RIDGEONS LEAGUE By Steve Green SOHAM Town Rangers went to the top of the Premier Division for the first time this season – on goal difference ahead of Needham Market – after a narrow win against visiting Walsham-le-Willows in a re-arranged fixture. Callu

RIDGEONS LEAGUE

By Steve Green

SOHAM Town Rangers went to the top of the Premier Division for the first time this season - on goal difference ahead of Needham Market - after a narrow win against visiting Walsham-le-Willows in a re-arranged fixture.

Callum Kearns started a home game for the first time since his transfer from Newmarket Town, replacing Darren Jimson who dropped to the bench.

The only goal of the game came after just three minutes, with Scott Johnson receiving a second chance to deliver a cross after his corner was half-cleared.

This time Walsham goalkeeper Kevin Bugg was called into action to deal with the threat, but he only succeeded in punching the ball into his own net.

Scott Carter subsequently chipped over the bar when put through by Michael Simpson, and Charles Libam's goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Pollard as Soham pressed for a second goal.

Lea Jordan blocked a low shot from Wake as Walsham offered their first semblance of a threat, but Bugg was by far the busiest of the two goalkeepers, denying efforts by Andy Furnell, Carter and Libam, whose shot was turned on to the post.

Simon Flanz also hit the woodwork with a speculative 30-yarder just before the half-time whistle.

Jordan was again called into action as the visitors sought an equaliser at the start of the second period, but then found himself facing a penalty kick after Carter's clumsy foul on Deeks.

The goalkeeper dived to his left, but the ball was struck straight down the middle by Gooderham and was stopped by Jordan's legs.

Gooderham was first to the rebound, but put the ball wide and Soham breathed a huge sigh of relief.

In the closing stages Flanz headed Partridge's attempt off the line, and Jordan grabbed Thorrold's inswinging corner at the near post to keep his side's goal intact.

Martin McNeil was Soham's star man in the heart of a defence that has only conceded seven goals in 13 home league games this season, but Jordan's display was also a crucial factor on the day.

* Soham entertain Haverhill Rovers on Saturday, but there is no game scheduled for the following Saturday because intended opponents Stanway Rovers have a fifth Round FA Vase tie against Coventry Phoenix.