After over a month without a game Waveney returned to action on Saturday as they travelled to Long Stratton who were two places above them in fifth in the Premier Division table.

They expected their opponents to be fitter having managed to play a friendly last week and hadn't had any postponements.

Waveney had Johnny Jarvis missing through suspension and Tom Samson was unavailable but they welcomed back Sam Clay and had Harley Peek making his first appearance in over two seasons.

Waveney began really well and Clay wriggled through in the first minute but his shot from a difficult angle went agonisingly the wrong side of the post. Sam Shepherd and Bradley Hough were a constant threat and both went close before Waveney thought they'd made the breakthrough on the half hour mark.

Hough's corner deceived everyone and curled straight in. But as the visitors we celebrated the goal the referee disallowed it for a push on the keeper, a decision that baffled the visitors.

The second half saw Waveney continue to create the better chances as Hough and Tom Mawford both went close with headers. The midfield trio of Allen, Burgess and Tacon continued to win their battles while the defence of Peek, High, Bloomfield and Taylor all had fine games but in the end Waveney had to rely on keeper James Bergin to ensure they didn't lose as Stratton nearly snatched all three points with a fine strike in the dying seconds. This was there only real shot during the game, with Bergin flinging himself across goal to turn the ball away.

Managers George Millington and Michael King were delighted with the effort and performance with the only disappointment being not getting a deserved win.

There were several contenders for the man of the match with everyone playing well but it went to Peek who was excellent on his comeback.

This Saturday Waveney are back at Saturn Close to entertain Wroxham Reserves as they look to climb the table in the second half of the season.

Team: James Bergin, Harley Peek, Adam Taylor, Ritchi High, Ryan Bloomfield, Daniel Tacon, (Tom Mawford 75), Bradley Hough, Sam Allen, Sam Clay, Carl Burgess, Sam Shepherd.

Unused subs: Andrew Hammersley, Michael Tacon.