Pedlars beaten by Magpies in pre-season friendly

Pre-season has come around fast and Swaffham Town started their campaign with a visit from Step 5 outfit, Dereham Town.All square at half-time, the Magpies took advantage in the second half, winning the game 2-0.An entertaining fixture played in good spirit to start preparations for both sides for the up-coming season.Last Saturday the ‘Uncle Luke’s Stadium’ hosted a fundraising match, the ‘Offside Trust Challenge Cup’.The not-for-profit organisation was set up to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding across all sports at all levels and provide support for survivors.It was the first time the competition has been arranged and former Norwich City player and ambassador for the Trust, Alan Arbor, selected Swaffham Town and Letchworth Garden City Eagles to be the first sides to compete in the match.As a pre-season friendly next season, the reverse fixture will be contested. The match provided some great moments of football, the teams matching each other at half-time with two goals each. The visiting Eagles had a much better second half, eventually running out 5-3 winners.Kieran Bruce, Neil Goodbourne and Charlie Lambe were on the scoresheet for the Pedlars.As well as a good run-out for both sides the Pedlars were proud to host this inaugural competition for such a good cause. Tonight, Swaffham Town entertain the Ghosts of Fakenham Town and on Saturday Norwich United make the trip to Shoemakers Lane.The Reserves started their preparations on Saturday with a 3-0 defeat to Dersingham.This weekend they travel to Clenchwarton.