Mirner had almost broken through for Bungay in the 22nd minute, he put them 2-0 up in the 25th minute, racing on to a through ball and taking it round Cable to score.
Beccles enjoyed a brief spell of pressure towards half time, with Luke Bailey firing wide from 20 yards. but Mirner went perilously close to a third for Bungay from a low cross from Kevin Riches. Cable had to make another great block to keen out Mirner, while Shaun Whiteman did the same for Bungay as Billy Shaw pulled the trigger.
The second half followed much the same pattern, as Mirner’s effort from Kevin Riches’ fine pass beat Eagle but went just wide.
Lee Glover and Co fought off other attacks from the rampant Black Dogs, and when the visitors got forward in the 55th minute Jordan Smith came off his line to thwart them. But the third goal for Bungay came in the 63rd minute as John Riches spotted Cable off his line and floated a fine 25-yard shot over his head.
Bungay were not to be denied more goals, and in the 73rd minute substitutes combined as Luke Spear put a low ball across goal for Wheeler to control and fire low past Cable.
Beccles’ day was summed up as Bishop was set up for a great chance of a consolation but could only roll a weak shot straight at Smith. And Bungay completed a fine day for them in the 89th minute as Reece Evans headed down a cross into the path of Wheeler, who controlled it and again beat Cable from 12 yards.
Teams: Bungay – J Smith. S Olley, R Cook, C Hunting, S Whiteman, B Solomon (J Wheeler), J Riches, K Riches, T Hunter, J Knights (L Spear), D Mirner (R Evans).

Scorers: Shaun Whiteman and Kevin Riches

A FINE second half goal from Kevin Riches brought Bungay a deserved win in blustery conditions at Walmer Road on Saturday.
As well as the wind they also had to overcome the handicap of playing with 10 men for 68 minutes after Sonny Artherton was sent off, but the result was rarely in doubt after another good team performance.
Kicking against the wind in the first half, they took the lead inside three minutes, as Josh Knights played a corner to the far post for Shaun Whiteman to head his sixth goal of the season. Soon after the keeper made a good save from John Riches after a good Bungay build-up.
But in the 22nd minute Artherton was given a straight red card for retaliation after being fouled. Nevertheless, Bungay continued to take the game to Kirkley and a good run by Whiteman, brought danger, only for the ball to be cleared before John Riches could get in a shot.
A quick break from the home side saw Jordan Smith make a good double save to keep his goal intact.
Tom Hunter got in a good cross to the far post for Sam Olley but he could not direct his header back across goal. Jack Hutchinson went close for Kirkley with one effort, while for Bungay, Dom Mirner moved in from the right to drill in a shot which was deflected for a corner.
But Kirkley equalised in the 43rd minute as a corner was cleared to the edge of the area, where Brad Carroll controlled it and drilled a fine shot into the corner of the net.
Kevin Riches replaced Olley at the start of the second half in a re-organisation, and he soon found Hunter with a great ball, and his first time shot with the outside of his foot was just too high. Knights and John Riches both had chances but were unable to convert.
But in the 61st Bungay regained the lead with a fine goal. Kevin Riches won the ball with a great tackle 30 yards out, spotted the keeper off his line and took one touch before beating him with a fine effort that nestled in the back of the net.
Knights worked his way into the penalty area and when the ball broke to Lewis Bilham his shot grazed the bar
Carroll had the chance to equalise just before the end but Smith was equal to it as Bungay took three more valuable Anglian Combination division one points.
Team: J Smith, S Olley (K Riches), C Hunting, R Cook, S Whiteman, T Hunter, B Solomon (L Bilham), J Riches, J Knights (M Clay), D Mirner, S Artherton.

Scorers: Sonny Artherton and Dom Mirner

THE Black Dogs won a Suffolk Senior Cup game for the first time in exactly 18 years as a goal in each half gave them a 2-0 victory at Leiston on Saturday.
The last win came on October 16th, 1999, when they beat Long Melford 5-0 away, and though they have only been in the competition intermittently since then, it’s good to put such a record behind them.
The win was thoroughly deserved against opponents from the Ipswich and Suffolk League premier division, brought about by one of their best performances of the season so far. It was based on a solid back three of Ryan Cook, Craig Hunting and Shaun Whiteman, with Tom Hunter having a particularly impressive game as left wing-back, and good movement of the ball between mid-field and the strikers Sonny Artherton and Dom Mirner, who took their goals well.
Mirner put a free-kick straight at the keeper in the second minute as Bungay started well. Two minutes later Hunter and John Riches combined for the latter to cross, but a defender cleared the danger with Mirner ready to pounce.
Riches tested the keeper with another free-kick as Bungay took the game to Leiston, and their good approach work paid off in the 11th minute., Riches found Artherton with a searching cross and he held off a defender to finish powerfully. Soon after Artherton’s cross saw Riches put a difficult chance over the bar.
Leiston came more into the game, and 16-year-old Bungay keeper Brandon Ling made a fine flying save to keeper out a well struck shot in the 23rd minute, before the home side glanced a header narrowly wide. They went close twice more before the interval.
Black Dogs started the second half as they had the first, and Hunter’s fine ball had the home defence in difficulties before the ball was finally cleared.
In the 56th minute Bungay were awarded a penalty when Mirner went down in the box, but after being persuaded to consult a linesman the referee changed his mind and gave a dropped ball. Artherton worked himself a shooting position buy the keeper saved, and there followed a spell of pressure from Leiston in which they went close equalising twice. A forward fired wide from a good position, and then a low ball into the six-yard box ran across goal with two forwards unable to get the vital touch.
And with six minutes left Bungay got the clincher their performance deserved with a text book goal. Josh Knights’ corner to the far post was header back into the danger are by Kevin Riches, back with the club and on as a substitute, and Mirner put a firm header into the roof of the net from six yards. Before the end Mirner worked the keeper with two more efforts.
Team: B Ling, J Weston (S Olley), R Cook, C Hunting, S Whiteman, T Hunter, B Solomon (K Riches), J Riches, J Knights, D Mirner, S Artherton (L Bilham).

Scorers: Shaun Whiteman (pen), Dom Mirner

Black Dogs’ defender ShaunWhiteman took his tally of goals to five for the season as he converted his fourth penalty so far on Saturday as his side edged home against Scole.
Both sides finished with ten men, with Bungay playing for nearly an hour with the reduced numbers, and they deserved the points in a game in which they created the better chances.
The first shot on goal did not come till the ninth minute, when John Riches fired wide from Josh Knights cut back. But the home side went ahead in the 15th minute as Dom Mirner was felled in the box and Whiteman blasted home the spot kick.
As Scole retaliated keeper Jordan Smith made a good save at the feet of a forward to gather a shot at the second attempt, and the defence blocked another shot at the expense of a corner.
Craig Hunting put a header wide from Knights’ corner in the 28th minute, but five minutes later Bungay were reduced to 10 men as Tom Daniels got a straight red card for retaliation after being fouled. Soon after manager Richard Daniels was dismissed from the
dug-out by an over fussy referee. Before the interval both Ryan Cook and Mirner went close.
Scole put a header wide in the first minute of the second half when the forward should have hit the target, but their pressure was rewarded in the 52nd minute as Bungay failed to clear the ball properly and after two efforts were blocked Ben Norton forced the ball in.
Parity lasted less than two minutes, however, as Mirner’s strength beat off a challenge and he took the ball round the keeper to make it 2-1 with his third goal of the season.
Soon after the Maltings crows witnessed a first – the first player to be sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes under new regulations as the Scole No 6 suffered the fate for dissent. Jamie Weston fired an effort over the bar for Bungay, and substitute Tom Hunter put Mirner clear, only for the striker to be crowded out but he managed to cross the ball to Hunter, who fired a difficult chance over a gaping goal.
Scole were still a threat and Smith saved again at the feet of a forward, but the visitors were reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes left as a defender got a second yellow card for taking out Hunter, and the Black Dogs saw the game out comfortably.
Team: J Smith, J Weston, R Cook (R Evans), C Hunting, S Whiteman, S Olley (T Hunter), B Solomon, J Riches, T Daniels, J Knights, D Mirner (S Artherton).

Scorer: Shaun Whiteman 2 (2 pens)

The Black Dogs’ unbeaten start to the season came to an end at Attleborough on Saturday, as two penalties in the last four minutes from Shaun Whiteman weren’t enough to recover a three goal deficit. Manager Richard Daniels was again frustrated by missed first-half chances when Bungay were on top, but once the side went two goals down just after the break, they seldom looked like getting back into the game until the late flourish.
Bungay lined up with a 3-5-2 formation, and gave debuts to Jamie Weston at left wing-back and Jordan Dale up front. The home side had the first real chance after six minutes, as Shaun Whiteman’s short back-header put Dan Whitman clear in on goal, but he fired wide. Bungay responded well, and after 10 minutes Thomas Daniels was fouled just outside the area, and Dom Mirner’s free-kick beat the keeper but went just past the post. Midway through the half Dale’s shot deflected wide, and when the resultant corner was only half-cleared, Lewis Bilham cut in from the right-hand side and his powerful shot was saved at full stretch by the home keeper. A few minutes later another Bungay corner saw Shaun Whiteman head wide when well placed.
After 27 minutes a good run from inside right from John Riches saw him square the ball for Dale, but his shot was charged down. When the home side broke, a fine interception by Whiteman prevented a dangerous move. Ten minutes later Bungay again went close, when Mirner was put through in the inside left position, but his low shot was well saved. Bungay were made to pay for the missed chances when they fell behind after 40 minutes, Whitman finishing well from close range after Bungay were caught out down their left-hand side.
At half-time manager Daniels replaced Dale with Thomas Hunter, but it was the home side who doubled their lead only a minute into the second period, as Jordan Smith in the Bungay goal was unable to deal with Jamie Venables‘ inswinging corner and could only palm the ball into the roof of the net.
Bungay struggled to create clear-cut chances, but they had a clear shout for a penalty after 71 minutes, as Mirner’s shot looked to have been handled on the line. But the referee waved away the Bungay appeals, and as the home side broke, a missed clearance on the half-way line allowed Jack Flynn a clear run at goal, and he beat Smith with a low shot.
Bungay brought on both Josh Knights and Brannan Solomon, and gradually started to exert some pressure. After 80 minutes, Knights’ pass put Hunter in, but his cross was deflected wide. In the 89th minute Whiteman’s fine long ball allowed Knights to cut in from the left-hand side of the box, and when he was fouled, Whiteman easily converted the resulting penalty. Then in stoppage time, Mirner and John Riches combined to put Knights in, and when he was brought down, Whiteman again scored from the spot-kick. But there was no time left for Bungay to force an equaliser.
Jordan Smith, Jamie Weston, Sam Olley (Sub: Josh Knights), Craig Hunting, Ryan Cook, Shaun Whiteman, Lewis Bilham, John Riches, Thomas Daniels (Sub: Brannan Solomon), Jordan Dale (Sub: Thomas Hunter), Dom Mirner
 

Scorers: Shaun Whiteman (pen) and Dom Mirner.

A MINUTE’S silence was held before the game in memory of Black Dogs’ striker Aiden Lowe, who died in a car accident two weeks previously.
It meant a subdued atmosphere hung over the Maltings Meadow, with football of secondary importance. But the team for which Aiden played 112 times, scoring 63 goals, got the job done more comfortably than the score suggests to take the three Anglian Combination division one points.
Sharper finishing would have made the win much more emphatic, while young keeper Brandon Ling, on his debut, performed confidently without ever being seriously tested.
Bungay won a corner in the first 40 seconds and from it Sonny Artherton volleyed just too high. It set the pattern for much of the game, with John Riches heading wide from Sam Olley’s cross, Tom Daniels firing a long range shot narrowly off target, Dom Mirner having a powerful shock blocked by the keeper, and Artherton’s follow up blocked for a corner.
A well organised Hindringham defence weathered the early pressure and Daniels had to clear an inswinging corner off the line in the 21st minute, at the start of a good spell for the visitors.
But Mirner had a fine chance in the 35th minute, only to see his effort blocked by the keeper, with Riches drilling the loose ball narrowly wide.
Finally it was a penalty in the 44th minute which brought Bungay the inevitable lead, Shaun Whiteman blasting the spot-kick home after Artherton was brought down in the area.
Josh Knights landed a corner on top of the bar at the start of the second half, Artherton was unlucky to see a volley just clear the bar, and Mirner broke clear on to Ryan Cook’s forward ball only to see his lob clear the keeper but go wide.
Lewis Bilham’s first touch after coming on for Knights saw his shot just clear the bar. Mirner again broke clear only to delay his shot and be robbed, but he finally made one count as Reece Evans set him up to take the ball round the keeper and roll it into the empty net..
Team: B Ling, S Olley, C Hunting, R Cook, S Whiteman, J Knights (L Bilham), J Riches (N Welsby-Burrows), B Solomon, T Daniels, D Mirner, S Artherton (R Evans).

Scorers: Sonny Artherton 3, John Riches 3, Dom MIrner & Shaun Whiteman.

NEW signing Sonny Artherton scored a debut hat-trick as the Black Dogs made easy progress into the second round of the of the Anglian Combination senior knock-out cup on Saturday.
John Riches also helped himself to three goals in a one-sided game in which they could have doubled the score even by taking just the easy chances. But the struggling Crabs never gave up the fight and everyone will be hoping that they can secure their future soon.
Artherton took just two minutes to open his account, heading home a right wing cross and, after Josh Knights had had a shot deflected for a corner, Riches headed home Knights cross in the 9th minute. Five minutes later Dom Mirner curled a corner directly into goal via a deflection off the keeper for the third.
A succession of chances, many of them simple, came and went for the rest of the half, with Riches converting another headed only to find the ball had crossed the byline before the cross came over.
Knights fired a great chance wide in the first minute of the second half, but on 49 minutes the fourth duly came as Artherton turned in a cross from Reece Evans. Cromer had not managed a shot on goal at this stage, but in a rare raid they won a free-kick which Jordan Smith failed to hold and Gary Miller fired home the rebound for a consolation.
Knights had a shot deflected on to the post and out for a corner, and from his flag kick Shaun Whiteman turned the ball in.
More easy chances came and went as the home side tired, but Riches made it 6-1 in the 72nd minute, heading in Sam Olley’s headed pull back from a left wing cross. A minute later Artherton completed his hat-trick with a neat turn and finish, and the eighth came five minutes from time as Riches completed his hat-trick of headers from Artherton’s free-kick.
The game was little more than a training exercise for the Black Dogs, and despite the goal rush they will need to take the simple chances if they are to beat better sides.

Team: J Smith, T Daniels, C Hunting, R Cook, S Whiteman, R Evans (S Olley), J Riches, J Knights, N Welsby-Burrows (B Solomon), D Mirner (T Hunter), S Artherton.

A GOALLESS draw was all the Black Digs had to show for a frustrating afternoon at Hoveton on Saturday.
They played some good football in an open game which they dominated for large periods, created several good chances, defended well when necessary and twice found the net with what appeared to be perfectly good goals.
But they were both disallowed, and so they dropped two Anglian Combination division one points in their second game of the season.
Bungay looked up for it from the start and as early as the third minute created their first chance as Like Spear stabbed in an effort the keeper did well to dive and divert fort a corner. Shaun Whiteman headed narrowly wide from the corner. Then a cross from the lively Spear found John Riches stretching to divert a header wide.
Hoveton put one effort narrowly wide, but Bungay were having more possession and in another good attack in the 17th minute Elliot Patrick struck the bar after good work by Tom Hunter.
Appeals for a penalty when Spear went down in the box were turned away by the referee. But Hoveton were dangerous on the break and one angled shot appeared to hit a post before going behind.
The Black Dogs appeared to have gone ahead in the 25th minute when Spear beat his marker and cut the ball back for Dom Mirner to divert past the keeper, only for the referee to disallow it for offside. Mirner had another chance soon after when he broke clear but relayed his shot and allowed the keeper to smother the ball.
Before the interval Ryan Cook landed a header from Josh Knights corner on to the roof of the net, before Knights put another chance wide.
Hoveton saw two shots blocked in quick success when they threatened, and Jordan Smith did well to get down to a low free-kick.
The second half was more even, and Hoveton had a good early chance when a high ball beat the Bungay defence, but Smith dealt with the danger. Knights went close for Bungay in the 71st minute, before Whiteman cut out another Hoveton threat with a fine tackle. Then, with 13 minutes left, Mirner beat the advancing keeper with a lob only for the goal to be ruled out for an infringement just before.
In added time Hoveton had a shot deflected for a corner, and the last kick saw a fine block by the keeper prevent Knights giving Bungay what would have been a dramatic but deserved winner.
Team: J Smith, T Daniels, R Cook, S Whiteman, E Patrick, L Spear (L Bilman), J Riches (N Wesby-Burrows), B Solomon, J Knights, T Hunter, D Mirner.

Scorer: Brannan Solomon

THE Black Dogs opened their Anglian Combination division one campaign with a 1-1 draw against Wymondham Town at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.
They had more of the game, and more chances, but after taking the lead they allowed Wymondham back into the game and that ended in a soft equaliser.
The home side worked an opening as early as the third minute as John Riches found Luke Spear down the right and his cut back gave Riches a chance with the keeper took comfortably. The keeper also was well behind a free-kick from Dom Mirner soon afterwards.
Sam Olley was in the right place to cut out a chance when Wymondham created. Spear’s pace down the right was causing the visitors a lot of problems and twice he crossed into the box with no one able to take advantage.
But Wymondham were dangerous in on the break and keeper Jordan Smuth made a fine reflex save to keep out an overhead kick just before the interval.
Bungay worked a good chance in the 52nd minute as Josh Knights turned the ball into Mirner’s path but he powered his shot into the side netting.
Ryan Cook saved a dangerous situation when Wymondham broke clear, managing to shepherd the danger away at the expense of a corner. But the home side had the edge and finally went ahead in the 67th minute, Brennan Solomon scoring with a firm far post header from a corner.
Bungay needed the cushion of a second and had a golden opportunity to provide it as Mirner anticipated a ball bouncing over the keeper on the edge of the area. But with the empty goal gaping and time to control the ball, he put a first time volley wide.
The let-off seemed to inspire Wymondham, and they blazed one good chance over the bar in the 79th minute. And after Solomon’s volley had grazed the post, the visitors equalised with eight minutes left. A deflected cross saw the ball loop into the air and Ashley Mitchell stretched to turn a header just inside the far post.
Team: J Smith, S Olley, R Cook, S Whiteman, T Daniels, L Spear (E Patrick), J Riches (N Welsby-Burrows), B Solomon, J Knights, T Hunter, D Mirner.

