Beccles beat Long Stratton 5-3 in front of more than 100 supporters at College Meadow in midweek as they kept their 100 per cent start to the season intact.

The home side took an early 2-0 lead within 15 minutes through goals from Bailey and Miller.

Captain Bailey went on to complete a first-half hat-trick, extending the lead to 4-0 before Long Stratton pulled one back.

Bailey then added his fourth of the night to make it 5-1 at half-time.

Long Stratton struck early in the second half and dominated, but could not convert their chances until the final quarter.

A third goal set up a tense finish, but a crucial save from Wickham helped Beccles see out the win.

Team: Wickham, Gallagher, Staines, Ellis, Boyd, Healey, Westoby, Varley, Miller, Bishop, Bailey (c). Subs; Payne, Simmons, Burgess, Atkins, Hall.

Other recent results for Beccles teams included a 4-2 win for the reserves against Long Stratton Reserves, with goals from Webb (two), Holland, and K Godbold.

The under-18s were leading 2-0 against Kirkley and Pakefield before the match was abandoned on 88 minutes after their opponents had four players sent off.

There were heavier defeats elsewhere, with the A team losing 10-2 to Carlton Colville Crown (Masters, Grimble) and the development side falling 5-2 to Bohemians Reserves (C Godbold, Riseborough).

The ladies’ team recorded a 2-0 win over Brundall, with goals from Megan and Em C.

Next fixtures: Sprowston vs Beccles first team (October 31, 2pm KO).

Beccles Reserves vs South Walsham (October 31, 2pm KO).

Beccles A Team vs AFC United (October 31, 1.30pm KO).

Pakefield FC vs Beccles Development (League Cup, October 31, 1.30pm KO)

AFC Royals vs Beccles u18s (October 29, 7.45pm KO)

North Walsham vs Beccles Ladies (November 1, 2pm KO)