THE top-of-the-table clash between Harleston Town and North Walsham Reserves certainly lived up to its billing. In a match where Harleston needed to win to have a chance of winning the league they just fell short, losing 4-3.

THE top-of-the-table clash between Harleston Town and North Walsham Reserves certainly lived up to its billing.

In a match where Harleston needed to win to have a chance of winning the league they just fell short, losing 4-3.

Harleston started off the stronger of the two sides and after 20 minutes the outstanding Paul Bliss completed a nine- pass move with an absolute thunderbolt into the net. The lead was short-lived as a player from Walsham was left totally unmarked to head home.

The second half saw Harleston take the lead again, this time Matt Goreham won the ball in the air and Bliss netted for his second goal.

Once again Walsham replied immediately and took the game to Harleston. Walsham took the lead on the 70th minute when the defence played too high and the quick Walsham striker nipped around the keeper to put North Walsham in the lead.

It was Harleston's turn to equalise again through Bliss with a superb header.

With five minutes to go Walsham were not to be outdone and scored the final goal of the game to secure the title.