Kirkley and Pakefield 2 Diss Town 1

Diss put in an improved performance and took the lead for the first time this season before being beaten by a late goal to bow out of the FA Vase.

Kirkley had most of the early pressure and were forcing Diss to defend deep.

Both Diss full backs, Sam Low and Zac Turner, were making their debuts and acquitted themselves well. Kyle Baker should have opened the scoring in the 16th minute but header over from close range.

Diss took the lead with Jordan Rocastle smashing a spectacular 30-yard shot into the corner of the net for the second Saturday running. Diss broke well with Jacob Brown winning the ball and feeding Rocastle to run and fire in right footed. Jordan Lake forced Luis Tibbles to make a save a minute before half-time and play switched quickly to the other end with a long kick eluding the Diss defence and Baker forcing Chris Bird to save with his feet.

The Tangerines were dealt a cruel blow with an unfortunate own goal equaliser in the 57th minute. Ross King moved on to a through ball and his shot seemed destined to go somewhere near the corner flag before hitting a defender and trickling over the line.

Kirkley had a chance to take the lead in the 73rd minute when Low went towards a long ball with Baker and a collision of their feet saw the home team awarded a penalty kick. Bird did well to deflect the shot from Baker on to his right-hand post to keep the game even.

Jordan Haverson hit the underside of the bar with Kirkley looking the more likely to score, but Diss were no means out of contention with some promising moves down both wings.

The winning goal came in the 85th minute when Ian Hunter got to an inside right position and advanced before crossing low to the far post for Baker to shoot in.

Diss were now stretched at the back and were caught on the break with Baker missing a fine chance and Bird doing well to save from Nathan Russell.

Diss Team: Chris Bird, Sam Low, Zac Turner, Armando Alves, Ady Ager, Chris Collins-Reed, Jordan Rocastle, Jacob Brown, Chris Holmes, Jordan Lake, Ashley Mitchell.

Attendance: 73.

The Tangerines continue their search for a first win of the season at FC Clacton on Saturday.