Scorer: Aiden Lowe

Scorers: John Riches and Brannan Solomon.

Scorers: Eliot Patrick 2, Dom Mirner, own goal

Scorer: Luke Spear

Scorer: Shaun Whiteman 2 (2 pens)

TWO penalties early in the second half converted by Shaun Whiteman brought Bungay a winning finale to their season on Saturday – and clinched fourth place in the Anglian Combination division one table.
The Black Dogs were without regulars Dom Mirner, John Riches, Tom Daniels and Sam Olley, but were still too good for a Hindringham side still in danger of relegation.
They created chances in the first half, with the best of them falling to Mark Clay, but he delayed his shot and it was blocked by a defender. Brennan Solomon put an effort just over the top. Aiden Lowe put in a great run down the left and his cross was turned narrowly wide of a post by a defender.
Nathan Wesby-Burrows was also just too high with a well struck effort after good work by Danny Wilby, who himself had a chance deflected wide. Hindringham had their moments and Rob Howes made a great double block when a forward broke clear on the left.
At the start of the second half Josh Knights fired a 25-yard shot just over the bar, but the game turned on two incidents in the 50th and 52nd minute. First Lowe was brought down just inside the area, and Whiteman powered home the spot kick. Two minutes later Lowe broke clear and took the ball round the keeper only to be caught by his trailing led, and again Whiteman converted the spot-kick for his sixth goal of the season. Lowe was injured and took no further part in the game.
Howes grabbed a close range header and also blocked a well-struck free kick, but Bungay saw the game out comfortably, and Wilby got in a good overhead kick which was unfortunately straight at the keeper. A fine ball from Knights put Luke Spear clear down the right but his angled shot was blocked for a corner. For Bungay it was their 10th clean sheet of the season.
Team: R Howes, S Whiteman, C Hunting, M Jones, M Clay (S Thompson-Friend), N Wesby-Burrows, J Knights, B Solomon, L Spear, D Wilby (J Bligh), A Lowe (S Bone).

Scorers: Shaun Whiteman, Dom Mirner, Aiden Lowe

THE Black Dogs ended their 2016-17 home campaign on a winning note as they completed an Anglian Combination division one double over Scole on Tuesday evening.
After a goalless first half in which they squandered numerous chances, they had to come from behind as Will Goulding converted a 54th minute penalty after Brennan Solomon, who otherwise had a good game, felled an opponent in the box.
But Shaun Whiteman, who had gone close on a number of occasions with headers, finally made one count in the 61st minute, converting Josh Knights cross.
Bungay had efforts hit the woodwork and cleared off the line before two goal in the final nine minutes gave them the win their performance deserved. First Dom Mirner volleyed home John Riches driven corner, and within two minutes Aiden Lowe netted his 17th goal of the season as he beat the keeper form a narrow angle after taking a pass from Morgan Jones.
Now a win at Hindringham on Saturday in their final league game will see them finish fourth in the table.
Team: J Bligh, S Whiteman, J Riches, T Daniels, A Meeken, D Mirner, B Solomon (N Wesby-Burrows, D Wilby (M Clay), J Knights, L Spear (M Jones), A Lowe.

Scorers: Brannan Soloman and John Riches

HE Black Dogs’ hopes of taking a rumoured third promotion place from division one of the Anglian Combination this season disappeared with this defeat by rivals Hellesdon on Saturday.
The win clinched that third place for the visitors. In an entertaining game troubled by a stiff breeze a draw would have bene a fairer result, but fourth is the best Bungay now can hope for.
It was Hellesddon who had the first chance of the game, in the seventh minute, as a forward curled a shot just over the angle with Rob Howes out of position. For Bungay Shaun Whiteman headed a corner just wide, before the visitors took a 20th minute lead with a fine curling effort from Jack Hurrell which found the top far corner.
Almost immediately Bungay went close as Mark Clay broke clear and his shot hit a post, with Luke Spear’s follow up blocked. Good work by Dom Mirner set up Aiden Lowe for a long range shot which flew wide. Before the interval Howes made a good save to keep out a snap shot at the near post.
At the start of the second half John Riches saw an effort cleared off the line. Substitute Alex Meeken also went close with a shot that rolled just wide of the far post with the keeper beaten, but the equaliser Bungay deserved came in the 58th minute as Spear’s speed took him to the byline and when his low cross was partly blocked Brennan Solomon volleyed home the loose ball.
The Black Dogs were dominating possession at this stage and Meeken and Josh Knights saw efforts go off target. Lowe netted with a header but the whistle had already gone for offside. Hellesdon were dangerous on the break, and flashed one effort just wide, and hit a post on another occasion, before two goals in the last four minutes clinched the points fore them. First Tom Blake held off a challenge to find the top corner with a good finish, and then Keegan Charlesworth gave Howes no chance with a powerful 20-yard free kick.
In added time Riches did the same for Bungay with a great 30-yard free-kick, but it came too late to salvage a point.
Team: R Howes, S Whiteman, C Hunting, T Daniels, L Spear (D Wilby), J Riches, B Solomon, D Mirner, M Clay (A Meeken), J K nights, A Lowe.

Scorers: Aiden Lowe, Luke Spear

TWO second half goals finally stamped Bungay’s authority on a game which they almost totally dominated on Saturday.
Numerous chances went begging, particularly in the first half, and the woodwork was struck twice, before leading scorer Aiden Lowe struck his 16th goal of the season and Luke Spear grabbed the second.
With Beccles and Bradenham both winning, the Black Dogs now cannot finish in the top two in the Anglian Combination division one, but with rumours that a third promotion spot might be available they have an outside chance of grabbing that. They are only rumours however.
Within 90 seconds Mark Clay took a great ball from Dom Mirner round the keeper but his shot from an angle struck the post and his follow-up effort was cleared. Josh Knights landed a cross shot on the roof of the net, and Lowe had a header taken comfortably by the keeper.
Rob Howes got down well to a low effort in a rare Walsham raid. Soon after Bungay had the ball in the net as Lowe robbed the keeper on the right and squared it for Knights to net, but it was ruled out for offside. Loud appeals for a penalty were ignored by the referee as Mirner was felled in the box, and a great surge forward by Tom Daniels gave John Riches the chance to fire a 20-yard shot just too high, before Daniels sent a 30-yard screamer fizzing an inch over the bar.
The first minute of the second half brought the break through as Lowe lashed a great 20-yard volley past the keeper after a fine ball from Daniels put him clear. Little was seen of the North Walsham attack, though they did float a free-kick across the six-yard box which no one got a touch on.
In the 67th minute Knights rattled the bar with a first time shot from the edge of the area, and Lowe squandered an even better chance as Bungay sought the cushion of a second goal. It finally came in the 75th minute as Spear’s pace won him the ball wide on the right and he cut in to fire a low shot which somewhere crept under the keeper and ended up in the net.
Twice before the end Spear got to the by-line - from one cross Lowe should have scored but put his effort over the bar, and from the second neither Lowe nor Mirner could apply the finishing touch.
Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting (B Solomon), S Whiteman, T Daniels, D Mirner, J Riches, N Wesby-Burrows (D Wilby) , M Clay (L Spear), A Lowe, J Knights.

 THE Black Dogs battled out a goal-less draw with league leaders Bradenham in Saturday to keep themselves in with a chance of promotion from the Anglian Combination division one.
A draw was a fair result of a game in which neither side excelled, but in which both had chances to win it, with the home side going closest and having an effort disallowed for offside in added time.
Bungay started the game well, forcing Bradenham to defend, but the home side also had their moments, with Craig Hunting and Co also having to be alert to quick breaks. Shaun Whiteman put a header over the bar from Josh Knights’ free-kick in the 28th minute, and Bradenham did similarly at the other end. Bungay’s first real chance came in the 40th minute as Brannan Solomon and Sam Olley combined to set up Dom Mirner for a header, but he could not get power behind the effort.
Knights got in a well struck drive, at the start of the second half which was straight at the keeper, and a better chance soon came their way as Solomon played Mirner in, but his shot was deflected for a corner. Mirner found space again soon after only to fire well off target. Knights then played Luke Spear in as a defender hesitated but he was unable to get his shot in.
It was Bradneham who ended the game the stronger, however, and Rob Howes made a great reflex save to keep out one fierce shot, and soon after took a header from a corner.
Two minutes into added time the home side struck a post with an angled shot before netting in the next minute, only for the referee to disallow it after consulting the linesman.
Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman,. T Daniels, B Solomon, J Riches, N Wesby-Burrows (L Spear), M Clay, D Mirner, J Knights.

Scorer: John Riches

SATURDAY proved a frustrating afternoon for the promotion chasing Black Dogs as they were held to a draw by neighbours Loddon.
Needing every point they can get, Bungay took the lead only to be pegged back, and though thy had greater possession in the second half it was only some fine goal-keeping from Jimmy Bligh which prevented the visitors getting a surprise win. Now Bungay have to rely on teams above them dropping points, with games rapidly running out.
Bligh made the first save of the game from a header following a corner, and when Bungay broke Aiden Lowe was just unable to get the right touch on a Craig Hunting free-kick.
But they took the lead in the 19th minute as Dom Mirner floated in a corner, Hunting went up for it with a defender and the ball broke to John Riches to poke home from close range.
Generally though their play was disjointed, and Loddon were level in the 31st minute as a corner was only cleared as far as Matt Ayre, who drove the ball home from 15 yards. Soon after Riches hooked an effort off the line following a Loddon corner, and Bligh dived to make a fine one-handed save as the defence stood still. From the corner he palmed a goal-bound ever over the bar. As Loddon finished the half strongly the keeper dived again to turn a low shot round the post.
Josh Knights has a good chance for Bungay early in the second half after a good run by Lowe, but his effort was well off target. Riches had a shot blocked after a good build-up and then Mirner was unable to get power on a header from Knights’ cross. As Bungay dominated for much of the second half Riches had another shot cleared off the line, and a low cross from substitute Luke Spear was cut out in the nick of time.

But Loddon finished strongly and in added time Ayre had a great chance only for Bligh to make a great reflex save from his close range shot, and the striker put another good chance over the bar.

Team: J Bligh, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, M Jones (M Clay), D Mirner (L Spear), J Riches, T Daniels, B Solomon, J Knights, (D Wilby), A Lowe.

Scorers: Dom MIrner 3, Shaun Whiteman (pen), Danny Wilby

A hat-trick from Dom Mirner paved the way to a clear-cut win for the Black Dogs as they kept their promotion bid on track on Saturday.
It was his second three-goal haul of the season and took his tally to 11 for the season. It was not Bungay’s best performance but they did enough against the Anglian Combination division one strugglers to win comfortably.
Both sides had off-target efforts in the first few minutes of the game and it was the home side who went closest, in the 22nd minute, as a shot from the right angle of the area hit the top of the bar. But Bungay generally had the better of things, though it was not till the 35th minute that they took the lead. Aiden Lowe played the ball into the near post where Mirner turned to beat the keeper form close range. Soon after Mirner set up a chance for Josh Knights, who turned the effort narrowly wide.
Right on half-time the Black Dogs made it 2-0 as Lowe again won the ball well in the area and found Mirner, who again finished well.
He completed his hat-trick in the 59th minute as a good build-up down the right saw Knights set up a simple chance for him to slot past the keeper. Soon after Knights himself should have got on the scoresheet, but with only the keeper to beat again put his effort narrowly wide.
John Riches also had a great chance but the keeper blocked his shot. But with 12 minutes to go Mirner won a penalty as he was tripped surging into the penalty area, and Shaun Whiteman despatched the spot-kick in his usual emphatic style.
With five minutes left Danny Wilby, on as substitute for a now rare appearance, completed the nap hand, scoring at the second attempt as the keeper save his first effort.
However, Bungay’s clean sheet was spoiled a minute later as Todd Coughlan got a consolation for Rovers.
Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman,. M Jones, D Mirner, J Riches N Wesby-Burrows), T Daniels B Solomon (L Spear), A Lowe, J Knights (D Wilby).

Scorers: Josh Knights, Aiden Lowe 2 (2 pens)

TWO penalties from leading scorer Aiden Lowe earned Bungay a vital win away to Anglian Combination division one promotion rivals Aylsham on Saturday.
They came from a goal down to turn in a fine all round performance, despite being without Shaun Whiteman and Callum Jones, to encourage supporters' hopes that promotion can still be achieved.
And it came despite continuing their recent habit of conceding an early goal. This time it came after just 59 seconds, as a misplaced pass in mid-field set up an Aylsham move which ended in James Oliver curling a fine shot inside the post beyond Jimmy Bligh’s dive.
But the Black Dogs responded well to the set-back and took the game to Aylsham. Mark Clay hooked a half chance over the angle from the edge of the area, but Aylsham went close again in the ninth minute as Bligh did well to scoop a downward header off the line following a free kick.
Lowe got in a snap shot from 20 yard which tested the home keeper, and Josh Knights fired two well struck efforts narrowly over the bar from the edge of the area. Then Dom Mirner had a shot blocked for a corner, before Bligh got down well to save an Aylsham effort.
It was third time lucky for Knights in the 32nd minute as Craig Hunting played the ball into the area and Knights picked it up to fire a controlled shot wide of the keeper for his fifth goal of the season.
As both sides sought an advantage before half-time Morgan Jones blocked a goal-bound effort on the line, before a fine cross to the far post from Knights saw Sam Olley steaming in, only to be unable to get direction on his stretching header.
The Black Dogs certainly had the better of the second half. Brannan Solomon netted in the 48th minute but the whistle has already gone for offside, and soon after a clearance rebounded off the same player but went just wide. Bligh made a fine save to keep out a far post header, and then saved from another well-struck shot. The home side then struck a post in a purple patch.
But Bungay looked good going forward, and two penalties turned the game in their favour. First a defender clawed an effort off the line, and was shown a red card before Lowe converted the resultant penalty. And in the 77th minute the striker produced the same result from another spot kick as Clay was felled as he wove his way into the box.
Bungay created more chances as they looked to make their greater numbers tell, but Aylsham were still in it, and caused an anxious final few minutes as Phil Read made it 3-2 as he curled a shot past Bligh following a quick break.
Team: J Bligh, S Olley, C Hunting, J Riches, M Jones, D Mirner, T Daniels (N Moore), J Knights, M Clay, A Lowe, B Solomon.

ATTLEBOROUGH dealt a severe blow to the Black Dogs’ promotion aspirations on Saturday as they banged in three goals without reply.
Without four regulars – Rob Howes, Craig Hunting, John Riches and Callum Jones – Bungay were usually second best, and giving away early goals in each half did not help their cause. The result leaves them 10 points off the Anglian Combination division one pace with eight games left.
As Bungay again started slowly Attleborough took the lead inside three minutes, Jack Flynn drilling a volley into the corner when the ball was played in from the left, with Jimmy Bligh unsighted. Soon after they went close again with a far post header which went just wide.
Bungay settled, and had a great chance to equalise when a cross to the far post by Brennan Solomon found Dom Mirner unmarked, but he got his shape wrong and volleyed high over.
The home side was causing problems, particularly down the right flank, and missed a good chance from close in following a corner, and went close on a couple of other occasions. For Bungay, Solomon did welt to get his head to a corner in the 35th minute, but could only direct it over the top.
Slack play by the Bungay defence gave Attleborough a chance in the first eight seconds of the second half, but a forward was thwarted as he was about to shoot, and at the other end Shaun Whiteman got his head to a cross from Aiden Lowe, but the keeper saved.
Seven minutes into the half Bungay gave away another goal as Tom Miles raced clear and took the ball round Bligh to score. Whiteman got in a good block to prevent a third goal, but that soon followed as a rebound from an attempted clearance fell kindly to Brad Rivett, and he drilled the ball into the roof of the net.
Whiteman and Mirner were unable to convert half chances for Bungay, and Attleborough almost got a fourth near the end as Miles hit a post in a hectic sequence which saw the Black Dogs' defence keep out two other efforts with brave blocks.
Team: J Bligh, S Olley, S Whiteman, T Daniels, M Jones, D Mirner, B Solomon (S Bone), J Knights, S Campbell, L Spear, A Lowe (N Welsby-Burrows).

Scorers: Aiden Lowe 3, Dom Mirner, Brannon Solomon.

A HAT-TRICK from top scorer Aiden Lowe paved the way for a comprehensive win for the Black Dogs on Saturday.
It helped to banish memories of the previous week’s defeat at rivals Beccles and the three Anglian Combination division one points keep them well in the hunt for promotion.
Bungay made a good start and John Riches tested the keeper early on. Lowe, particularly looked determined to get on the scoresheet and after the keeper had dealt capably with two 35-yard free-kick and the striker had clipped the bar with a curling effort, he put his side ahead in the 29th minute.
He intercepted a pass and took it on to round the keeper and score. The second came in the 40th minute as Lowe and Luke Spear combined to play Dom Mirner in, and he beat the keeper comfortably form 15 yards for his ninth of the season.
For a spell in the second half Holt made a game if it, and Rob Howes made a good save at his near post. But in the 68th minute Shaun Whiteman got to the by-line and his pull-back found Lowe, who turned it neatly past the keeper.
In was 4-0 a minute later as Morgan Jones played the ball into the penalty area and substitute Brennan Solomon side-stepped two tackles to score from close range. Holt went close when a long cross eluded Howes but Mark Clay was on hand to clear.
When Nathan Wesby-Burrows came on for Spear in the final 15 minutes he became the 950th player to pull on a Bungay first team shirt in the club’s 92-year history, and he put two efforts narrowly off target as Bungay continued to dominate. They completed the nap hand in the 88th minute as Josh K nights found Lowe with a superb chipped pass and he coolly completed his hat-trick, to take his season’s tally to 13.
The only thing to mar a good day for the Black Dogs was an eye injury to Nathan Moore which necessitated his going to hospital for treatment.
Team: R Howes, T Daniels, C Hunting, S Whiteman, M Jones, D Mirner (M Clay), J Riches, N Moore (B Solomon), L Spear (N Welsby-Burrows), A Lowe, J Knights.

Scorers: Dom Mirner and own goal.

