West Bergholt stayed in hot pursuit of AFC Sudbury Reserves at the top of the premier division as they played host to Stowmarket Town Reserves.

In a hard-fought match, West Bergholt won 3-1 with a penalty, and then a fluke goal from Michael McLachlan, and a well-taken second-half strike from Simon Ashurst.

Stowmarket's goal was scored by Sean Martin.

Meanwhile, leaders Sudbury travelled to Bury Town Reserves, to extend a local rivalry, which has existed between the clubs on a senior level for many years.

Bury Reserves, experiencing their first season in the top flight, have had a successful but mixed season, as they find teams a bit tougher at this level, than they experienced on their march through the lower divisions.

AFC sat atop the table, and knew that a tough game of football would await, as another pretender to the throne set their sights at toppling the leaders.

And topple them they did as Bury won the game 1-0, but AFC will continue to sit at the summit for now.

Stanway Rovers Reserves went to Weeley Athletic but could only manage a point as they drew 1-1, and Little Oakley were upset at home as they failed to convert their chances, but watched their opponents take theirs as they were beaten 4-1 by Sudbury Athletic.

Robbie Marks came off the substitutes' bench to net an 85th-minute winner for Mistley United against Clacton Town Reserves' after a tight encounter, and Harwich Reserves trip to St Osyth will be one they want to forget as Toosey ran out 4-1 winners.

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Published Wednesday, December 22, 2004

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