Brandon Town began their season visiting Sterry Cup winners Wroxham Reserves and went agonisingly close to taking a point from Trafford Park, losing 1-0.

Brandon Town began their season visiting Sterry Cup winners Wroxham Reserves and went agonisingly close to taking a point from Trafford Park, losing 1-0.

Bellingham shot tamely after three minutes and more encouragement soon followed when Jackson fumbled what should have been a regulation catch.

The hosts, as always, played some excellent football but largely in the areas that Brandon allowed them to before shutting them down as they pressed forward. On the few occasions they managed to prize open the defence, Corston dealt comfortably with the threat. John Waites had two chances in three minutes but could not capitalise, one coming from poor handling by the keeper.

The second half saw Wroxham begin to assert more pressure but they could not make their possession count for much. Winstone saw his free-kick deflected over just after the hour.

Wroxham had a glaring miss minutes later but Corston maintained his excellent game and marshalled the tiring defence well.

Waites was replaced by Wright after the former had run himself to a standstill and the latter was soon troubling the defence, he collected the ball with the keeper to beat but snatched his shot wide. In truth, Brandon never tested the opposing keeper enough as he looked vulnerable on the few occasions his goal was threatened.

It looked as though Brandon would hold on for an immensely hard-earned point until Harley shot through a crowd of players late on, it was far from a clean strike and bounced and crept in past the unsighted Corston. It was cruel luck for the visitors who worked tirelessly to a man but the hosts are a good side and will again be one of the teams to beat this season.