On Saturday, Acle Reserves travelled to an in-form Watton United, who hadn’t lost in five games. After losing 6-1 to them earlier in the season at home, the As knew they had to be up for it and they eventually fell to a one-goal defeat.

Unlike the previous two weeks, the feeling in the air was positive and the boys looked up for it from the off. Watton tried to pass the ball around, but with every pass came an Acle player, pressurising the home team into some early mistakes.

Minutes into the game, Acle looked to be through down the right when Robinson was set free by Tomasso, but the Watton linesman was quick to lift his flag and decided to declare the Acle man offside.

Although the work rate was excellent from both sides, there weren’t many chances in the first half. The home side’s best chance came when the ball ricocheted off their striker and bounced behind the Acle keeper, but Purton-Turner was quick to react and clawed the ball away.

Unfortunately, five minutes into the second half, Acle were caught cold as the Watton midfielder played a killer ball that split the defence. With still loads to do, running in at the corner of the box, Bond did well to find the far left corner with a right-footed drive.

A goal down, Acle could have caved in, but didn’t. In fact, it spurred them on as they pressed for an equaliser.

In the final 20 minutes, Acle turned the screw, as they spent most of that time in the opposition’s half.

Jordan Betts was the first to go close, when a clearance fell to him on the edge of the box. Although he struck the ball well, his effort flew wide. Kelf also had an effort from the edge of the box, but he wasn’t able to make good contact.

In the final minute, Tomasso found the net but again, the linesman was the only one who saw a player in an offside position. This time it was Saka. The fact that a man was standing behind him made the decision even harder to stomach. Acle Res: Purton-Turner, Colk, Gibbons, Betts, Collins-Reed, Kelf, Robinson, Betts, Tooley, Tomasso, Guyton. Subs: Saka, Marshall, Carpenter.

Tomorrow the Reserves entertain Thetford Rovers (2.30pm).