Saturday 7th March 2009

Ridgeons League Division One

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MOCO TRAVEL

Hadleigh United continued with their quest for promotion with a win against Diss Town in a dress rehearsal for the meeting of the two teams who will contest The Ridgeons League Division One Cup Final on Wednesday 22^nd April. Diss Manager Rob Taylor restored Matty Hill to the goalkeeping berth, Ed Cussons to left back and Luke Catchpole to midfield. Jake Berry also made his first appearance of the season.

- Ed Cussons shapes up for a free kick early in the first half -

The first chance fell to the Tangerines but Luke Catchpole was just too high after Danny Partridge and Jake Berry linked up well. However, after 11 minutes Hadleigh took the lead when Craig Payne ran and floated a cross-cum-shot into the top corner. Diss had the better of the first half with Andy Moody and Partridge going close.

Hill was forced to make a fine save early in the second half as Alan Mills hit a shot with the wind at his back. In the 53^rd minute Payne raced clear after a poor goal kick to place his shot past Hill to make it 2-0. There was little to choose between the two teams in terms of play but Diss were unable to score. Catchpole saw his 75^th minute shot headed up on to the bar by Dan Wade. Danny Jones was high with a chance which may have given Diss a life line.

Stuart Crawford brought Ben Soanes down in the 81^st minute and Diss had a chance to salvage a point after Ed Cussons scored from the penalty kick. Two minutes from time Chris Williams took advantage of indecision in the Diss defence to shoot in to make it 3-1.

Ed Cussons scores from the penalty spot

Diss team: Matty Hill, Mark Shadrack, Ed Cussons, Steve Best, Ben Soanes, Danny Jones, Steve Wright, Luke Catchpole, Danny Partridge, Jake Berry, Andy Moody.

Diss subs: Mark Fowler, Terry Minshull (for Jones 87 mins), James Wilson (82 mins for Partridge) and Rob Taylor.