East Harling 2, Aylsham 4

EAST HARLING’S home jinx continued to haunt Harling as they went 3-0 down early in the game.

All three goals were conceded from good crosses by the direct Aylsham team and slack marking allowed three easy finishes.

It could have been worse but for two great saves by Matt Terry. But to the home side’s credit they fought back and a great run and cross by Ben Chase found Craig Skipp who finished well to register his ninth goal of the season.

Jack Denniss replaced Mark Dolman at the break and his ball-winning efforts gave Harling dominance in the second half.

Ross Bellingham went through to make it 3-2 then thought he had equalised, but to everyone’s astonishment the linesman ruled offside.

Shortly after this Aylsham broke away to make it 4-2. Chris Bray missed a penalty and the Aylsham keeper made two great saves. Harling really deserved at least a point but will question that offside decision that probably prevented them going on to win the game.

Unlucky yes, but to give away three goals as easily as they did was always going to be difficult to pull back.

Next up UEA (unbeaten in Division Four) away in the League Cup, followed by Fakenham away in the Norfolk Junior Cup.

Meanwhile, East Harling Reserves lost 2-1 to Bradenham Reserves 2-1. Three players made their debuts, Pat Armes, Scott Gaine and Lewis Knights, and things looked good as James Dean kept up his scoring record putting Harling 1-0 up. Then a turning pointing the game as a George Chandler free-kick was fumbled by the home keeper and the ball rebounded off a defender into the net.

The referee controversially disallowed the goal for offside.

Bradenham fought back to win 2-1 and for the third time this season Harling have been pegged back by controversial decisions from unofficial referees.

Pat Armes put in a good shift and was Harling’s man-of-the-match.

Next up, Reepham Reserves at home in the League Cup.