Beccles Town 6, Bungay Town 2
THIS eagerly awaited derby between the Waveney Valley rivals was expected to be a closely contested affair between two sides well in the hunt for promotion.
But it was effectively all over in the first nine minutes as Beccles ran in three goals, and though the Black Dogs made a game of it after that, it was a disaster for them and leaves them still waiting for their first league win over Beccles for 17 years.
Beccles were quick out of the blocks and David Shade headed them into the lead in the third minute, getting in front of his marker to a left-wing free-kick. Five minutes later it was 2-0 as Joe Clark got a close range touch at the near post to a ball pulled back from the by-line. Within a minute Clark had made it 3-0 from close range from yet another left-wing move.
The Black Dogs were stunned, but they gradually worked their way into the game and Dom Mirner did well to win the ball from the keeper and find Aiden Lowe, but he was crowded out before he could shoot. Rob Howes prevented another Beccles goal with a good block, but the home side got a fourth in the 27th minute as Ray Masters got clear and chipped Howes with a fine effort.
Bungay had a great chance to get one back in the 40th minute as a good move saw Mirner unmarked with the keeper stranded, but his well struck effort was somehow cleared by the outstretched leg if a defender.
The visitors needed an early goal in the second half and they got it after just two minutes as Mirner held off challenges to cut in from the right and beat Danny Cable with a shot inside the far post.
But Beccles were on their game and Craig Hunting and Morgan Jones had to clear shots off the line in quick succession. Josh Knights got in one shot for Bungay which Cable took well, but Beccles git a fifth in the 60th minute as Liam Harvey-Cooper got enough of a touch in a tangle with two defender to send the ball rolling gently over the line.
Seven minutes later Bungay got a second as substitute Darryl Wigger got on the end of a good move and though his first shot was blocked it rebounded off him into the net.
But it was Beccles' day and Howes made two good saves to keep them out before Luke Bailey was found unmarked down the left and he cut in to beat the advancing Howes.
Bungay’s bad day at the office was compounded when Hunting was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Scorers: Dom Mirner, Nathan Moore and Luke Spear

TWO late goals by substitutes finally clinched an impressive win for the Black Dogs against dangerous opponents on Saturday.
Nathan Moore and Luke Spear, with great finishes, put the gloss on one of their best performances of the season, as the defence kept another clean sheet to show why Bungay have the best defensive record in the Anglian Combination division one.
Keeper Rob Howes did well to block a closed range shot at the near post in the opening minutes, but that was the most serious action he had as Bungay took the game to their hosts, who before the game were five points behind them with three games in hand. Aiden Lowe, who the previous week had marked his 100th appearance with two goals, brought a great save from the keeper with a 35-yard free-kick in the seventh minute, and from the resulting corner John Riches’ shot on the turn was narrowly wide.
Callum Jones also had an effort blocked for a corner when put clear, but Bungay moved ahead in the 14th minute as Dom Mirner rose who head home Josh Knights’ left wing corner. Howes took a header comfortably in one Walsham break, and then Callum Jones put Lowe clear, but he mishit his intended chip. Before the interval Lowe worked his way into the penalty area only to see his final effort hit the outside of a post.
The Black Dogs continued on top in the second half and Knights netted in the second minute only for it to be ruled offside. Walsham enjoyed one good spell in which a header flew narrowly wide and a corner went across the six-yard box with no one on hand to turn it in. But the home side’s cause was made harder with 10 minutes left when a player was sent off for a second bookable offence – a hefty tackle which left Knights writhing on the ground.
It ended any resistance from the home side and in the 86th minute Spear put Moore away down the left and he scored with an exquisite chip over the keeper and in off the far post.
Three minute later it was 3-0 as Morgan Jones put Spear away down the same flank and his speed took him clear and he cut in to beat the keeper confidently.
He netted again in the next minute from Mirner’s low cross but was adjudged offside, and Walsham missed a great chance of a consolation as defensive mix-up up left the goal gaping for a forward but from a tight angle his shot ran outside the far post.
Team: R Howes S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, M Jones, D Mirner, J Riches (L Spear), C Jones, T Daniels, A Lowe (N Moore), J Knights (M Flute).

Scorers: Josh Knights, Aiden Lowe 2, Thomas Daniels

Bungay kept their promotion bid on track with a 4-3 win against Mundford at the Maltings on Saturday, despite playing the last thirty-five minutes with ten men following the sending off of Ash Davies. In a topsy-turvy game, Bungay led 3-1 at the break and looked comfortable, only to concede two goals in the opening four minutes of the second-half. The sending-off looked to have turned the game in the visitors’ favour, but Bungay regained the lead through Aiden Lowe’s second goal of the game, and did well to hold on for the final half-hour to secure the three points.
Manager Richard Daniels made two changes to the starting line-up from the previous week’s draw at Loddon, with Ash Davies replacing the unavailable Brannan Soloman, and Thomas Daniels preferred to John Riches in midfield. The visitors started the game brightly, and enjoyed most of the early possession, but Bungay gradually worked themselves into the game, with Josh Knights’s left-wing cross just eluding the incoming Lowe, and then Sam Olley’s cross found Davies at the back post, but he shot into the side netting from a tight angle. Bungay took the lead after ten minutes with a simple goal, as Dom Mirner’s cross from the right found Knights unmarked, and he headed firmly past the keeper. Five minutes later it was 2-0, as Callum Jones’s fine through ball put Knights clear, and although his shot was charged down, the ball fell to Lowe on the edge of the area, who beat the keeper with a fine low shot. The visitors pulled a goal back four minutes later, as Mason Thorogood’s cross from the right-wing eluded everyone and ended up in the far corner of the Bungay net.
The Black Dogs continued to look dangerous going forward, and both Davies and then Lowe went close, before Bungay got their third on the half-hour mark, as Knight’s centre was only half-cleared to Daniels on the edge of the area, whose powerful strike found the roof of the net.
If Bungay were looking to build on their lead in the second-half, they received a rude awakening, as the visitors were level within four minutes of the restart. In the opening minute of the half Morgan Jones fouled Thorogood in the box, and Olly Standley fired home the penalty, and then two minutes later the same two players combined for Standley to beat Rob Howes from ten yards. Five minutes later Bungay were reduced to ten after Davies was shown a straight red card for a bad challenge. Bungay reorganised, with Lowe left on his own up front, and four minutes later it was Lowe himself who put the home side 4-3 up, calmly lobbing the keeper after being found by Callum Jones’s chipped pass. Luke Spear replaced Knights, and John Riches came on for Sam Olley, as Bungay defended their lead resolutely, and it was the Black Dogs who went closest to scoring, as Shaun Whiteman’s mishit shot was scrambled round the post by the keeper, and Lowe’s shot was deflected wide.
Howes, Olley (Riches), Whiteman, Hunting, M. Jones, Davies, Daniels, C. Jones, Mirner, Lowe, Knights (Spear).
 

Scorers: Dom MIrner and Aiden Lowe

THE spoils were shared in this Anglian Combination division one local derby on a muddy pitch at Loddon on Saturday.
Bungay took an early lead but the home side were ahead at the interval, before Bungay equalised with 15 minutes left – a reward for putting the home side under a lot of pressure for much of the half.
The Black Dogs started well, and after Aiden Lowe had got in the first shot of the game, an angled effort blocked by the keeper, in the second minute, they took the lead on three minutes. Lowe found Dom Mirner out on the right with a superb ball, and he cut in to lash an angled drive into the net beyond the lunge of a defender.
As Loddon settled a header from a free-kick flew wide and keeper Rob Howes got down well to take a low effort. Brennan Solomon fired narrowly wide for Bungay, and then a Loddon defender almost conceded an own goal with a clearance that flew just the wrong side of his post in the 24th minute.
But the home side equalised in the 26th minute, Tom Bayliss having time and space to beat Howes when the ball fell to him following a free kick.
And they took the lead 10 minutes later as Stuart Jermy got up well at the far post to head a free-kick just under the bar at the opposite post.
As Bungay had the better of things after the interval Shaun Whiteman saw a shot on the turn jut clear the bar, and a long range effort from Mirner brought a similar result, while substitute Ash Davies was also off target with another attempt.
The best chance came in the 68th minute as a good run and cross from Lowe found Josh Knights unmarked eight yards out, but he put his shot over the bar.
The deserved equaliser finally came in the 75th minute as John Riches headed on a cross and Lowe controlled it and fired low past the keeper from 15 yards. The draw was probably a fair result in stamina sapping conditions.
Bungay: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, M Jones (N Moore), D Mirner, J Riches, C Jones, B Solomon (A Davies), A Lowe J Knights.

Scorers: Ali McKenna, Josh Knights, Dom Mirner

The Black Dogs kept themselves well in the promotion hunt on Saturday with a hard won victory in the Maltings Meadow mud on Saturday.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men after half an hour but still presented plenty of problems for Bungay in this Anglian Combination division one fixture, but the win was well deserved for a good team performance.
The visitors started well and after putting a couple of early sighters wide of the mark took the lead in the 10th minute. A good build-up down the left saw the cross find the unmarked Aaron Nixon and he drilled a first time shot inside the far post from 10 yards.
But Bungay were level two minutes later as they won a free-kick on the left and Callum Jones perfect cross found Ali Mc Kenna glancing a header across the keeper for his eighth goal of the season.
Ash Davies fired a shot just wide soon after, and a good run and cross form the right by Dom Mirner found Josh Knights unable to get the right touch on his header. But the only other action of a first half played largely outside the penalty areas was the sending off of Wymondham’s Nixon, apparently for kicking the ball deliberately at the Bungay dug-out after being penalised for a foul.
With their numerical superiority Bungay had the better of the second half. Sam Olley fired wide form the edge of the area, and McKenna met a great cross to the far post by Mirner only for his volley to be miscued.
But a home goal was inevitable and it came in the 58th minute. Mirner again put in a powerful charge down the right and his cross was well controlled and coolly slotted home by Knights.
Wymondham were not done, and their tricky striker, who caused the Bungay defence problems all afternoon, drove in from the left but left himself too tight an angle and his shot found the side netting.
Aiden Lowe, back after injury and on as a substitute, saw a free-kick dip narrowly over the bar in the 75th minute, Callum Jones had a goal disallowed for offside, and another subdtitute Brennan Solomon, had a great chance after taking the ball round the keeper but could not convert. Solomon also had a goal disallowed and more Mirner runs down the right set up other chances.
Finally, with a minute left, Bungay got the clincher. Another good build-up saw Nathan Moore take the ball round the keeper, who then managed to pusk the ball wide, but only to Mirner, who drove a superb first time shot into the far corner of the unguarded net from 25 yards.
Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, M Jones, D Mirner, J Riches (N Moore), C Jones, A Davies (B Solomon), J Knights, A McKenna (A Lowe).

Scorer: Josh Knights 2

TWO goals in five second half minutes from striker Josh Knights brought the Black Dogs a well deserved victory against Attleborough at the Maltings on Saturday.
In their final home game of 2016 they held the edge for most of the game, and the defence limited the visitors to few chances as they kept a second successive clean sheet. Attleborough had lost only twice this season, but could have no complaints about this result.
In fact there was little serious action in either penalty area in the first half. John Riches did net in the ninth minute for Bungay but it was ruled out for a handball, and Attleborough’s first goal attempt did not come until the 26th minute, a tame shot which Rob Howes took comfortably.
Shaun Whiteman retrieved himself with a fine blocking tackle after giving the ball away to set up another chance for the visitors, and another shot flew over right on half time.
Early in the second half the Black Dogs created a chance as Darryl Wigger found Knights in the area, but the keeper blocked his close range shot. Immediately Attleborough broke to set up a chance but Craig Hunting, in his 499th game for the side, averted the danger with a good block.
A fine move down the left led to Bungay taking the lead in the 56th minute. It ended with Callum Jones finding Knights in the six-yard box and his first time flick across the keeper found the corner of the net.
Five minutes later Knights took a pass from Riches 20 yards out, turned his man well and took it on to beat the keeper with a fine finish.
The goals put Bungay firmly in the driving seat, and Dom Mirner saw a low range drive deflected, with the keeper just getting a hand to it to push it round the post. Whiteman’s header from the corner landed in the roof of the net. Then good work by substitute Brennan Solomon, on his debut, set up a good chance for Riches and the keeper did well to grab his shot on the line,. In the 87th minute the keeper turned another shot form Riches, pushed up as a striker, away for a corner.
Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, a Whiteman, M Jones, L Spear (D Mirner), J Riches, T Daniels, C Jones, S Wigger (B Solomon), J Knights (N Moore).

Scorer: Nathan Moore

NATHAN Moore’s first goal for the Black Dogs was enough to give them another victory on the road on Saturday and keep them in the top four in the Anglian Combination division one.
It came in the 70th minute in a second half completely dominated by Bungay, who could have won by a much more convincing margin. Luke Spear was the man of the match, terrorising the home defence with his speed, and he only lacked a goal to cap his performance.
The visitors edged the first half. Early on Callum Jones struck a great 30-yard drive which the keeper took well, but at the other end Sam Olley made a timely interception to prevent Scole getting in a shot, and then cleared off the line following a corner.
Dom Mirner set up a chance for Ali McKenna but his volley was just off target. Spear’s speed set up a number of opportunities for Bungay but a combination of the keeper and defensive blocks kept them out, and a McKenna shot on the turn flew wide.
In the first minute of the second half Spear was put clear but the keeper advanced to block his effort., Then the winger got to the by-line but the busy keeper cut out his pull back. Then a run and cross from the right by Callum Jones saw Spear hook a volley too high.
While the scoresheet remained blank Scole were still in with a chance and the Bungay defence did well to block two goal-bound efforts in quick succession in one raid.
But Spear remained busy and speedy and was unlucky on one occasion to see the keeper get a hand to a goalbound shot. An effort from McKenna was also turned away.
A goal had to come, and it duly did in the 70th minute., Moore, on for Mirner, picked up the ball 25 yards out and rifled a shot which went in off the far post with the keeper stranded.
McKenna went close twice in the closing minutes as Bungay held on comfortably to their lead, and could easily have extended it.
Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, M Jones, L Spear, J Riches, C Jones, T Daniels (S Forsyth), A McKenna, D Mirner (N Moore).

Scorer: Ali McKenna

The eagerly awaited local derby produced an evenly contested game at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday and a share of the spoils.
A draw was probably a fair result on the day, with the Black Dogs edging the first half and the Wherrymen the second, though both sides had chance to win the game late on. It means Beccles remain three points ahead of Bungay in the Anglian Combination division one table, with Bungay having a game in hand.
Bungay got in the first goal attempt of the game as Shaun Whiteman’s header from Aiden Lowe’s cross was gathered at the second attempt by Danny Cable. Later Whiteman had a volley blocked for a corner following Craig Hunting’s free-kick.
A Beccles effort narrowly cleared the bar in the 22nd minute, before a good Bungay move saw Lowe’s cross into the six-yard box just elude the stretching Ali McKenna. Then a well struck volley from Luke Bailey just missed the target for Beccles.
But the home side continued to see more of the ball and a great move down the right saw Lowe find Callum Jones down the right and his cross to the far post was header just too high by Dom Mirner. But as play swung form end to end Bungay keeper Rob Howes grabbed the ball at the second attempt to foil one raid, and right on half-time Liam Harvey-Cooper got away down the left, but Howes was alert to his shot and turned it away for a corner.
Beccles took the lead in the first minute of the second half as a player was felled in the penalty area and Harvey-Cooper made no mistake from the spot-kick. As Bungay retaliated McKenna headed just wide from John Riches cross, before Harvey-Cooper turned a right wing cross just wide at the other end in the 55th minute.
Lowe headed wide from a free-kick and Morgan Jones tried his luck with a shot which was straight at Cable. Beccles threatened a second as Harvey-Cooper drove a free-kick over the bar, and Howes did well to scoop a low shot away for a corner. But Bungay were well in the game and good work by substitute Darryl Wigger saw Callum Jones shot in the six yard box was straight at the keeper before the ball was hacked away.
The deserved equaliser came in the 75thg minute as McKenna drove the ball home from the edge of the area after two efforts had been blocked.
Harvey-Cooper put a good chance wide for Beccles in the 82nd minute, and Keiron Bale also shot wide form a good position in the 88th minute. But Bungay went close to winning it in added time as a terrific last ditch tackle robbed Callum Jones as he was about to pull the trigger following a good run and cross form substitute Luke Spear.
Bungay: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, M Jones, A Lowe (L Spear), J Riches (D Wigger), C Jones, T Daniels, D Mirner (J Knights), A McKenna.

Scorers: Aiden Lowe 2, John Riches, Ali McKenna 2, Tom Daniels, Callum Jones

SOME stunning goals were a feature of the game as the Black Dogs trounced bottom-of-the-table Foulsham on Saturday.
The home side had the audacity to take the lead, but Bungay made light of the conditions and made them pay with some good football which could have seen them reach double figures, but for the form of the home goalkeeper.
The result was a good boost to their goal difference and kept them well in the leading bunch on the Anglian Combination division one.
Bungay took the game to Foulsham from the start and Aiden Lowe, Ali McKenna and Tom Daniels all had shots blocked in the first 10 minutes. Callum Jones rolled a shot just wide of the far post. So it was against the run of play when Foulsham took the lead in their first attack. It produced a corner form which Rich Young rose to head firmly past Jimmy Bligh.
Still Bungay peppered the home goal, with Lowe bringing one great save from the keeper, and Craig Hunting heading a Shaun Whiteman cross wide of a gaping goal.
The inevitable equaliser came in the 26th minute as Lowe side-footed home from 15 yards through a crowded goalmouth when the ball was laid back to him. Three minutes later the Black Dogs were ahead as John Riches squeezed the ball home from an impossible angle after being found by Daniels.
Five goals came in the second half. In the 56th minute McKenna turned the ball past the keeper from Callum Jones low cross, and Tom Daniels soon made it 4-1 with a screamer from all of 30 yards, again after Callum Jones has set up the chance.
And it was Jones again who provided the far post cross in the 66th minute for McKenna to rifle a superb first time volley in off the underside of the bar. Two minutes later Lowe got his second with a powerful first time drive.
It was fitting that Callum Jones should get his name on the scoresheet to complete the rout in the 81st minute, with another well struck long range shot that found the top corner. Riches and the lively Darryl Wigger were thwarted by fine saves by the keeper.
Team: J Bligh, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, M Jones, C Jones, J Riches, T Daniels (D Mirner), D Wigger, A Lowe (M Clay), A McKenna (A Davies).

