REPORT: AFC Sudbury Reserves 1-2 Great Yarmouth Town

A 90th minute winner from Mitchell Forbes saw AFC Sudbury Reserves lose 2-1 to Great Yarmouth Town, despite a very good performance from the home side.

Scott Kemp provided the first effort of the match, as he struck the ball straight at ‘Bloaters’ goalkeeper Nick Bailey, after build-up play from defender Tyler Kemp, in the first minute.
Yarmouth’s first effort of the afternoon came to Mitchell Forbes, who was released by a long-range ball, which was easily collected by home keeper Paddi Hawkins.
Defender Tyler Kemp saw his seventh minute shot saved by Nick Bailey, who dived to his left to claim the ball.
But in the 13th minute, the visitors took the lead as midfielder Scott Woodcock weaved past several AFC defenders, before firing past Paddi Hawkins to take the lead.
Great Yarmouth, in a blue and white kit, could have extended their lead in the 17th minute, after Robin Anderson’s free-kick curved wide of the goal, and was no threat for Hawkins.
The Yellows replied with a free-kick in the 23rd minute, as Joe Chester crossed the ball towards Mark Ray, who struggled to control the ball, and eventually cleared by Yarmouth. Jordan Brazitis was booked a minute later.
However, Sudbury equalised in the 28th minute, when Mark Ray produced a solo run and struck the ball past Nick Bailey.
Mark Ray attempted to give the hosts the lead a few moments after, but his light shot was easily collected by Nick Bailey.
Tyler Kemp had to be taken off after picking up a minor injury, and was replaced by Tom Wingfield in the 42nd minute.
The Yellows could have taken the lead before the break: Jordan Brazitis sent the ball to Wingfield, who was pulled down outside the area, and earning the hosts a free-kick. Brazitis’ free-kick was fired goal-bound and blocked by Nick Bailey.
Half-time: AFC Sudbury Reserves/Under-21s 1 Great Yarmouth Town 1
AFC Goal-scorer Mark Ray had a brilliant chance to give the Yellows the lead, as the striker produced an acrobatic effort from outside the box, which Bailey tipped over the crossbar.
Mark Ray had a shot for the hosts in the 68th minute, which was saved by Bailey.
Sudbury survived a scare in the 69th minute, when Paddi Hawkins attempted to claim the ball from Connor Deeks, who went around Hawkins, who quickly recovered to save a shot from Yarmouth sub Charlie McAra.
Jordan Brazitis came off for Sudbury, and was replaced by James Axcell in the 75th minute
Sudbury had a chance in the 79th minute to win the match, but Scott Kemp, who was one-on-one with the goalkeeper, fired over the crossbar.
The Yellows used their final substitute in the 81st minute, as Alex Breadman came on for Johnny Kerridge.
Once again, AFC had an effort in the 85th minute, when Mark Ray’s shot was deflected away by the goalkeeper. The resulting corner was crossed in by Scott Kemp and headed away, before the ball was fed back into the box, and Kyran Clements had a header saved by Bailey.
But a defensive error for the Yellows in injury time proved costly, as Mitchell Forbes collected the loose ball in the AFC defence and kept his cool, to fire past Hawkins, to win the match for the Norfolk side.
It was a disappointing result for the hosts, who played excellent football throughout the 90 minutes.
Full-time: AFC Sudbury Reserves/Under-21s 1 Great Yarmouth Town 2

Sudbury: Paddi Hawkins, Kyran Clements, Tyler Kemp (Tom Wingfield, 42), Josh Kerridge, Ross Mackay, Steffano Mallardo, Jordan Brazitis (James Axcell, 75), Joe Chester, Mark Ray, Johnny Kerridge (Alex Breadman 81), Scott Kemp. Unused sub: Alfie Carroll

Yarmouth: Nick Bailey, Harley Clements, Robin Anderson, Connor Deeks, Jordan Forbes, Eddie Short, Scott Butler (Charlie McAra), Peter Oldham, Mitchell Forbes, Scott Woodcock (Alan Barrett), Leighton Crux.

Sudbury booking: Jordan Brazitis (24’)
AFC MOTM: Scott Kemp

Attendance: 42