Mattishall got their Anglian Combination Division One season going again against high-flyers Bungay. All the home players were up for this important match, looking to start to pull away from the others in the league.

Mattishall got their Anglian Combination Division One season going again against high-flyers Bungay.

All the home players were up for this important match, looking to start to pull away from the others in the league. Both teams showed their strengths from the start with chances being created, but in the first 20 minutes both keepers coped well with anything thrown at them.

On 20 minutes a good run down the left flank by Craig Clark ended with a dangerous cross which a Bungay defender slotted into his own net. Mattishall could have extended their lead before the break.

The second half saw the Bungay keeper came into his own as he produced three top-class saves to deny Mattishall.

Seven minutes into the half Bungay equalised. A dead ball kick into the danger area eluded all the home defenders, falling kindly for a Bungay forward to slot home. On 65 minutes Bungay went in front after good approach work from their midfield.

Six minutes later Mattishall equalised with Alex Fitzgerald getting a slight touch on a through ball to hit home. This was when Mattishall would have capitalised but for the heroics of the visiting keeper as he threw himself at everything Mattishall could produce, making three fine saves.

With 15 minutes remaining Bungay again went in front. A dead ball kick from the Mattishall keeper found a visiting defender's head and the ball went straight to a lurking forward who had a clear run on goal, slotting home well.

By this time the woodwork of both goals had been rattled, and with players were going into the referee's book as the adrenalin flowed.

With seven minutes remaining Bungay got their fourth, an own goal from a home defender as under no pressure. This was only the second defeat of the season for sixth-placed Mattishall, their first at home. The Mattishall camp now have to reflect hard and long. With top teams to play, they must get their act together.

The reserves' match at Newton Flotman was postponed.

Fixtures for this weekend: Mattishall away to Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves, ko 2, meet 12; Mattishall Reserves away to Loddon Reserves in the League Cup, ko 1.30, meet 12.