Scorer: Shaun Whiteman (pen)

A CLOSELY contested game at Wymondham on Saturday saw the Black Dogs suffer their second successive Anglian Combination division one defeat.
With news signing Josh Knights from Kirkley starting up front, Callum Jones coming in in mid-field for his first game of the season and Shaun Whiteman returning at the back after being away for three weeks, it was a satisfactory performance by the side but once again they lacked real penetration.
Jones particularly had a good game trying to make things happen, Knights looked busy and two other news signings, Ash Davies from Aylsham and Darryl Wigger from Lowestoft Reserves, both showed promise when they came on as substitutes.
Goalmouth action in the first half was at a real premium with defences on top and much of the play in mid-field, and nothing between the sides. Sam Olley had to clear one Wymondham effort off the line and Bungay’s only effort was a long range one from Aiden Lowe which went wide.
A dangerous free kick from Dom Mirner at the stat of the second half gave Mark Clay at the far post a good chance but he was unable to connect, and Wymondham broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute, Bungay were caught out with a quickly taken free kick and Danny Mace slotted past Jimmy Bligh from close range.
As Bungay retaliated Lowe was just unable to reach a good cross into the six-yard box from Clay, and then Knights was unable to make contact from Mirner’s nod-on from Olley’s cross.
The home keeper made a fine save from a well struck 20-yard shot from Callum Jones. He then made a fine save from a goal-bound shot from John Riches, before Callum Jones struck the bar with another goalworthy drive as the Black Dogs enjoyed a purple patch.
But Wymondham went 2-0 up in the 76th minute as captain Craig Hunting turned a shot into his own net in attempting to clear a low cross from Darren Artherton.
It lifted the home side and Bligh had to make two good saves to prevent them getting a third. A fine tackle by Whiteman prevented a forward getting clear soon afterwards.
Bligh made another key safe before Bungay pulled one back in the 90th minute, Whiteman, in his 200th first team game, blasting home a penalty after Mirner had been felled in the box. But it was too late for Bungay to achieve the draw they probably deserved.
Team: J Bligh, S Olley (D Wilby), C Hunting, S Whiteman, M Jones, M Clay (A Davies), J Riches, C Jones, D Mirner, A Lowe (D Wigger), J Knights.

A SLOPPY first 20 minutes cost Bungay the points in this top four Anglian Combination contest at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.
Victory would have seen the Black Dogs go clear at the top of the Anglian Combination division one table – instead a single goal in the 17th minute was the difference between two well matched sides, though Bungay deserved something from the encounter, particularly for their second half performance.
Bradenham started well as Bungay seemed unable to find colleagues with passes, and in the third minute keeper Rob Howes did well to turn over an angled shot soon after a header was deflected wide. Bungay’s first attempt was in the 11th minute, a free-kick which Aiden Lowe struck far too high.
When Bungay gave the ball away in a dangerous area in the `17th minute Bradenham took advantage, with Mick Hook being played clear to beat the advancing Howes with a shot which went in off the far post. Soon after the keeper was equal to another goal attempt.
Luke Spear put a sharp chance over the bar following good work by Lowe and Kevin Riches was narrowly off target with a header as Bungay began to put their game together. Ali McKenna had a shot blocked and Morgan Jones put a header straight at the keeper from six yards.
The home side put the visitors under more pressure in the second half without being able to create clear cut chances, and they were lucky when Bradenbam hit the post following a quick break down the right. Bungay’s best chance came soon after as Dom Mirner rolled a shot wide with the keeper stranded.
Bradenham were still dangerous and when Hook got clear again he rolled the ball wide of Howes but it narrowly missed the far post. Lowe drove a free-kick straight at the keeper and John Riches put a header from a fine cross from Mark Clay over the top from a good position. But sustained pressure in the final 10 minutes failed to bring any reward for the Black Dogs as they failed to score in a game for the first time this season.
Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, L Henwood, M Jones, L Spear (M Clay), K Riches (D Wilby), J Riches, D Mirner (M Flute), A Lowe, A McKenna.

Scorers: Kevin Riches and Aiden Lowe

THE black Dogs turned in another impressive Anglian Combination division one performance at Hellesdon on Saturday as a goal in each half brought them their sixth win in eight league games.
Luke Spear and Morgan Jones stood out, but it was a competent all round team performance in which everyone played their part. The three points saw them move back level with Beccles at the top of the table, with a game in hand.
Spear tested the keeper in the fifth minute after a good move down the right, and Dom Mirner’s cross from the right caused problems for the home defence, but Ali McKenna could not get his shot away.
But the strong Hellesdon side also put Bungay under pressure, and Jimmy Bligh made one miraculous save to keep out what would have been a tap in. Almost immediately he had to make a blocking save to keep his goal intact.
After coping with a spell of pressure Aiden Lowe went close for Bungay, firing just too high, and Nathan Moore fired wide after being set up by Spear, who then sent a fine cross into the six-yard box, with the ball just eluding Lowe and McKenna.
But the break-through came in the 31st minute as Mirner’s cross was met with a typical thumping header from Kevin Riches to give the keeper no chance. Three minutes later a fine ball from Jones saw McKenna take the ball round the keeper, only to find the side netting from a tight angle.
Craig Hunting and Sam Olley both got in great tackles as Hellesdon applied another spell of pressure. But Bungay started the second half on the attack and the home keeper made a superb save, unlikely to be bettered at the ground this season, to keep out a powerful 20-yard shot from Lowe.
After that both sides created chances in an entertaining game, with Spear prominent in most Bungay attacks. But after Bligh had done well to keep Hellesdon at bay in the 68th minute, Lowe netted at the end of another flowing move, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Then Hellesdon went mighty close with an effort that beat Bligh but hit the underside of the bar and was hacked clear.
But Lowe finally gave Bungay a cushion in the 75th minute, driving a free-kick from 25 yards low past the wall and the keeper. It took the sting out of Hellesdon, and the Black Dogs saw out the game with relative comfort.
Team: J Bligh, S Olley, C Hunting, J Riches, M Jones (S Campbell), D Mirner, K Riches, N Moore (D Wilby), L Spear (S Thompson-Friend), A Lowe, A McKenna.

Scorers: Lee Henwood & Ali McKenna

THE Black Dogs surrendered a two-goal lead on Saturday to once again bow out of the Suffolk Senior cup at the first hurdle.
The visitors finally made their superiority tell in the second half and deserved to win, but Bungay gave a good account of themselves and if decisions had gone their way could have achieved a better result. Now they are free to concentrate on the league.
The visitors started well and in the 8th minute a header hit the bar, and the followed up was fired wide.
But Bungay striker Ali McKenna, back in the side after being unavailable for four weeks, had a half chance at the near post. John Riches and Dom Mirner both tested the keeper as the home side survived the early pressure, and Luke Spear was put through by a great ball from Aiden Lowe but couldn’t finish.
The Black Dogs went ahead in the 26th minute as Lee Henwood lofted a free-kick from inside his own half and it cleared the crowded area to bounce past the surprised keeper.
Two minutes later it was 2-0 as Mirner found McKenna on the left and he took the ball on to strike of past the keeper.
When Mirner played a corner to the near post in the 34th minute the ball was deflected past the keeper but appeals that it had crossed the line were ignored by the linesman. The Bramford keeper admitted after the game the ball had been a yard over the line.
And just as it seemed Bungay would go in two goals up Craig Hunting committed a foul in the area in the 45th minute and Paul Dodsworth rammed home the penalty.
Lowe went close for Bungay early in the second half, but Bungay had to defend for long periods and hope to score on the break. The equaliser came in the 62nbd minute as Bungay gave away the ball in midfield and a forward got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Harry Evans to score with a simple tap in.
For Bungay Lowe fired a free-kick just too high, but the visitors moved ahead in the 74th minute as Bungay again conceded the ball in mid-field too easily and again Evans took it on to beat the advancing Bligh. The keeper did well to palm away a shot for a corner soon afterwards and from the flag kick a powerful header struck the underside of the bar and the rebound was header over.
Another shot struck a post as the visitors began to dominate, and they made sure of the win in the 88th minute as Bligh blocked one shot but was powerless to keep out the follow up from Jamie Cowan.
Team: J Bligh, S Campbell (M Clay), C Hunting, L Henwood, M Jones, D Mirner (N Moore), J Riches, K Riches, L Spear, A Lowe, A McKenna.

Scorers: Dom Mirner 3, Kevin Riches, Aiden Lowe

Dom Mirner led the way with a hat-trick as Bungay put together their best performance and best win of the season so far at Mundford on Saturday.
There is usually little between these two sides, but this time Bungay dominated the Anglian Combination division one game for long spells, and in the end could have won by more as they looked a different side to the one which suffered its first defeat of the season to Aylsham the previous week.
With Shaun Whiteman unavailable Lee Henwood returned and had a sound game alongside Craig Hunting in defence. But Mundford, missing two key players, started well and Jimmy Bligh had to made a blocking save to keep them out inside five minutes. The Black Dogs created a chance buy Aiden Lowe’s pull-back was behind Mirner. Then Lowe had a shot blocked.
Bligh did well to turn away a well-placed free kick in the 14th minute, but Bungay moved ahead on 23 minutes as Lowe’s pass gave Mirner the chance to side-step his defender and beat the keeper with a low drive from the edge of the area. Soon after Lowe was unlucky to see a snap shot deflected onto the bar.
In the 32nd minute Mirner made it 2-0, turning the ball in from close range when the ball ran loose after her had challenged the keeper from a free-kick. As Bungay finished the half strongly Mirner glanced a header wide from Sam Olley’s cross and John Riches just failed to reach a fine cross from Mark Clay.
Mundford tested Bligh at the start of the second half, but in the 50th minute Kevin Riches thumped a great header into the top corner after Danny Wilby had set up Clay for the cross.
Eight minutes later the home side pulled one back with a close range header from Sam Last from a right wing cross.
Lowe and Mirner had shots blocked before, in the 62nd minute, Lowe scored his fourth of the season with a header from Mirner’s free-kick. It looked as if he had scored again soon after from Luke Spear’s cross with the keeper stranded, but somehow a defender got back to scoop the ball onto the underside of the bar and away.
Mundford missed a golden chance in the 77th minute when a forward missed his kick with the goal gaping. Lowe and Mirner both had further chances before Mirner completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute from a direct free-kick from 20 yards which took a deflection off the wall.
The only thing to mar a good day was when Tom Daniels, who had been substituted following an injury, was red-carded for dissent in the technical area.
Team: J Bligh, S Olley, C Hunting, L Henwood, M Jones, D Mirner, J Riches, K Riches, T Daniels (D Wilby), A Lowe, M Clay (L Spear).

Scorer: own goal

THE Black Dogs' unbeaten start to the season came to an end on Saturday with a disappointing performance against Aylsham.
As well as relinquishing the points they were also knocked off the top of the Anglian Combination division one by rivals Beccles. Nevertheless, in pre-season they would have bene happy with a start of 13 points from the first six games, and it is still early days.
Without the influential John Riches in mid-field and still without striker Ali McKenna, they started well enough. A fine ball by Danny Wilby put Kevin Riches clear in the fifth minute but the keeper turned aside his shot. Then Aiden Lowe put a well struck half-volley just too high.
But Bungay were ahead in the eighth minute. A defender headed a Lowe cross narrowly wide of his own goal and from Dom Mirner’s corner Shaun Whiteman forced the defender to head into his own net at the near post.
Soon after a good run down the right by Mark Clay saw his cross force another corner.
Gradually, however, Aylsham came into the game and Jimmy Bligh had to make a sudden safe from a sharp back header from Craig Hunting. The keeper made another good save soon after following a corner, and the spell of pressure brought Aylsham a 36th minute equaliser as an unmarked Ben Soanes glanced a header past Bligh from a right wing cross.
The keeper made another blocking safe soon after, but Bungay had a chance before the interval, only for Lowe to fire wide under pressure after a good tackle from Kevin Riches put him clear.
Five minutes into the second half Bungay went close to regaining the lead as Clay got in a good cross and Mirner’s header close to the near post glanced just over the bar. Then Wilby had a shot turned away for a corner and Clay’s looping header from the flag kick was clawed away at full stretch by the keeper.
But Bligh had to make an acrobatic save from a goal-bound Aylsham shot in the 55th minute, and a minute later the visitors went ahead as James Oliver beat Bligh at the near post to round off a swift inter-passing movement.
And it was 3-1 in the 67th minute as Bligh put a goal-kick straight to Oliver and he avoided a Whiteman challenge to score a simple goal. Wilby fired one 25-yard effort narrowly over, but the Black Dogs never really looked like pulling back the deficit.
Team: J Bligh, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, M Jones, D Mirner (N Moore), K Riches, B Daniels, M Clay (S Campbell), D Wilby, A Lowe.

Scorers: Shaun Whiteman (pen), Kevin Riches, Aiden Lowe

The Black Dogs retained top spot in the Anglian Combination division one table with this comfortable victory over Holt on Saturday.
In the 85th competitive game between the two sides Bungay dominated play, particularly in the second half, and only poor finishing prevented them winning by a much bigger margin.
With Rob Howes unavailable, Jimmy Bligh made a rare appearance in goal, but was rarely drafted into serious action.
Early on Kevin Riches, making his 150th appearance for the Black Dogs, worked his way to the by-line but his pull-back failed to find a colleague in an opening period in which goalmouth action was strictly limited. Aiden Lowe blasted one chance high and wide. The nearest they came to a goal was when Mark Clay made ground down the right and found Danny Wilby in the penalty area. He turned well but hit his shot narrowly wide.
Bligh was called in to make one first half save, turning away a well struck shot from Holt.
The busier home keeper turned an effort from Dom Mirner over the bar, but Bungay finally moved ahead in first half added time as Wilby broke clear but was felled by the keeper, and Shaun Whiteman blasted home the spot kick.
In the second half Kevin Riches was unlucky to see a header from Mirner’s corner just miss the angle of post and bar, before Wilby set up Lowe for a drive that flew just too high. But in the 62nd minute Bungay made it 2-0, Kevin Riches ramming the ball home from close range at the second attempt after a Whiteman effort was blocked.
The third should have soon followed bit an off balance Mirner fired a rebound over the bar from six yards after Kevin Riches had brought a blocking save from the keeper. Twice Clay put golden chances off target and Nathan Moore fired over from a good position. But Lowe got his third of the season, firing across the keeper after working an opening, to make it 3-0 in the 87th minute.
Team: J Bligh, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, M Jones, D Mirner, J Riches, K Riches, M Clay (S Campbell), D Wilby (N Moore), A Lowe.

Scorers: John Riches, Aiden Lowe, Danny Wilby and Mark Clay.

THE Black Dogs moved to the top of the early Anglian Combination division one table with an ultimately comfortable win over Dersingham at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.
After a goalless first half in which the visitors, relegated from the premier division last season, caused a few problems, Bungay moved ahead early in the second half, but it was not until the final 15 minutes that they really stamped their authority on the game.
And with Scole and Bradenham both losing, they are now a point clear at the top, with neighbours Beccles a point further back in second.
There was little dramatic action the first half in which Dersingham fired a warning shot into the side netting in the first 15 seconds. Mark Clay and Nathan Moore both got in headers following a long cross from John Riches but failed to get power behind them. Kevin Riches did get power behind a header from new Dad Craig Hunting’s free-kick, but it was straight at the keeper. Moore also tested the keeper, and following another Hunting free-kick Dom Mirner’s final shot lacked power.
But all that changed three minutes into the second half as Bungay won a free-kick 20 yards out and John Riches drilled it low past the keeper. A minute later slack defending nearly cost Bungay dear, but Rob Howes fell in the ball to cut out the danger.
Twice Luke Spear’s speed took him clear on goal but each time he was unable to capitalise. Aiden Lowe, on for Moore, fired just over the top after a good run by Spear in the 70th minute, but in the 76th minute a good move down the right saw Kevin Riches lay the ball off for Lowe to fire low past the keeper to give Bungay a cushion.
But Dersingham were back in the game three minutes later as a free-kick to the back post was header back into the six yard box for the unmarked Daniel Pearman to score from two yards.
It perked the visitors up and Bungay had to withstand a spell of pressure. But Kevin Riches tested the keeper with another well struck shot, and in the 85th minute substitute Danny Wilby fired a great 20-yard first time shot past the keeper after John Riches set him up to make the points safe.
Lowe was unlucky to see a shot beat the keeper but come back off the post s Bungay finished strongly, but in added time the Black Dogs made it four as Clay had a simple chance to control and score after Kevin Riches had found Mirner down the right and his cross picked the scorer out.
Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, T Daniels (S Campbell), L Spear (D Wilby), K Riches, J Riches, D Mirner, N Moore (A Lowe), M Clay.

Scorers: Aiden Lowe and Ali McKenna

THE Black Dogs learned that there is some tough competition in the Anglian Combination division one standing in the way of their promotion aspirations as they were held to a draw by Hindringham on Saturday.
As in the previous two league games so far – against Sheringham and Foulsham - Bungay were the better side and created chances, but the visitors played some good football, were hard to break down, and in the end the home side had to come from behind to share the points – a result which leaves them equal top on points but third on goal difference.
After a quiet opening period Bungay went close in the 11th minute as Shaun Whiteman’s header form Aiden Lowe’s free-kick bounced down form the angle of post and bar and was hacked clear for as corner. From that the ball fell to John Riches, whose snap half volley narrowly cleared the bar.
Scott Sutherland-Gray fired one effort over for the visitors, but Bungay had the greater possession and Nathan Moore brought a fine save from the keeper with a powerful 25-yard drive. Lowe set up a chance for Kevin Riches but his shot curled just too high.
In the 37th minute Ali McKenna had a shot cleared off the line following another Lowe free-kick before Dom Mirner had a good chance, only to shoot straight at the keeper. Kevin Riches found McKenna unmarked in the six-yard box, but three times in as many seconds the keeper blocked his attempts when he should have scored.
Early in the second half the busy keeper turned another shot from Lowe away for a corner, and a diving header from Kevin Riches flew narrowly wide. But the goal Bungay deserved finally came in the 58th minute as Lowe drove a 20-yard free-kick low past the keeper.
Soon after Moore was unlucky to see his powerful header from Mirner’s cross come back off the post. Bungay should have pushed in form there, but instead were shocked by two goals from Hindringham in two minutes.
First a well worked moved ended with Sutherland-Gray beating Rob Howes with a fine first time drive – the first real chance they had created. Then Whiteman was harshly judged to have handled in the area and Daniel Croker converted the spot kick.
Howes had to take a couple of Hindringham shots after that, but Bungay deservedly got back on terms in the 78th minute as McKenna’s header from Sam Olley’s cross landed just inside the post.
And in the 88th minute the home side went mighty close to a winner as Whiteman’s header from Mirner’s cross was blocked on the line, with some believing it had crossed it.
Team: R Howes, S Olley, J Riches, S Whiteman, M Jones, D Mirner, K Riches (D Wilby), A Lowe, B Daniels, N Moore (S Campbell), A McKenna.

