Waveney returned home with all three points after Andrew Hammersley headed home an 88th-minute winner.

They gave a first team debut to Barry Teasdale in a three-man midfield pairing with Johhny Jarvis and Michael King while Adam King was given a start on the right after impressing against Acle.

On a hot afternoon and on a hard bumpy pitch both teams struggled to string passes together, although Long Stratton looked dangerous from set-pieces and it was no surprise when they took a 20th-minute lead when a corner from the left was headed home after poor marking.

Waveney had a good opportunity to equalise minutes later but King failed to keep his effort down after arriving in the box.

The equaliser did arrive, however, with probably the best passage of play in the match. The ball was played out wide and Tom Mawford delivered a perfect cross which was headed home by strike partner Hough for his 19th goal of the season.

Waveney should have taken the lead before the break as King's shot appeared to be a good yard over the line.

The second half saw Waveney working hard, but the game was becoming stop-start as players from both sides ended up in the book. Long Stratton went down to 10 men on 70 minutes as a foul near the halfway line resulted in a second yellow being given.

Sam Shepherd and Noah Gabriel had given Waveney more energy but few real opportunities came. It was always likely the goal would come from a direct piece of play and it was Waveney who grabbed a deserved win as Hammersley's great leap at the back post saw the centre back head home from Hough's excellent corner.

Euan Newrick came on late and again showed he has the potential to be a key player in the future. Apart from conceding the opener the back three of Ritchi High, Daniel Grigg and Ivy House man-of- the-match Hammersley had solid perfomances. Matthew Wilson has proved an important player for the team with his versatility, playing in various positions.

Tomorrow Waveney entertain Norwich Ceyms and they are again at home on Easter Monday for an 11am kick-off against Long Stratton. They remain fourth but could achieve third place if they end the season well.