Mattishall travelled to high-flyers Harleston Town, who have yet to drop a point in the league, and were unlucky to leave empty handed.

Both teams started well, with the hosts playing good passing football and they took the lead after 20 minutes when a defender was deemed to have pushed a home forward in the area from a corner, resulting in a penalty kick.

Jay Tiplady made a brilliant save but the home team were quicker out of the blocks. allowing a player to stab home the rebound.

Five minutes later, with the visitors attacking well and from a goalmouth melee, Matty Webster equalised for Mattishall at a time when the whole team were playing well.

It was no surprise when Mattishall went in front when the ball was picked up by Logan Copsey who hit an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner.

The hosts we're now getting frustrated and half-time came with the visitors well in command.

The second half got under way with the Mattishall players knowing what they had to do but things changed dramatically as the visitors lost the plot as more bookings arrived and three players were sent off, two for two yellows and a one straight red.

These were mostly for dissent and by then Harleston had another penalty kick which was converted and they scored in the last three minutes to make it 3-2.

In the dying seconds Mattishall had what looked like excellent claims for a penalty for handball turned down and Harleston held on for the three points.

It was a very lucky escape for the home team as a draw would have been a fair result all round.

Mattisha ll Reserves should have been at home against Hindringham Reserves in the Norfolk Junior Cup but were awarded a walk-over.

Mattishall host Long Statton on Saturday while the Reserves are at Gayton (both 2.30pm).

Bradenham Wanderers slipped to their fourth defeat of the season when they went down 2-0 at Waveney.It was a tough afternoon for Hindringham in Division One, with their search for a first league win of the season continuing as visitors Hoveton Wherryman cruised home 6-0.

Both teams are in Norfolk Senior Cup action on Saturday (1.30pm), Bradenham at Norwich CEYMS and Hindringham at Scole.