Scorers: Ali McKenna 2, Mark Clay

ALI McKenna marked his full debut for the Black Dogs with two goals in the first 20 minutes as they beat Foulsham 3-1 on Tuesday evening.
It brought then their second Anglian Combination division one win in four days, but they had to battle against a side who played some good football but proved very physical.
Bungay were without Craig Hunting, Shaun Whiteman and Aiden Lowe but still fielded a strong side, with ex-Lowestoft striker McKenna making his full debut after coming on as substitute against Sheringhan on Saturday. And he had his first chance insider a minute as he broke though, only for the keeper to grab his shot.
Shortly after Rob Howes had to dash from his line to kick clear from a Foulsham attack. But after Danny Wilby had netted only for the goal to be disallowed for offside, McKenna opened his account in the fifth minute as he took Tom Daniels’ fine through ball and slotted home under pressure from a defender.
Alex Meeken had a chance soon after but couldn’t get his shot away from a good position and could get no power on a follow-up header. But McKenna made it 2-0 in the 20th minute with a well struck low drive after good build-up down the right. Then Nathan Moore drove a shot narrowly wide.
Foulsham went close in the 25th minute when a forward got to the byline and his shot from an acute angle just cleared the far post. But the game was held up for five minutes after a melee broke out amid accusations of spitting by a Bungay player. There were no bookings when the referee finally got things under control, but the incident disrupted Bungay’s flow and Foulsham came much more into the game.
They pulled one back in the 60th minute when a shot deflected off a defender to fox Howes as he was about to take it, and the loose ball was rammed home by Hayden Gibbon.
Bungay had to withstand some pressure after that, but McKenna should have completed his hat-trick when he turned well in the box to beat his man but then fired over the top.
Meeken went close with two free-kicks, but with three minutes left Bungay made the game safe when McKenna found substitute Mark Clay in space and he held off a challenge to score across the keeper.
Team: Howes, S Olley, K Riches, J Riches, M Jones, L Spear (A Campbell), D Wilby (M Clay), T Daniels, A Meeken, A McKenna, N Moore (D Lowe).

Scorer: Alex Meeken

THE Black Dogs got their new Anglian Combination division one season off to a winning start on Saturday, thanks to an 89th minute goal from Alex Meeken.
It was no more than they deserved against a side tipped as strong promotion prospects this season – Bungay dominated for long periods, created several chances, and the visiting keeper was certainly the busier.
Richard Daniels’ side looked well balanced and focussed, and kept going to the end on a warm afternoon in front of a good first day crowd. Daniels said afterwards Bungay were the better side over the 90 minutes and there were some very positive signs all round, with defenders Craig Hunting, Shaun Whiteman and Sam Olley immense and Like Spear’s speed a constant worry to Sheringham.
Early on Kevin Riches put in a good run down the left but his pull back only found a defender. And the side went close in the 11th minute as Aiden Lowe, who had an impressive afternoon, won the ball well on the left, cut in and brought a blocking save from the keeper, with Danny Wilby’s follow-up being clear off the line by a defender.
Kevin Riches then set up an opening for Wilby with some clever work but his first time shot was over the top. Shortly after Wilby fired narrowly wide as Bungay showed some good approach play.
The visitor’s best effort came in the 27th minute when a 20-yard free-kick curled over the top, before Nathan Moore’s shot after more good work form Riches was blocked.
Sheringham went close with two efforts near half-time, but Bungay continued in the second half as they finished the first and in the 54th minute a superb ball from Lowe put the speedy Luke Spear clear, but he delayed his shot as the keeper advanced and the chance was gone.
Home keeper Rob Howes got down well to a low drive when Sheringham attacked, before the Sheringham keeper made a flying save to turn over a goal-bound drive from Lowe in the 62nd minute, and eight minutes later made another great stop to turn away a Lowe free-kick.
That was followed by Sheringham’s only real spell of pressure which saw Howes twice get down to make good saves and Tom Daniels headed away at the near post. Then a backwards header only just missed the post.
Bungay had appeals for a penalty turned down in the 82nd minute as new signing Ali McKenna, on for Moore, went down in the area. But with a minute of normal time left the goal Bungay richly deserved came as Lowe found Meeken on the edge of the area and he side-stepped a defender to drill a low shot past the diving keeper.
In added time Lowe rammed an angled show against a post, and in the 94th minute he worked an opening for Kevin Riches to fire narrowly over.
Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, T Daniels, K Riches, J Riches, A Lowe, L Spear, D Wilby (A Meeken), N Moore (A McKenna).

Scorers: Dom Mirner 2, Danny Wilby

Scorer: Mark Clay

Scorers: Dom MIrner and Mark Clay

Scorer: Alex Perrin

THE Black Dogs completed their first season back in division one of the Anglian Combination with a well-deserved point at North Walsham on Saturday.

The point almost certainly guarantees fifth place in the table for them - a great result in the circumstances and one which should give them a good platform to challenge seriously for promotion next season.

They achieved the draw despite having a seriously depleted side out. There were just five regular first teamers in the side and three of those – keeper Rob Howes, captain Craig Hunting and Shaun Whiteman – were carrying injuries which restricted their movement. Howes was unable to kick the ball.

But those who came in from the Reserves gave a good account of themselves, particularly Tom Edwards and Nick Stride, and Steve George when he replaced Hunting at the interval.

Edwards in fact got in the first shot of the game after only 15 seconds but it was over the top. However, it was not long before Bungay took the lead as Hunting floated in a free-kick and teenager Alex Perrin beat the keeper with a downward header in the sixth minute.

Whiteman got in a timely tackle when Walsham threatened, and for Bungay Sam Bone tried an overhead kick which was off target. As played moved from end to end Walsham played a ball across the six-yard box with no one on hand to turn it in, and Howes made a good save to block a close range shot. For Bungay Stride put Edwards clear with a fine pass but the keeper came out to block his effort. Whiteman put a couple of headers over the top from corners.

The closest Walsham went was a shot which came back off the post and was cleared.

The home side had the better of the second half and Howes did well, to clutch the ball under pressure in one attack, before Leo Jackson equalised on the hour, heading home from a corner,. Two other efforts flew just wide as Walsham, put on the pressure, and Ryan McFadden cleared a shot off the line..

But Bungay did have chances and in one quick break Bone saw an effort diverted wide.

Team: R Howes, J Baynes, C Hunting (S George), S Whiteman, R McFadden, T Edwards (M Holmes), H Stride, P Fuller, T Griffiths (S Payne), A Perrin, S Bone.

Scorers: Sam Bone and Jamie Mirner

BUNGAY’S final home game of a generally successful first season back in senior football ended in disappointing defeat to Wymondham Town on Saturday.

Again with an under-strength side, they could not get their football going on a bumpy second pitch, and though they had an even share of the play, Wymondham looked the more potent going forward.

Bungay’s Sam Bone got in the first shot of the game but it was straight at the keeper, and Bungay had another chance on 19 minutes following John Riches’ cross. Alex Perrin lifted the ball over the keeper, causing a goal-line scramble before Bone’s goal-bound shot seemed to strike a team-mate before being cleared for a corner.

Bungay keeper Jason Downing made a great point-blank stop when Wymondham looked certain to score, but the visitors did go ahead in the 26th minute with an overhead kick from Liam Moriaty which crept just inside the post.

Danny Pennell made it 2-0 soon after with a bullet header from a perfect right-wing cross, but Bungay pulled one back a minute later with a close range header from Bone after Dom Mirner had headed on a cross.

At the start of the second half a good move ended with Kevin Riches poking a shot just wide but, after Moriaty had curled a shot narrowly over the bar, Wymondham made it 3-1

in the 56th minute with an unstoppable shot from Sam Stalker when the ball was played back to him.

Moriaty made it 4-1 in the 87th minute, but Bungay got a second consolation in added time when a combined move ended with substitute Jamie Mirner turning the ball past the keeper from close range.

Team: J Downing, J Baynes, C Hunting, R McFadden (P Fuller), S Campbell, A Perrin, J Riches, K Riches, D Mirner, S Bone (J Mirner), D Wilby (B Wilson).

Scorer: John Riches

A BIG crowd at the Maltings Meadow on Wednesday evening saw Bungay go down 3-1 to promotion favourites Waveney in an Anglian Combination division one fixture.

The visitors led 2-0 at the interval, but Bungay had the better of the second half and with a little more luck and composure could have made the final 20 minutes very interesting.

It was generally a good performance by the Black Dogs, who should still finish in the top six in their first season back in senior football.

Waveney took the lead in the 15 minute as a player got away down the right. Bungay had chances to clear his low cross but the ball finally found Sam Shepherd two yards out for a tap in.

On another occasion Craig Hunting and keeper Sean Payne combined to thwart the dangerous Bradley Hough. Bungay’s front men Harley Pluck and Sam Bone struggled to make an impact against the big Waveney defence, but the keeper had to grab the ball quickly when Bungay threatened from a corner.

In the 35th minute Waveney made it 2-0 as Hough scored with a close range overhead kick following a corner. Bungay’s best chance in the first half came in the 42nd minute as Bone and Sam Olley combined down the right and Bone side-footed Olley’s low cross just wide.

Waveney made it 3-0 in the 53rd minute with a 25-yard pile driver from John Jarvis which Payne got his hand to but could not keep out.

After that Bungay had the better of the half. Dom Mirner fired one effort narrowly wide before, in the 56th minute, he got to the by line and got in a good cross which John Riches converted with a looping header into the top corner from 15 yards.

Hunting put a header wide and the keeper made a good save low down from Dom Mirner. With five minutes left substitute Jamie Mirner got in a header which the keeper dived to scoop away amid appeals that the ball had crossed the line.

Tem: S Payne, S Olley, C Hunting, R McFadden (J Baynes), S Campbell, D Mirner, J Riches, K Riches, N Causton, S Bone (M Holmes), H Pluck (J Mirner).

Scorers: Alex Perrin, Sam Bone, Dom Mirner

THE Black Dogs fielded a depleted team on Saturday but they still completed the double over struggling Hindringham with a comfortable 3-0 victory in the rain at the Maltings Meadow.

Without keeper Rob Howes, and with Nathan Causton, Ryan McFadden, Sam Olley and Luke Spear all injured or unavailable, they got off to a great start with a goal inside 90 seconds, and in the end could have won more comfortably.

The three points keeps them in with a chance of finishing in the top four in the Anglian combination division one, though promotion is now out of their reach.

The make-shift line up started well, and within 90 seconds Harley Pluck headed on a cross into the penalty area from Craig Hunting and Alex Perrin beat the keeper from close range at the second attempt for his fourth goal of the season.

Shortly after Perrin seemed to be felled by a defender on the byline, but the referee waved away strong appeals for a penalty. Then a good ball from Dom Mirner put Pluck away down he right, but his cross curled out for a goal-kick.

Sean Payne, standing in for Howes in goal, made a good save with his feet to keep out a rare Hindringham raid, and Bungay soon increased their lead in the 27th minute. A good move saw Mirner and Jaymel Baynes combine down the right and Sam Bone swept home Baynes’ low cross for his first goal for the first team.

In the first minute of the second half Mirner’s cross close to goal was just too far ahead of Bone, who landed in the back of the net himself, and at the other end Payne got down well to save a low strike.

Perrin saw another effort cleared off the line by a defender, but in the 50th minute it was 3-0 as substitute Matt Holmes, on at half-time for the injured Pluck, shielded the ball before crossing into the danger area where Mirner turned the ball past the keeper from close range for his 12th of the season.

Hindringham gave a better account of themselves in the second half, and one cross landed on the face of the bar before being cleared, while another strike grazed the top of the bar.

But Perrin had a chance for Bungay soon afterwards, his shot being blocked for a corner by the keeper, and then he looked to have scored when his well judged chip to the far post hit the woodwork and seemed to have crossed the line before it was hooked clear, and the referee allowed play to continue.

Payne made a good blocking save at his near post from one firm Hindringham shot before Dan Lowe replaced Perrin, to make his 150 appearance for the first team.

Before the end John Riches curled a free-kick narrowly over the bar, and then had a good chance only to try to beat his man rather than shoot and the chance was lost.

Team: S Payne, J Baynes, C Hunting, S Whiteman, S Campbell, D Mirner, J Riches, K Riches, A Perrin (D Lowe), H Pluck (M Holmes), S Bone (P Fuller).

A GOAL eight minutes from time won this local derby for Loddon at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.

Until then the game looked like ending in an uninspiring goal-less draw and a share of the Anglian Combination division one points – which would have been a fairer outcome. As it was, the Black Dogs, without suspended captain Craig Hunting, were beaten for the third time in four games.

And their misery was compounded when Dom Mirner was sent off after the final whistle for something he said to the referee.

Loddon got in the first shot of the game but it was off target, as was Shaun Whiteman’s hook shot from John Riches’ free-kick in Bungay’s first raid.

But the visitors generally has the better of the first half, and glanced one header wide from a corner, before Rob Howes got down well to turn away a low goal-bound effort, and Nathan Causton has to make a great last ditch tackle to prevent another forward pulling the trigger. Howes clutched a free-kick, and Loddon went even close in the 32nd minute as a cross into the six hard box bobbled towards goal before being nicked away for a corner.

Bungay finally worked the Loddon keeper with a long cross which he clutched under the bar in the 40th minute and as the Black Dogs finished the half well Mirner’s stretching shot as the keeper advanced was blocked, as was Sam Bone’s follow-up.

Bungay had the better of the second half. Kevin Riches just failed to get on the end of a long free-kick in the 56th minute, before setting up Harley Pluck, who shot straight at the keeper from the edge of the area. Then K Riches got his head to a Mirner free-kick but could not direct it on goal.

Alex Perrin then had a chance but the keeper blocked his effort. But it was the visitors who got the vital breakthrough in the 82nd minute as a free-kick was only half cleared, and an attempted clearance struck M Flute and rebounded into the net.

Soon after a timely tackle from Whiteman prevented another goal attempt for Loddon. Bungay’s final effort saw Mirner and substitute Dan Andrews almost break through, only to be thwarted by the keeper.

Team: R Howes, N Causton, S Whiteman, R McFadden, D Wilby, J Riches, K Riches, S Campbell (J Baynes), D Mirner, S Bone (H Pluck), A Perrin (D Andrews).

Scorer: Dom Mirner

The Black Dogs’ hopes of promotion from division one of the Anglian Combination took a hefty blow with this comprehensive defeat at Stalham on Saturday.

The second placed team scored three times in each half to complete a 12-goal double, having won 6-0 at the Maltings Meadow earlier in the season, and are now favourites for the step up.

Nothing went right for Bungay, who were second best in all departments, and had captain Craig Hunting sent off early in the second half for a second bookable offence. But they were already 4-0 down.

The home side got in the first sweri9ous shot of the game after nine minutes but Rob Howes took it well, and Bungay went close in the 12th minute. A Dom Mirner corner caused problems in the six yard box and Ryan McFadden, Sam Bone and Shaun Whiteman were unlucky to see shots beaten out by the home defence. With the strong breeze behind them Bungay had two free-kicks in promising positions and from the second Mirner’s effort was just too high.

But Stalham were fast and determined, and after Howes had made another good save they went ahead in the 23rd minute, Darren Patterson finding space eight yards out to head down into the bottom corner from a right wing cross. Howes made another good save low down from another free-kick soon afterwards.

Harley Pluck struck a long range effort only just too high for Bungay, but it was 2-0 as Bungay conceded a free-kick on then edge of the area and Darren Miller struck it low to find the net in off a post in the 38th minute. Three minutes later Dan Tindall headed the third from a left wing cross.

Bungay needed a strong start in the second half but got the reverse as Stalham made it 4-0 in the 52nd minute with a simple header from Patterson from a corner. Soon after Hunting was second off for his second booking for a foul.

But the side galvanised themselves and had had their best spell of the game, but it came to nothing and a fine angled volley from Tindall made it 5-0.

Bungay finally got on the scoresheet with 12 minutes left as the hard-working Mirner was on the end of a good move to beat the keeper from close range for his 11th goal of the season. But Stalham completed the scoring two minutes from time through Ryan Beeson.

So Bungay’s promotion hopes are virtually over. But they can be satisfied that in their first season back in senior football thy have been in contention for most of the season. And Saturday defeat was only their fourth in the league away from home in 29 games – a remarkable record.

Team: R Howes, N Causton, C Hunting, S Whiteman, R McFadden (S George), S Olley, J Riches, D Mirner, A Perrin (L Spear), S Bone (D Wilby), H Pluck.

Scorers: Dom Mirner 2, Harley Pluck

A FINE second half performance brought Bungay a deserved win at Hellesdon in the Anglian Combination division one Saturday.

They had gone ahead against the run of play in the first half, only for the home side to equalise, but with 20 minutes to go they suddenly found their form and two goals in the last seven minutes were no less than they deserved, to keep their outside chance of promotion alive.

Hellesdon showed their intentions inside the first minute as they fired in a shot from an angle which Rob Howes turned over the bar for a corner. Bungay struggled to make headway in the opening period, and Ryan McFadden was in the right place to clear off the line from a goal bound header.

But the Black Dogs took the lead in the 15rth minute as Sam Olley crossed to the far post, Kevin Riches headed back into the danger area and Dom Mirner rose to put his header into the bottom corner.

Harley Pluck had a header deflected for a corner but Hellesdon were still having the better of things and sent a powerful volley narrowly wide from the edge of the area before they deservedly equalised in the 34th minute. A bad bobble and some misunderstanding gave Glen Spooner the chance to lob Howes from the edge of the area.

Mirner had a chance just before the interval with the keeper out of position but his shot was deflected or a corner.

Goalmouth action was at a premium early in the second half, though Hellesdon fired narrowly wide and for Bungay, John Riches put a 30-yard free-kick over the top, and Kevin Riches controlled the ball soon after, dinked it over his marker and volleyed narrowly wide from the edge of the area.

As Bungay finally found their form and some flowing football, Pluck turned well to fire just wide, Olley rolled another effort just the wrong side of a post, John Riches hit the top of the bar with another great strike, before Mirner and Pluck combined for Mirner to just clear the bar from the return pass.

The purple patch continued, and with seven minute left Kevin Riches ball over the top of the defence saw Pluck coolly lob the keeper from the edge of the area. Pluck headed a free-kick wide before, in the final minute, Mirner used his strength to surge into the area from the left past three challenges to fire the third past the keeper form eight yards. Hours later Lukaku took a leaf out of his book to fire an almost identical goal for Everton against Chelsea.

Team: R Howes, N Causton, C Hunting, S Whiteman, R McFadden, S Olley, J Riches, K Riches, A Perrin (S Bone), D Mirner, H Pluck.

