THE K&P run of recent success came to an abrupt halt this week, as successive 2-0 home defeats saw them slip up in both the Ridgeons League title chase and crash out to the Marketmen of Needham once more in another cup competition - this time in the Suffolk Premier Cup.

THE K&P run of recent success came to an abrupt halt this week, as successive 2-0 home defeats saw them slip up in both the Ridgeons League title chase and crash out to the Marketmen of Needham once more in another cup competition - this time in the Suffolk Premier Cup.

But although there was an air of disappointment and despondency around Walmer Road this week, the management duo of Stewart Larter and John Reynolds were both philosophical as they reflected on the team's achievements thus far.

'At the start of the season the club would've taken being fourth in the league, in the Ridgeons League cup final, and having reached another semi final at this point of the campaign - Jon and I would definitely have taken that,' Larter told The Journal.

'We've not become a bad side overnight in two games - and we will take it collectively and put it right!'

A high scoring Mildenhall side arrived at Walmer Road last Saturday in a fine run of form after firing 15 goals in their past three games, and their 'enthusiasm and determination' on the day - according to a club spokesman - saw them overcome an under-par K&P side.

K&P's revenge mission against Needham on Wednesday evening saw the Suffolk side progress to a showpiece cup final against Ipswich Town Reserves, as the young home side were left with a sour taste of cup defeat to their rivals once more.

'But all was not doom and gloom this week as our invincible Veterans side won 2-1 against Bungay (Dave White and Stuart Dockree), our U11C youth side thumped Loddon 4-1 (Ollie Moore hit a brace), and our Under 11B side, fresh from a recent success in the Shield, beat St Benets 2-1,' a club spokesman said.

'On Saturday (tomorrow) we welcome Hadleigh to Walmer Road where we will be looking for the missed three points against Mildenhall to aid our climb up the table with games in hand! Please come and support your Royals, kick off 3pm - with our thanks to Keith, Ivan, Trevor, Glyn and Royal David, the" 5 Lions on a Shirt", for their match day sponsorship!!'

Off the field, the club has organised a pre-match meal on Saturday, March 27 prior to the home clash with Stanway Rovers. The meal costs �15 per head, with fish and chips, bread and butter and apple crumble and custard on the menu.

'We already have 32 people booked and we can take another 20 for a comfortable meal,' a club spokesman said.

As stated last week, the club's end of season Sportsman's Evening - with special guest Neil Ruddock - is already sold out.

'We already have clients on our waiting list for cancellations, and for more details about this and booking your place at the pre-match meal telephone 01502 741588,' the spokesman said.