Kirkley & Pakefield travelled to play Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division newcomers Haverhill Borough on the new Haverhill Community 3G Arena.

The Royals were once again without the suspended Miguel Lopez and the unavailable Lewis Hammond but were able to recall Tarren Grint and Jordan Haverson to the starting line-up.

The home team started pressing strongly but it was Kyle Baker who had the Royals' first real chance on 10 minutes when his shot was comfortably gathered by the keeper. Then on 15 minutes Jordan Haverson hit a delightful volley into the roof of the net to put the away team ahead.

On 26 minutes Kyle Haylock was going through the centre of the field into the area when keeper Ed Greenall brought him down. The referee awarded a penalty and surprisingly only a yellow card to the keeper, Liam Harvey-Cooper stepped up to fire home from the spot and give Kirkley a 2-0 lead.

The play continued to flow with keeper Rix in the away goal making several good saves and clearances with the home team's closest shot on 38 minutes going just wide of the post. Harvey-Cooper went close a couple of times and Flower headed over when in a good position.

The 3G surface was playing very fast and both teams at times over hit their passes but early in the second half Holt had a good shot on target then Baker in a good position in the area with only the keeper to beat fired into the side netting.

Haverson struck a 20-yard volley that was well saved by the home keeper.

On 70 minutes against the run of play Haverhill scored after a poor clearance to reduce the score to 2-1.

The Royals came back with all forwards having their chances but failed to find a way past the home keeper. The last 10 minutes saw the home team pressing hard for an equaliser but despite a tough time the Royals held out for a deserved win against tough opponents despite their lowly league position.

Kirkley & Pakefield: A Rix, M Wilson, T Grint, M Wall, J Herbert (capt), L Flower, K Haylock, J Haverson, K Baker (L Will 90 mins), L Harvey-Cooper, M Holt. Subs unused: D Blades, J Wilson.

On Saturday Kirkley & Pakefield are away again when they travel to play second from bottom Ipswich Wanderers at Humber Doucy Lane (kick-off 3pm).