Scorer: Harley Pluck

A LAST minute goal from Scott Barnard won this keenly contested Waveney Valley showdown for Beccles at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.

This eagerly awaited local derby, the 125th meeting between the traditional rivals, had plenty at stake, with both in the running for promotion from the Anglian Combination division one and it was rough justice on Bungay – who rued squandering a number of good chances, particularly in the first half.

They probably deserved a draw, but it was Beccles who enhanced their promotion chances in the end in front of the biggest Maltings Meadow crowd of the season.

The Black Dogs took the game to Beccles from the start. As early as the second minute a well worked corner saw Dom Mirner cross for Alex Perrin to side foot over the bar, and soon after the same combination saw Perrin head just wide.

And in the eighth minute another good move saw Luke Spear cross for John Riches’ header to beat keeper Dan Cable only for Jon Lovelock to clear off the line. Harley Pluck put Perrin clear but his early shot from the edge of the area was off target, and Kevin Riches then set up Pluck, who also failed to work the keeper from a good position.

For Beccles, David Shade put two long range free-kicks over the top, but Bungay continued to have the better of things and K Riches had a shot deflected for a corner and from the flag kick put his header over the top. A header over the top from John Remblance was the nearest Beccles came.

Bungay should have been ahead at the interval, and as so often happens, Beccles took the lead two minutes into the second half with a bit of good fortune. A low cross into the area saw Mirner stretch his leg to the ball only to see it roll wide of Rob Howes for an own goal.

Soon after Remblance missed a great opportunity for a second for Beccles as, with Howes out of position he lifted his shot narrowly over the open goal from the edge of the area.

But the Black Dogs drew level in the 55th minute as Mirner harassed Eagle into dropping the ball wide on the left of the penalty area, and when he crossed Pluck was there to head into the unguarded net against his former club.

Cable clutched a header from Craig Hunting from a free kick but Beccles were much more in the game in the second half, and Shade headed narrowly wide from Remblance’s cross in the 65th minute. But at the other end Spear and Perrin both had efforts blocked as Beccles defended desperately. At the other end Liam Harvey-Cooper put a good chance narrowly wide.

Mirner had two chances as Bungay went for the winner but neither troubled the keeper. With eight minute left Thomas Griffiths replaced Spear and his first touch was to turn a shot agonisingly wide of the far post with Cable beaten, before K Riches’ far post header was equally close but off target.

And Beccles won it with a sucker punch in the 90th minute as a move down the right stretched the home defence and Barnard hooked the ball over Howes, to the delight of the travelling supporters.

Teams: Bungay: R Howes, N Causton, C Hunting, S Whiteman, R McFadden, L Spear (J McFarlane), J Riches, K Riches, D Mirner, H Pluck, A Perrin (T Griffiths).

Scorer: Shaun Whiteman

AN entertaining game with both sides having spells on top ended all square at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday and kept both sides still in with a chance of promotion from the Anglian Combination divisions one.

The Black Dogs took an early lead but it was cancelled out before the interval by a harsh penalty decision, and though the visitors had more possession in the second half, the home defence, well marshalled by captain Craig Hunting, dealt well with the pressure.

With an unchanged side, Bungay started well and were ahead inside eight minutes as Hunting’s free-kick for a foul on Dom Mirner saw Shaun Whiteman guide his header into

the top corner of the net.

Soon after a good move gave Mirner the chance to set up John Riches but he sided footed his shot just wide. Alex Perrin put Luke Spear away down the left but he was crowded out as he cut in. Bradenham’s response was a long range effort well taken by Rob Howes. Two other efforts by the visitors were narrowly off target.

A good cross from Sam Olley was palmed away by the keeper and John Riches shot was deflected over the bar. From the corner another shot was blocked before Mirner’s attempt was deflected against the bar with the keeper beaten.

But the visitors came more into the game and Whiteman cleared his lines when a player cut in from the left, and another shot was deflected for a corner.

John Riches and Perrin saw shots beaten out in the next Bungay attack, before Howes made a great blocking save when Bradenham created their best chance. But the equaliser came in the 35 minute when Kevin Riches was harshly judged to have handled by the byline. Even the visitors were surprised at the decision, but Nick Hook gave Howes no chance with the spot kick.

Bradenham started the second half ell and put a long range effort wide, saw Whiteman snuff out danger with a last ditch tackle and then test Howes with a shot on the turn. Hunting also made a vital tackle while on the ground to avert more danger.

Bungay went close again when Whiteman saw a great header land on top of the bar in the 69th minute, and Olley volleyed into the side netting. Harley Pluck, on for Perrin, put a header just wide from Spear’s cross in the 75th minute, and seven minutes from time Olley glanced a header wide from another Spear cross, but a draw was a fair result.

Team: R Howes, N Causton, C Hunting, S Whiteman, L Spear, S Olley, J Riches, K Riches, R McFadden (J Doughty), D Mirner, A Perrin (H Pluck).

Scorers: John Riches, Luke Spear, Shaun Whiteman

THE Black Dogs turned in probably their best performance of the season to claim a convincing win over third-placed Sheringham on Saturday and maintain second place in the Anglian Combination division one.

The three goals came in an 11-minute spell toward the end of the first half – and all were well worked and well taken to see Bungay complete a double over their opponents, who they beat 5-4 at home.

They played some great football from the start on Saturday, taking the game to Sheringham and causing the defence considerable problems. Alex Perrin got to the by-line on one occasion but his pull back was blocked before it reached the waiting Dom Mirner.

But in the 26th minute Perrin again got to the by-line and thus time his pull-back found John Riches on the edge of the area, and he controlled it and stroked the ball low into the corner of the net.

Immediately Rob Howes made a great save from a fierce close range shot to keep his side ahead and Sam Olley completed the clearance. And in the 30th minute it was 2-0, as a move involving John Riches and Perrin set up Luke Spear, who took it on to calmly beat the keeper just inside the post – his first goal for the first team.

Mirner put a long range effort over the bar before, in the 37th minute, Olley retrieved Mirner’s free-kick when it cleared everyone and when he put it back in the danger area Shaun Whiteman controlled it and stabbed a low shot past the static keeper.

As Bungay continued to dominate Kevin Riches put Perrin clear down the right but his finish was well off target, and then Mirner’s head-on out Perrin clear but the keeper saved.

Early in the second half Perrin had a chance, but he shot weakly instead of passing. At the other end Howes did well to catch a long cross under pressure. Whiteman headed a Mirner cross wide from a good position in the 66th minute, and from a Mirner corner J Riches brought a good save from the home keeper with a wells struck volley.

As Sheringham tried to make a last effort they put a header wide, Howes made a good save to turn a diverted shot round the post and then a volley following a corner just cleared the bar. Spear almost wove his way through for Bungay but the keeper grabbed the ball to snuff out the intended shot.

Team: R Howes, N Causton, C Hunting, S Whiteman, R McFadden, S Olley, J Riches, K Riches, L Spear, A Perrin (S Bone), D Mirner.

Scorers; Pluck, K Riches

A 92nd minute winner from Kevin Riches gave Bungay a win they barely deserved against plucky Foulsham at the Maltings on Saturday. The three points were enough to move them back to second spot in the Division 1 table, but they will have to be much sharper when they visit third-placed Sheringham tomorrow.
With Ryan McFadden, Joe McFarlane and Nathan Causton all unavailable, Bungay started with an unfamiliar line-up, with Jamie Mirner alongside Hunting and Whiteman in a back three, Justin Doughty retaining his starting place in midfield, and Pete Fuller partnering Harley Pluck up front. Playing with the strong wind behind them, Bungay started strongly, twice going close in the first five minutes, as first Dom Mirner cut in from the left but his shot was saved, and then Fuller turned and shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box. Then Fuller and Riches combined to set up a chance for Pluck, whose shot was saved. Although Bungay continued to have the bulk of the possession, the visitors looked dangerous on the break, and J Mirner and then Whiteman had to be alert to block through balls.
Bungay went close again after 20 minutes, as Pluck's shot from ten yards out was deflected behind, and from the resulting corner K Riches headed just wide. However it was 1-0 three minutes later, as Dom Mirner found space in the box from Sam Olley's quick throw-in, and centred for Pluck to finish in the corner of the net.
Bungay continued to press, and they forced a series of corners, from one of which Hunting's header and K Riches's follow-up shot were both cleared. At the other end the visitors broke quickly down the right-hand side but Bungay just managed to divert away the cross into the box.
Four minutes into the second-half good play between D Mirner and Fuller set up another chance for Pluck, but his shot was scrambled away. Now playing with the wind, Foulsham were coming more into the game, and they went close after 57 minutes, as a forward reached the byline and squared for a colleague to shoot from ten yards, but Bungay's defence did well to block both the initial shot and the resulting rebound. Pluck again went close for Bungay when his shot was turned round for a corner, from which Hunting headed just wide. Pluck then shot just over the bar after a fine run and pass from J. Riches.
Bungay were made to pay for their missed opportunities when Foulsham equalised after 74 minutes. The visitors forced a corner, which Bungay failed to clear, and when the loose ball fell to Matthew Barwell eight yards out, he fired past Howes in the Bungay goal. Bungay dominated possession in the last 15 minutes as they chased a winner, but were unable to create a clear-cut chance, and the game looked to be heading for a draw until D Mirner's 92nd minute corner to the near post was headed in to the roof of the net by K Riches.

Howes, Olley, Hunting, Whiteman, J Mirner, D Mirner, K Riches, J Riches, Doughty (Sub: Bone), Fuller, (Sub: Campbell), Pluck

Scorer: Harley Pluck

A single goal midway through the second half brought Bungay an Anglian Combination double over their neighbours on Saturday.

The Black Dogs dominated the game and crested several good chances, but it was new striker Harley Pluck who clinched the points with a good finish from eight yards – before going off with what appeared to be a hamstring strain.

As early as the fourth minute Bungay had a chance as Dom Mirner’s shot was blocked and he could not quite work an opening when the ball came back to him. Ryan McFadden got in a goods tackle to prevent Poringland breaking through, and later they put a header just over the bar.

But it was mainly Bungay in the ascendancy and in the 27th minute they put together a fine sweeping move which ended with Justin Doughty’s header into the path of Mirner carrying just too much weight. Then Mirner got in a shot on the turn that was straight at the keeper.

Pluck put a good header form Kevin Riches cross just over the top, while keeper Rob Howes’ only serious action of the first half was a comfortable save at his near post.

The second half was almost totally one-way traffic towards the Poringland goal. Mirner caused problems in the penalty area without being able to force the ball home, and John Riches fired narrowly wide from 20 yards when a ball into the box caused problem. Joe Macfarlane was also just off target after a good cross form Sam Olley and the home keeper made an impressive save from a goal-bound header from Pluck before K Riches powered a header an inch over the bar.

But the break-through came on the hour as Pluck swept home first time a low cross into the box from Craig Hunting.

The busy home keeper made a superb save to somehow keep out a close range shot from Olley, Shaun Whiteman volleyed wide from a head-on from Hunting’s free-kick, before a good ball from substitute Tom York put K Riches clear and his effort beat the keeper only to crash back off the bar.

Before the end the keeper made another fine save to turn away a great shot from John Riches.

Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, R McFadden, S Whiteman, J Macfarlane (T York), K Riches, J Riches, J Doughty (P Fuller), D Mirner, H Pluck (S Payne).

Scorer: Dom Mirner 2

IN their first game for a month the Black Dogs made a winning start to their 2016 programme at Holt on Saturday.

Their last game had been a 3-0 home defeat to the same side so revenge, brought about by two well taken goals from Dom Mirner, was sweet, and well deserved on the day, which saw new signing Harley Pluck, signed from Beccles Town, made his debut.

Mirner lined up alongside him up front and the partnership shows signs that it could develop into an effective force, and help Bungay continue their promotion aspirations in the Anglian Combination division one.

After some even exchanges Bungay took the lead in the 12th minute as John Riches found Mirner with a good ball wide on the right and he cut in to beat the keeper with a low drive from an angle. Shortly after Justin Doughty sent in a 25-yard pile driver which was straight at the keeper.

But the home side equalised in the 22nd minute as the Bungay defence failed to deal with a free-kick and Matthew Hudson scored from eight yards.

Luke Spear found Pluck with a good ball and the striker’s first time drive was deflected on to the post by the keeper and back into his arms. Holt went close with a header and then Rob Howes made a fine save, blocking a shot in a one-on-one situation when a back pass fell short.

Then Bungay were unlucky not to regain the lead with a tremendous 30-yard lob volley from Joe MacFarlane which dipped over the keeper but hit the bar. And they struck the woodwork again soon after, this time Mirner taking Pluck’s pass and hitting the outside of the post from a narrow angle.

Bungay regained the lead right on half time as Pluck again found Mirner wide on the left and again he beat the keeper with a drive from an angle.

Bungay continued to have the better of things in the second half, and early on Riches was only just wide with a 30-yard drive, before Pluck headed a Riches cross over the top. A misplaced pass gave Holt a rare sight of goal but the shot hit the post.

With 16 minutes left Sam Olley netted from close range from Craig Hunting’s free-kick, but the referee ruled it out for hand-ball by another player.

With four minutes left Holt went close with a header, but it was a relatively comfortable win for the Black Dogs.

Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, R McFadden, J Doughty (N Causton), J Riches, J MacFarlane (P Fuller), L Spear, D Mirner, H Pluck.

THE Black Dogs slumped to a surprise defeat by lowly Holt at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday in their final game of 2015.

Three first half goals were their downfall, and though they completely dominated the second half they were able to create few clear-cut chances against a resolute Holt defence.

It was a disappointing end to the first half of the season for Bungay on their return to the Anglian Combination division one, but they should still be satisfied with their overall performance. Following promotion they are currently in the top three in division one table, and though they have played more games than the teams around them they have adapted well, and can look forward positively to the New Year.

On Saturday they gave a debut to 16-year-old Ben Fowkes, signed form Lowestoft Town, but he had few chances to show his capabilities as the visitors scored twice in a four minute spell. In the 14th minute Jacob Doy was put clear and he took the ball on to beat the advancing Rob Howes.

Four minutes later it was Doy again, scoring from two yards as Bungay failed to clear a free-kick.

Fowkes fired one effort narrowly over the bar from 20 yards as Bungay retaliated, and John Riches tested the keeper with another long range effort. But with five minutes left before half-time Holt made it 3-0 as the defence again failed to clear from a thrown in and Lee Clarke converted the loose ball.

Dom Mirner put a free-kick straight into the keeper’s arms, Kevin Riches headed a corner straight at the keeper when well placed, and Shaun Whiteman put another header wide before half-time.

Whiteman had another chance early in the second half but the high bouncing ball beat him before he drilled in a fine 30-yarder which the keeper did well to turn over the bar. As Bungay dominated Ryan McFadden put Fowkes clear but his lob over the keeper was wide. Soon aafter the keeper blocked another shot from Fowkes.

With 13 minutes left Mirner put another chance over the bar, and two Kevin Riches headers failed to alter the score. The nearest Bungay came was a lob from Nathan Causton which hit the angle of post and bar and was cleared.

Team: R Howes, N Causton, C Hunting, S Whiteman, R McFadden (A Perrin), L Spear, K Riches, J Riches, D Mirner, S Bone (J Mirner), B Fowkes (J Macfarlane).

A WIND assisted goal just after half-time was enough to end the Black Dogs' six-game unbeaten run at wet and windy Aylsham on Saturday.

There was little to choose between the two sides, but Bungay’s inability to take advantage of the wind behind them in the first half proved their downfall and Aylsham just about deserved the points – emphasised by the fact that keeper Rob Howes was probably Bungay’s man-of-the-match.

The Black Dogs started well, with good work by Luke Spear, Alex Perrin and Dom Mirner created half chances which were blotted out by the home defence with some difficulty. The keeper dropped one shot form Shaun Whiteman but grabbed the loose fall before Danny Wilby could take advantage.

Aylsham had a spell of pressure and Howes had to be alert to a number of dangerous corners, while one long range effort was not far wide of the target, before Wilby fired narrowly wide from a good position at the other end. But clear cut chances were few between two well matched sides.

The decisive goal came two minutes into the second half as Will Abbs’ intended long cross from the left was floated into the top far corner of the net with Howes stranded. Shortly after another Aylsham effort narrowly cleared the bar.

For Bungay Ryan McFadden fired over the bar, before a good move saw Spear cross low into the six-yard box with no one on hand to get a touch. Then a good run by Sam Olley saw Spear bring a diving save from the keeper.

But Howes was the busier keeper, and twice made great saves with his legs when goals looked certain, and then dived to turn away a fierce drive for a corner, as Bungay’s long balls into the wind proved largely ineffective. In the end Aylsham saw out the game fairly comfortably, though the Black Dogs maintained second position in the Anglian Combination division one table.

Team: R Howes, N Causton, C Hunting, S Whiteman, R McFadden, S Olley, L Spear, J Riches, D Mirner, D Wilby (M Holmes), A Perrin (J Macfarlane).

Scorers: Matt Holmes 2, Craig Hunting

THREE goals in a seven-minute spell late in the game brought the Black Dogs their fourth successive Anglian Combination division one victory on Saturday.

Super-sub Matt Holmes grabbed two of them at the windswept Maltings Meadow in an entertaining game between two well-matched sides looking for promotion, but it was Bungay who made the better of the conditions in the end to move within three points of top-placed Waveney, though they have played more games.

The game started badly for them, however, as they found themselves a goal down inside three minutes as they started against the wind. A wind-assisted cross caused problems, the defence failed to clear it and Jack Crane pounced to beat Rob Howes from 10 yards.

Bungay had a chance to equalise as Luke Spear broke clear after winning the ball well, but the advancing keeper blocked his shot. Then confident appeals for a penalty were turned down when Alex Perrin was felled in the box as he tried to round a defender. A booking for Perrin for an alleged dive seemed harsh.

Howes took a number of long range shots comfortably but it was Bungay who were creating the better chances, and Kevin Riches saw a fierce low drive blocked by the defence after being set up by Perrin.

At the other end Howes conceded a corner to relieve the danger when the defence got in a muddle, but Bungay went close again when a free-kick caused a goalmouth scramble in which several players had shots blocked before the ball was finally cleared. When K Riches netted with a typical header, it was ruled out for offside.

Walsham started the second half well and forced a number of corners which were well defended. But with the wind at their backs the Black Dogs gradually took the ascendancy, and the keeper did well to turn a goal-bound header from K Riches over the bar. Dom Mirner headed wide from John Riches' long throw and from another throw from the same player Shaun Whiteman had a header deflected for a corner.

