Diss Town 3 Needham Market Res 1

Diss Town bounced back from a disappointing home game to clinch a vital early-season win on Tuesday.

The Tangerines had been held by AFC Sudbury Reserves, so had extra incentive when they came up against a young, but skilful and pacey Needham Market Reserve side.

A good midweek crowd saw the Tangerines gain all three points with a fairly comfortable 3-1 win.

The Tangerines took a while to settle, but eventually opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, when Kyle Downes was well-placed to force the ball home after it came back off the post.

Jason Armes added a second in the 31st minute as he acrobatically converted a cross from the right as the Tangerines went in 2-0 at the break.

The visitors started the second half strongly and enjoyed the lion's share of possession as they looked to get quickly back into the match, but the Tangerines' defence was not unduly troubled.

Gradually the Tangerines started to find their rhythm again and forced a series of corners.

The third goal arrived for the Tangerines in the 70th minute when Jason Armes sent in a looping cross that eluded the Needham goalkeeper and found the far corner of the net, with Mark Appleton following the ball into the goal in case a touch was needed. With the Tangerines enjoying a three-goal cushion the tempo dropped, and Needham Market were rewarded for their tireless display with a consolation goal slotted in from the edge of the area in the 75th minute.

The win moved Diss up to fourth in the First Division table, six points behind leaders Halstead Town, who have played a game more. They are among a group of four teams on 10 points - Leiston and King's Lynn Town Reserves are above them, while Wivenhoe Town are below them in fifth. The Tangerines are away on Saturday when they visit Ely City, kick-off 3pm.

Diss: Matt Powley, Jack Hood, Luke Appleton, Chris Gibbons, Sam Wenham, Ben Lewis, Danny Self, Jason Armes (Dale Barrett), Mark Appleton (Sam Page), Kyle Downes (Chris Bartram), Chris Holmes.

Subs not used: Chris Bird, Callum Olpin.

Attendance: 135.