Then, with 14 minutes left, Holmes replaced Ryan McFadden in a re-shuffle and he equalised two minutes later. A good run by Spear gave Mirner a shooting chance and when the keeper parried his low shot Holmes was there to score from close range.

Five minutes later Bungay were ahead as captain Craig Hunting’s free-kick from 40 yards out on the left touch-line beat everyone to nestle in the bottom corner. Two minute later the keeper made a hash of a clearance against the wind and Holmes scored with a great opportunist lob from distance into the unguarded goal – his fourth goal as substitute in three games.

It completed a highly commendable performance in difficult conditions by the Black Dogs.

Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, L Spear, R McFadden (M Holmes), K Riches, J Riches, D Mirner, D Wilby (S Bone), A Perrin (N Causton).

Scorers: Alex Perrin 2, Joe McFarlane, Kevin Riches

THE Black Dogs maintained their second place in the Anglian Combination division one table with a victory at Hempnall on Saturday that was not quite as clear cut as the scoreline suggests.

The hosts were a far better side than the one Bungay trounced 13-0 at Bungay early in October, and in the second half had more shots on goal than Bungay did. But four well taken first half goals had put the visitors in a comfortable position and they seemed happy to hang on to that after the interval.

Interim player manager Craig Hunting and assistant Alan James kept faith with the side which won 6-1 at Foulsham the previous week, but early on Hunting had to clear an effort off the line as Hempnall started well. Later Hempnall put a volley narrowly wide before Rob Howes had to turn away a well struck shot for a corner.

But Bungay took the lead in the 16th minute as 17-year-old Luke Spear found 16-year-old Alex Perrin on the edge of the area and he scored with a fine low shot on the turn inside the post.

The goal woke Bungay up and Joe McFarlane had a shot cleared off the line after another good run and cross by the lively Spear. Hempnall blasted a good chance wide, and then struck the bar with a shot on the turn that had Howes beaten.

But after the flurry Bungay again moved to the other end to make it 2-0 in the 30th minute. Danny Wilby and Spear combined for Sam Bone to put in a header that was blocked, Perrin had the loose ball blocked by a defender but scored with a header when the ball looped to him with the keeper on the ground.

Four minutes later Wilby’s free-kick was half cleared to McFarlane, who scored from 12 yards. At this stage the Black Dogs were on top and Wilby was desperately unlucky to see his goal-bound drive turned away in spectacular flying father by the keeper.

The fourth goal came right ion half-time as Kevin Riches scored from close range when Bone intelligently dummied Wilby’s low corner.

The second half was largely a non event as Bungay seemed content to contain Hempnall, who marginally edged the 45 minutes. Howes was tested on several occasions and Hempnall also put efforts wide. Bungay substitute Dom Mirner was just unable to get fully on the end of a great cross to the far post from fellow substitute Matt Holmes. Before the end Howes was called on to make a brave save at the feet of a forward as Hempnall looked to grab a consolation which they probably deserved.

Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting (J Riches), S Whiteman, R McFadden, L Spear, K Riches, J McFarlane, S Bone (D Mirner), D Wilby (M Holmes), A Perrin.

Scorers: Alex Perrin, Kev Riches, Joe McFarlane, Matt Holmes 2, own goal

YOUNG players from the club’s U18 squad are being given a chance in the Bungay first team and a couple of them again showed their potential on Saturday in a comfortable victory on an uncomfortable pitch at Foulsham.

Luke Spear again caused panic to the defence with his speed in running at defenders and Alex Perrin, in his first start, also showed some good touches and got on the scoresheet to lift the Black Dogs closer to the top of the Anglian Combination division one.

They will profit from the experience of such senior players captain Craig Hunting, Shaun Whiteman and Danny Wilby, and with several squad regulars unavailable it is comforting to know there are Black Dog pups eager to show what they can do.

Struggling Foulsham gave Bungay few problems, and in the fifth minute the keeper made a good save from Kevin Riches following a Perrin free-kick. At the other end Rob Howes did well to punch clear under pressure, but the Black Dogs were mainly in the ascendancy and Sam Bone, on his debut after some good performances in the Reserves, found Spear in space only for the keeper to divert his effort for a corner.

In the 13th minute Bone and Spear set up Wilby for a tap in only for him to somehow pull his shot wide, but Bungay went ahead in the 25th minute as a good run and cross from the right by Spear gave Perrin the chance to score from six yards.

Nine minutes later it was 2-0 as Perrin’s corner caused problems and the keeper blocked two shots before Riches got the final touch to score.

Howes had to turn two long range shots over the bar and Foulsham should have scored on half-time, only for a forward to pout a free header over the bar.

Early in the second half Joe McFarlane put Spear clear but the keeper blocked his shot. But McFarlane got the third in the 63rd minute. Ryan McFadden, who had another fine game, took a throw in, Spear crossed and Wilby laid it back for Mcfarlane to stoke the ball home from 12 yards.

Matt Holmes replaced Bone and soon made it 4-0, turning in a low cross from Spear. Elliot Jackson pulled one back for Foulsham with a lob over the advancing Howes in the 73rd minute, but two minutes later Holmes made it 5-1, side-footing into the roof of the next following a free kick.

Holmes almost set up another for Wilby, before Bungay completed the scoring in added time as Wilby’s quickly taken free kick was turned past his own keeper by a defender in a desperate attempt to clear. In the final minute Foulsham had a player booked, and then sent off for dissent.

Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, R McFadden, L Spear (J Horton), K Riches, J McFarlane, D Wilby, S Bone (M Holmes), A Perrin (J Baynes).

Scorers: Kev Riches 2, Dan Andrews, Dom Mirner, Shaun Whiteman

THE Black Dogs won a highly entertaining nine-goal thriller at a sodden Maltings Meadow against the Shannocks on Saturday.

In a game in which the score yo-yoed and attackers stretched defenders to the limit it was a welcome contrast to the goalless draw supporters witnessed the previous week, and Bungay certainly deserved to take the points in interim joint managers Craig Hunting and Sean Payne’s first victory.

The pace of Luke Spear and Dan Andrews, in his first start of the season, caused big problems for Sheringham, whose wide men equally stretched the home defence. But apart from the goals, Bungay had the better clear cut chances, particularly in the second half.

In the first minute an effort by Shaun Whiteman, back after a month’s injury lay-off, was almost diverted over the keeper by a defender. Danny Wilby tested the keeper with a volley from the edge of the area, and in another concerted attack the visitors finally cleared the ball with difficulty as Bungay made a good start.

They went ahead in the 20th minute as good work down the left by Sam Olley and John Riches ended with Dom Mirner pulling the ball low across goal for Kevin Riches to side foot home.

But Sheringham were level two minutes later as Shane Cox stole in to head home a corner from six yards. And they took the lead in the 37th minute with a stunning volley from the edge of the area from Chris Fuller which game Rob Howes o chance.

But in an open, flowing game Bungay equalised two minutes later as J Riches long throw caused more problems and Andrews beat the keeper from eight yards. In added time K Riches took a free-kick quickly, catching out the home defence, and Mirner headed into the roof of the net to regain the lead for Bungay. But there was still time for Sheringham to equalise again.

Howes made a good save at the expense of a corner, but the ball pinged about in the area from the flag kick before Cox was there again to apply the finishing touch.

Olley put a chipped shot just too high at the start of the second half after good build-up play by Mirner and Andrews, but the Black Dogs went ahead again in the 55th minute as Andrews played a corner to John Riches and Whiteman headed his cross powerfully past the keeper.

Four minute later Bungay gave themselves added breathing space as K Riches dived to head home after more good football down the left from Spear, Mirner and Wilby.

Bungay continued to create chances, with Mirner putting an effort to high and both Andrews and later his substitute Alex Perrin firing inches wide in one-on-one chances. Whiteman also tested the keeper from the edge of the area, but as the game flowed Howes made a good save low down from a shot through a crowded goal-mouth, the visitors put a long range kick wide, Howes also turned a header over the bar and the visitors then hit the bar with a well struck effort.

Wilby, Mirner and Olley had chances before Howes made two good saves in quick succession. And Sheringham pulled one back in the 89th minute as a quick counter-attack saw Roy Bevis score from close range. But Bungay held on for a deserved win.

Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, L Spear, D Mirner, K Riches (S Campbell), J Riches, R McFadden, D Andrews (A Perrin), D Wilby (J Doughty).

 THE Black Dogs fought out their first home goal-less draw for six years at a breezy Maltings Meadow on Saturday against Hellesdon.

They had the larger share of the play and often looked good going forward in the first game in charge for joint interim managers Craig Hunting and Sean Payne, but they were rarely able to seriously work the Hellesdon keeper.

With home keeper Rob Howes also rarely called into direct action, it resulted in Bungay’s second successive draw in the Anglian Combination division one. A bright spot was the performance of young Luke Spears on his full debut – his speed and trickery often troubled the visitors defence, and he looked the most likely to cause a break-through in a game in which goal-mouth action was at a premium.

Hunting put in a good tackle early on to take the sting out of an early Hellesdon goal attempt, before Spears put in a good run down the left, only for his final cut-back to be cut out. Then another good run by Dom Mirner set up a half chance fir Spears, but he mishit his shot.

The Black Dogs went close in the 40th minute as Hunting’s far post header was cleared off the line and a follow-up effort blocked. Kevin Riches netted from Mirner’s free-kick but the flag had gone up for offside., and on the interval Howes came off his line to save when a Hellesdon forward broke clear.

At the start of the second half Mirner headed narrowly wide, while Hellesdon also went close in a raid soon after, before their wide man landed a cross on top if the crossbar. In added time Howes made a good save low down from a shot for which he was probably unsighted.

Nathan Causton came on as substitute for his first game after a long lay-off, and Dan Andrews came on for his first first team action of the season.

Team: R Howes, J McFarlane (N Causton), C Hunting, J Riches, S Campbell, S Olley, K Riches, R McFadden, D Mirner (D Andrews), D Wilby, L Spears.

Scorers: Kevin Riches and Ryan McFadden

A goal deep into added time salvaged a point for Bungay at Wymondham on Saturday in a game they should have had won much earlier.

Most of the drama in this Anglian Combination division one encounter was concentrated in the final 15 minutes after the home side had led with a first half goal. But the Black Dogs, missing several players, were certainly worth at least a point.

They dominated the first 20 minutes. Ryan Mc Fadden drove a low shot narrowly wide in the second minute, Kevin Riches put a header straight at the keeper from a free-kick, and then Dom Mirner put another free-kick narrowly wide with the keeper stranded.

The home side’s first effort on goal was a cross-shot in the 24th minute that was narrowly wide of the far post, and then Bungay keeper James Shaw had to made a great double save when Wymondham again caused problems down the right.

Mirner should have done better for Bungay with another header, before Wymondham went ahead completely against the run of play as the defence failed to clear the ball properly and Jodi Peacher, who had a short spell with Bungay last season, lashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Before the interval Aiden Lowe was wide with a long range effort, K Riches saw a header deflected for a corner, and when Mirner put Lowe clear he pulled his shot wide as the keeper advanced. Danny Wilby brought a fine save from the keeper with a well struck volley.

At the start of the second half Craig Hunting landed a cross on top of the bar, before powering in a header which brought an acrobatic save from the home keeper. But at the other end Shaw made two great blocks in quick succession and McFadden dived to head a goal-bound effort off the line as Wymondham threatened.

But Bungay were worth an equaliser and it finally came after the home keeper made a save from a header and then turned aside McFadden’s follow-up. From a Mirner corner A Lowe flicked the ball on for K Riches to score from two yards.

But straight from the kick-off Wymondham regained the lead as a lack of communication in defence ended with Darren Arterton’s shot taking a deflection to loop over Shaw into the net.

Shaw had to come off his line to boot clear in another Wymondham attack, but Bungay laid siege to the Wymondham goal and in added rime it paid off. Mirner played in another free-kick which the keeper turned on to the bar and McFadden thrust himself forward to nod in the rebound. The goal was vehemently protested by the Wymondham team, who surrounded the referee, resulting in their keeper being sent off for dissent and their club linesman being booked.

Team: J Shaw, S Olley, C Hunting, J Riches, D Lowe (S Payne), L. Houghton (B Wilson), K Riches, R McFadden, D Mirner, A Lowe, D Wilby.

 Scorer: Aiden Lowe

MANAGERLESS Bungay gave as good as they got against Anglian Combination division one leaders Waveney before falling to two late goals on Saturday.

They were slightly unfortunate not to get something from the game, their first since manager Tim Clarke resigned. At 1-1 they had chances to go ahead, and it was generally a good team performance which would have encouraged anyone looking to take on the squad.

Kevin Riches put a header just over the bar from Craig Hunting’s free-kick in the first minute, and at the other end Hunting made a timely interception to cut out a threat from the home side.

The Black Dogs went close in the 25th minute when a shot on the turn from Lee Houghton brought a fine save down at the near post form the home keeper. Waveney broke immediately and James Shaw made an equally good save, coming from his line to block a shot from Bradley Hough when he broke clear.

The the home side went ahead in the 32nd minute as Hough won the ball wide on the right and took two steps forward before curling a shot inside the far post.. But Bungay were on terms nine minutes later as a cross field ball found Dom Mirner on the left, his lob over the keeper came back off the bar but Aiden Lowe was on hand to score from the rebound. Before the interval K Riches put another header narrowly over.

Within 30 seconds of the restart Lowe forced a save from the keeper with an angled shot, before Waveney were off target with a couple of efforts. Stu Campbell made a great block to thwart Hough as both sides had chances.

A long range effort form the home side skidded narrowly wide and then Shaw made a superb save from a fiercely struck shot, diverting it on to a post. The ball ran along the goal-line with no one on hand to turn it in.

Later Waveney struck a post with a header, but with six minutes left a good build-up by Bungay created a chance, but Lowe was crowded out in the act of shooting. And Waveney took play to the other end to regain the lead as Sam Shepherd scored at the far post. Two minutes later it was 3-1 as Kevin Gowing beat the offside trap to take the ball round Shaw to score. Before the end Shaw made another brave save in a one-on-one situation, and Bungay finished with 10 men as Houghton went off with a dislocated shoulder.

Team: J Shaw, J Mcfarlane (J Baynes), C Hunting, J Riches, S Campbell, D Mirner, K Riches, R McFadden (F Goodwin-Wright), L Houghton, A Lowe, D Wilby (L Spear).

IT is 16 years since Bungay won a Suffolk Senior Cup game, and that wait goes on for another season after Grundisburgh won a clear-cut victory at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday in the first round of this year’s competition.

The Black Dogs got off to a dreadful start, finding themselves 2-0 down in 17 minutes and they never really recovered., It was only in the final stages of the game they they caused serious threat to the visitors goal, and though the final scored slightly flattered Grundisburgh, there was no doubting which was the better side on the day.

Bungay were without Shaun Whiteman, likely to be missing for six weeks with shin splints, and last week’s four-goal hero Paul Bliss started alongside Craig Hunting at the heart of the defence. But it was breached after only two minutes as Mo Fike found space in the box to head home from a corner.

The closest Bungay came in the first half was a Hunting free-kick which just missed the far post with no one able to get a touch, and Grundisburgh went 2-0 up in the 17th minute as Steve Morris tucked away a simple chance from a low cross from the right. And Morris got his second before half-time. Joe Shaw,in for the unavailable Rob Howes, did well to turn over a dangerous free-kick, but from the corner hesitant defending saw the striker nick the ball home at the far post.

Bungay needed a quick response in the second half to stand any chance and it nearly came in the opening minute at the end of their best move of the game, ending with Bliss, pushed up front, seeing his shot at the far post from Dom Mirner’s cross blocked away by a defender.

Kevin Riches put a header wide, but any hopes if a come-back were extinguished in the 53rd minute as Fike rifled in a low drive from the edge of the area.

Mirner finally brought a save from the visiting keeper with a low drive that he managed to turn away for a corner at full-stretch, and then he thwarted Fionn Goodwin-Wright when he broke through, turning his effort away for a corner.

Riches put Bungay’s best chance over the bar from a good pull back by Goodwin-Wright, and Bliss saw the ball smothered at his feet as he went to shoot as Bungay found a bit of form.

But the visitors completed the nap hand in the last minute as Ben Prime scored with a far post header from a long cross.

Team: J Shaw, S Olley, C Hunting (J Mirner), P Bliss, S Campbell (D Burgess), D Mirner, K Riches., J Mcfarlane (R Mc Fadden), L Houghton, A Lowe, F Goodwin-Wright.

 Scorers: Fionn Goodwin-Wright 2, Paul Bliss 4, Dom Mirner 3, Sam Olley, Kevin Riches, Danny Wilby 2

BUNGAY ran up the second highest score in their 90-year history against luckless neighbours Hempnall on Saturday – and so celebrated Non-League Day in style.

It is their biggest score for 65 years, equalling the 13-0 win over Electricity in the Norfolk and Suffolk League on February 7, 1948, and bettered only by the 15-0 victory against Halesworth 87 years ago, on May 4, 1928.

Against Electricity they scored 10 in one half – on Saturday they managed nine in the second half as they gave their goal difference a shot in the arm and maintained their third place in the Anglian Combination division one table.

The visitors, a shadow of the side which almost won promotion to the premier division last season, never gave up, but the game was one way traffic almost from start to finish as Paul Bliss hit four, Dom Mirner three, with six players in all on the score sheet.

The pattern was set from the third minute as Mirner crossed low form the right for Fionn Goodwin-Wright to side foot home first time from inside the six yard box. Two minutes later Kevin Riches surged into the box and when the shot was blocked Bliss banged home the loose ball.

On 23 minutes Sam Olley’s pull back gave Mirner plenty of time to pick his spot. Hempnall put a rare chance over the bar from a free-kick, and after Bliss had hit a post, the fourth came in the 41st minute as a cross field move led to Olley scoring from two yards.

It was 6-0 within four miunutes of the second half restart. First another slick move down the right involving Olley, Goodwin-Wright and Kevin Riches ended with Bliss side-footing Riches low cross home, and then Goodwin-Wright got his second after good build-up from Bliss and Riches.

Manager Tim Clarke threw on all three subs – John Riches, Ryan McFadden and Danny Wilby - to give them good game time, and the goals continued to flow. Mirner made it 7-0 with a good shot on the turn following good work by J Riches, and on 60 minutes K Riches thumped a trade mark header home from J Riches’ corner.

Three minutes later Bliss completed his hat-trick, and Wilby took the score into double figures on 65 minutes with a spectacular scissors kick which looped into the top corner.

Bliss soon got his fourth as he moved on to a long range ball out of defence to beat the keeper. Mirner then completed his hat-trick after K Riches had won the ball to divert it into his path to make it a round dozen.

To their credit Hempnall never gave up and went close with a header which was just off target. But Wilby completed the rout with an impressive strike from the edge of the area after a lay-back from Bliss.

Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman (R Mc Fadden), S Campbell, K Riches, J McFarlane (D Wilby), L Houghton, D Mirner, P Bliss, F Goodwin-Wright (J Riches).

 Scorers: Kev Riches, Joe McFarlane, Dom Mirner, Shaun Whiteman (pen)

THE Black Dogs showed their battling qualities on Saturday as they came back from 2-0 and 3-2 down to grab the points with two goals in the last four minutes.

After that they survived a mystifying 10 minutes of added time to confirm the win in an entertaining game which saw them move up to third place in the Anglian Combination division one.

It did not look as if that would be the outcome as they started slowly and found themselves 2-0 down in the first 15 minutes. In only the third minute the home defence failed to clear the ball decisively from the six-yard box and Mark Gaskin just beat a defender to the ball to poke it past Rob Howes.

Another Aylsham effort just cleared the bar and they also tested Howes with another well struck shot before they went 2-0 up in the 15th minute. James Oliver was given acres of space down the right and he gleefully took the ball on to bang it past Howes.

Aiden Lowe netted for Bungay after one good move, but it was ruled out for offside. As they finally began to win more possession Kevin Riches was unlucky with a thumping header from a corner which brought a reflex save from the keeper. He put another header from a corner just wide, and Joe Mcfarlane had a shot blocked, then landed a header on top of the net as Aylsham had to do more defending.

But the breakthrough came in the 36th minute as Dom Mirner swung over another corner and this time Riches buried his header into the corner of the net. Right on half-time the Aylsham keeper had to turn a high bouncing free kick from Craig Hunting over the bar, and from the corner Shaun Whiteman hit the top of the bar with a header.

At the start of the second half Howes made a good save from Will Abbs after a solo run, but Bungay equalised in the 57th minute. Whiteman’s header from a free-kick was beaten out by the keeper but Mcfarlane was on hand to bang the loose ball into the roof of the net for his 50th goal for the club.

Again the game swung towards Aylsham as they regained the lead against the run of play in the 65th minute. Bungay lost the ball carelessly in mid-field and Abbs capitalised by lifting the ball over Howes under pressure from Whiteman.

Mcfarlane scooped a header over the bar form close in from Mirner’s free-kick, before Howes made a great blocking save when Aylsham threatened again. But the momentum was with Bungay against the side which had beaten them 4-1 in the cup three weeks earlier, and equalised with four minutes left. A long cross was headed across goal by Paul Bliss and Mirner nipped in to head home off the underside of the bar.

As the game moved into added time Mirner was brought down in the area and Whiteman blasted home the penalty for the winner.

Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, L Houghton (D Wilby), D Mirner, J Mcfarlane (R McFadden), K Riches (F Goodwin-Wright), D Burgess, P Bliss, A Lowe.

Scorers: Paul Bliss and Aiden Lowe

A GOAL in each half brought Bungay their third Anglian Combination division one win of the season in front of a big 90th anniversary crowd.

It should have been more - the Black Dogs completely dominated the game but failed to take more of their numerous chances, and there will have been some of the many ex-players there for the occasion who might have felt they could have converted some of them!

But it was a satisfying victory for the side and their first clean sheet of the season against the team they lost to in the club’s very first game back in September, 1925.

Paul Bliss again played up front and he got his first goal for the club after just four minutes, heading home a Dom Mirner corner. Mirner himself had a chance soon after but could not quite work a shot under pressure, and then the visiting keeper made a fine save to turn over a blockbuster from Aiden Lowe.

Poringland tested Rob Howes with one shot, but Bungay enjoyed the bulk of the possession. Mirner fired too high from Fionn Goodwin-Wright’s pull back, Shaun Whiteman saw a header clutched by the keeper and Lowe tested the keeper with another long range strike.

Goodwin-Wright then had a chance but a defender forced him wide, and then he headed over form Lee Houghton’s cross in the 30th minute.

Craig Hunting made a great block to cut out danger in a rare Poringland sortie, and Bliss had the best chance of the half when Lowe put him clear, but the keeper grabbed the ball after blocking his first effort. Just before the interval Bungay put together a great move and the keeper did well to turn Joe Mcfarlane’s shot away for a corner.

The second half continued in the same pattern. Bliss had a shot blocked, Kevin Riches put a header just over the angle of post and bar, but at the other end Howes had to make a diving save to keep his side in front from a low shot on the turn.

The busy Poringland keeper saved from Riches and Mirner, and Bliss and Goodwin-Wright could not convert other chances before, in the 75th minute, the second goal finally came, Lowe getting his fourth of the season with a netr flick from close range following a corner. Before the end Sam Olley tested the keeper again and Bliss should have scored when clear, but his lob was clutched by the keeper.

Team: R Howes, S Olley, C Hunting, S Whiteman, L Houghton (D Burgess), K Riches, J Mcfarlane (R McFadden), A Lowe, D Mirner, P Bliss, F Goodwin-Wright (J Riches). 

 Scorer: Shaun Whiteman

BECCLES just edged an entertaining local derby under the College Meadow lights on Wednesday evening to take the Anglian Combination division one points.

In the first league encounter between the Waveney Valley rivals for more than 13 years, two goals in two minutes midway through the second half from new signing Joe Clarke settled a hard fought but fair match in front of a bumper crowd of nearly 300.

Bungay led at the interval and at that stage deserved to be ahead but the home side managed the pace better, and in a game in which both sides had spells of ascendancy saw out the game comfortably.

The Black Dogs, with Aiden Lowe, Kevin Riches, Dom Mirner and Fionn Goodwin-Weight back in the side, started well and went ahead after just seven minutes as Shaun Whiteman headed home a left wing corner. Shortly after Riches almost got on the end of a curling cross form Joe Mcfarlane, and Mirner fired a long range shot not too far off target.

Beccles had a spell on top and James Bemment forced Rob Howes into an acrobatic one handed save with a 30-yard drive. Then Harry Booker got clear down the left, but pulled his shot wide. For Bungay, Lowe was just off target with a header from a good position following a free-kick.

Luke Bailey drove a shot wide for Beccles at the start of the second half, before Paul Bliss put Goodwin-Wright clear for Bungay, but he shot wide as Danny Cable advanced.

Clarke was involved in much of Beccles best attacking play, and after he had fired one chance wide he equalised in the 60th minute, losing his marker to head home a corner. Two minutes later he put his side ahead with what proved to be the winner, getting away down the right and beating Howes with an angled shot inside the far post.

Lee Houghton’s tackle saved another dangerous situation fir Bungay, whose final effort was a volley form Lowe which flew just wide. Manager Tim Clarke threw on all three substitutes, Danny Wilby, Dan Burgess and John Riches in the last 10 minutes – but Beccles took the points in this first Beccles-Bungay league encounter since February 16, 2002.

Beccles: D Cable, A Mutimer, H Booker, J Lovelock, M Fiske, J Remblance, J Bemment, E Udell (G Milton), J Clarke L Bailey, J Shreeve.

Bungay: R Howes, S Olley (D Burgess), C Hunting, S Whiteman, L Houghton, K Riches, J Mcfarlane (D Wilby), A Lowe, D Mirner, P Bliss, F Goodwin-Wright (J Riches).

 Scorer: Lee Houghton

 Scorers: Dom Mirner, Aiden Lowe, Shaun Whiteman (pen)

The Black Dogs got back to winning ways in the North Norfolk sunshine on Saturday as they beat bottom of the table Hindringham. Manager Tim Clarke was forced into a number of changes due to injuries and unavailability, with Nathan Causton, Paul Bliss and Kevin Riches all missing. Rob Howes made his first appearance of the season in goal, Ryan McFadden lined up alongside Sam Olley and Shaun Whiteman in a three-man defence, and Dom Mirner returned to the side in a five-man midfield.
The home side dominated the early possession, but it was Bungay who went closest to scoring in the 4th minute, when Howes' long kick was flicked on by Aiden Lowe to Fionn Goodwin-Wright, but he was unable to get a quick shot away and the home side were able to clear. Three minutes later the home defence was again caught out by a long Howes kick, and this time Goodwin-Wright's shot was saved, before Lowe's attempt from the rebound was scrambled clear.
Bungay broke the deadlock after 13 minutes, when Lowe's long throw to the near post was headed into the bottom corner by Mirner. At the other end the home side looked threatening down the flanks, and Howes did well to tip over a free-kick from Ryan Symonds, but Hindringham equalised from the resultant corner, as a low cross found an unmarked Tom Lane at the back post, who beat Howes from close range. The home side were in the ascendancy, and Jason Day fired a shot just over from another corner.
Bungay managed to weather the storm, and the five-man midfield began to dominate possession and create chances. Whiteman headed just wide from Mirner's cross, then Lowe's shot from Joe McFarlane's fine through ball was saved. Bungay regained the lead after 29 minutes, a fine run from Mirner saw him put Lowe in on goal, and he beat the offside tap to finish confidently. The Black Dogs were on top now, and they spurned chances to extend their lead, wth Whiteman being closed down after he delayed his shot when unmarked, and Lowe shooting narrowly wide from a tight angle.
The second-half saw Bungay defending against the slope and the wind, but they although the home side enjoyed more possession, they seldom threatened the Black Dogs' goal. When Bungay did attack, McFarlane headed narrowly over from Goodwin-Wright's corner, but Bungay sealed the points with fifteen minutes remaining, as Lowe was fouled in the area, and Whiteman converted the resultant penalty.
Team: Howes, Olley, McFadden, Whiteman, Mirner, Wilby, McFarlane, J. Riches, Houghton (Sub: D. Lowe), Goodwin-Wright, A. Lowe (Sub: Spear)

 THE Black Dogs came down to earth with a bang on Saturday as they found out what life back in senior football can be like.

After a win and a draw in their first two away games there were high hopes of starting their Anglian Combination division one home programme with a good result – but a strong, physical Stalham put paid to that.

Bungay’s success over the past three seasons has been built on a solid defence which last season conceded only 26 league goals – now, in only three games in the higher sphere, they have conceded getting on for half that number, 11.It was their worst home defeat for five years, since they lost 6-0 to Coplestonians in the Suffolk Senior Cup on October 9, 2010.

Nevertheless the disappointing result must be kept in perspective. It was a bad day all round but it was only the third game of the season and few sides in the division would live with Stalham on that form. And there are still key players to return to the squad.

In the first 20 minutes no one saw that sort of result coming. In the fourth minute Aiden Lowe headed over from Sam Olley’s cross before driving a 30-yard free-kick straight at the keeper, before Paul Bliss put Fionn Goodwin-Wright clear in a one-on-one with the keeper, but his effort just cleared the bar.

So it was against the run of play when Stalham took the lead in the 23rd minute. A long ball to the far post was played back low across goal for Antoni Fawkes to score from two yards.

Still Bungay looked capable of getting on terms, with Nathan Causton going close following a long thrown in. Dan Burgess almost broke through before being crowded out in a game in which the physios were frequently on the pitch.

James Shaw made a great blocking save to prevent a second Stalham goal, but it came in the 40th minute when Jordan Tipple beat Shaw with a low shot on the turn from the edge of the area.

Any thoughts of a second half recovery for Bungay were soon snuffed out. Shaw had to dash from his line to make another blocking save before, in the 55th minute, Lawrence Cheese scored with a low drive from the edge of the area. Bliss and Burgess had shots blocked in one Bungay raid, but from the break Stalham made it 4-0 as Cheese scored his second.

As the visitors regularly stretched the home defence one shot struck a post before Shaw blocked another goal-bound drive. In the 79th minute he kept out another fierce drive but when the rebound was returned into the six-yard box Lewis Smith made it 5-0 from close range, and substitute Chris Burton completed the scoring in the final minute.

Team: J Shaw, S Olley, P Bliss, S Whiteman, S Campbell, D Wilby, J Riches (L Houghton), N Causton (K Riches), D Burgess, A Lowe (R McFadden), F Goodwin-Wright.

 Scorers: Sam Olley 2, Joe McFarlane

THESE two local derby rivals shared six goals in an eventful Anglian Combination division one game at Loddon on Wednesday evening.

It was by no means a classic, with plenty of mistakes and little flowing football, and a draw was just about a fair result on the night. It left both teams with four points from their first two games.

Bungay went ahead inside five minutes with one of the few quality moves of the game. Paul Bliss and Nathan Causton combined well on the right and the latter’s accurate first time cross found Sam Olley moving in to power home a header from eight yards.

But the home side caused plenty of problems for the Black Dogs down the slope and equalised in the 21st minute as the visitors’ defence could only half clear the ball to the waiting Gary Summers, who rifled home from the edge of the area.

Two minutes later the Black Dogs were ahead again with another header from Olley after Bliss’s header from a corner was parried invitingly to him.

James Shaw in the Bungay goal then made a flying save to turn way a Loddon effort, and was alert to another goalbound effort soon after, before Loddon equalised in the 29th minute, Matt Ayers turning in a cross at the far post.

Early in the second half a Loddon shot came back of a post with Shaw beaten. Bungay had a clear penalty appeal turned down when John Riches was felled from behind in the box as he was about to shoot. But Loddon went ahead in the 67th minute as the Black Dogs defence gifted them an opening with Ayers took confidently.

Again Bungay equalised almost immediately as Stu Campbell’s ball found Joe Macfarlane in space and he drove his shot across the keeper into the corner of the net. Later a Macfarlane header hit the top of the bar.

With the last kick of the game 16-year-old substitute Luke Spiers was left with a great chance clear in front of goal after being set up by Fionn Goodwin-Wright, but the Loddon keeper turned away his effort.

Team: J Shaw, N Causton, P Bliss, S Whiteman, S Campbell, S Olley (L Spiers), J Riches, R McFadden (D Wilby), J Macfarlane, A Lowe F Goodwin-Wright.

 Scorers: John Riches, Aiden Lowe 2, Fionn Goodwin-Wright

THE Black Dogs got life back in senior football off to the best possible start on Saturday with a workmanlike 4-2 victory at Bradenham.

Before the game manager Tim Clarke said Wanderers were one of the sides he expected to be in serious contention for promotion from the Anglian Combination division one this season, and for the first 20 minutes they put Bungay under a lot of pressure, partly aided by some sloppy passing by the visitors.

But two goals in three minutes against the run of play seemed to settle the team and after that the home side was chasing the game, and finally ended frustrated, thanks to some stout defending and good finishing.

Without Craig Hunting, Kevin Riches, Dom Mirner and Danny Wilby, it was still a strong squad, and it needed to be as Bradenham put them under pressure, and Nathan Causton made a timely tackle early on to cut out imminent danger. Seconds later James Shaw made a great safe to turn a goalbound effort around the post.

At the other end Fionn Goodwin-Wright turned to fire narrowly over the bar after Ryan McFadden set up the chance. But at this stage Bungay were making too many mistakes and Shaw had to come out to grab the ball at the feet of a forward following one of them.

But last season’s top scorer Aiden Lowe was looking sharp and fired narrowly wide after working a good position before Bungay went ahead in the 23rd minute. The ball was played forward, deflected off a defender and with the keeper well off his line John Riches lobbed him from 25 yards for an opportunist opener.

Two minutes later it was 2-0 when another good move down the left saw Shaun Whiteman find Lowe, who took the ball into the area before firing a left foot shot across the keeper into the net.

Ten minutes from half-time Bradenham pulled a goal back as Joel Brien’s shot from inside the area took a deflection off a defender to loop over Shaw’s dive.

With new signing Paul Bliss commanding the centre of the defence the Black Dogs survived a torrid start to the second half, before a quick break saw Goodwin-Wright rifle a shot narrowly over the bar. The visitors had a let off in the 63rd minute when a Bradenham forward lifted his shot over the bar when it seemed he must score, but slowly Bungay drew their sting and in the 70th minute good work on the right by Lowe saw his cross turned wide by McFadden.

Bradenham were close with a header soon afterwards, but the crucial third goal for Bungay came in the 77th minute as substitute Lee Houghton found Lowe in space and he shrugged off a defender to fire past the keeper.

Again Bradenham missed a good chance themselves with a header before Bungay made it 4-1 with a minute left as Lowe turned creator, giving Goodwin-Wright the chance and he set himself to beat the keeper from 10 yards.

In added time Whiteman conceded a penalty which was converted by Nick Hook, but by then Bradenham were well beaten.

Team: J Shaw, S Olley, P Bliss, N Causton (L Houghton), S Whiteman, J Macfarlane (M James), J Riches, R McFadden (T Griffiths), D Burgess, A Lowe, F Goodwin-Wright.

 Scorers: Joe McFarlane, Aiden Lowe (pen), Sam Olley

 A goal twenty minutes from time from Kieran Hack saw Bungay's Premier Division visitors clinch a win in the Black Dogs' latest friendly on Friday night. In another close game, Bungay couldn't convert a number of half-chances, with Paul Bliss forcing a fine save from the visitors' keeper from the best opportunity.

 IN their third pre-season friendly, Bungay were beaten 2-0 at home by Thurlow Nunn Premier division Gorleston at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday.

Against a good side three steps higher on the football ladder Bungay played well, and had their chances in the first half, including a Kevin Riches header which came back off the post, but the half ended goalless. The visitors’ superiority told after the interval, however, and their play-maker Keegan Middleton scored after a solo run on 70 minutes. The Gorleston manager Ricci Butler clinched their victory late on with his first touch after coming on as a substitute.

 Scorer: Danny Wilby

BUNGAY Town opened their pre-season programme of friendly matches by christening the newly refurbished main pitch at the Maltings Meadow with a tough challenge against Thurlow Nunn Premier division outfit Saffron Walden.

The Essex side showed why they have just been promoted to that status with some slick and incisive football, with which the home defence coped well for the first hour or so.

But Saffron’s superiority told in the end and they ran out 4-1 winners thanks to three late goals.

The Black Dogs in fact took the lead on the half-hour when Danny Wilby caught them out with a quickly taken free-kick on the edge of the area., They were ahead until eight minutes from the interval when the visitor’s captain Craig Calver showed his sumptuous dribbling techniques to move through the defence and beat Rob Howes with a low shot inside the far post. Calver scored again near the end, with colleague Shaun Avis scoring twice in between. But manager Tim Clarke will generally have been satisfied with Bungay’s first outing.

Defender Paul Bliss and forward Fionn Goodwin-Wright, both from Harleston impressed spectators, who will be hoping Clarke can secure their signatures for Bungay’s season back in senior football in division one of the Anglian Combination.