THE RIDGEON ROUND UPTHE rejuvenation of Clacton Town FC continued this week as they comfortably saw off Essex neighbours Stanway Rovers in the Ridgeon League Cup.

THE RIDGEON ROUND UP

THE rejuvenation of Clacton Town FC continued this week as they comfortably saw off Essex neighbours Stanway Rovers in the Ridgeon League Cup. Their transformation since their weekly defeats last season have been incredible and they won Tuesday night after a great home victory over Wisbech the previous Saturday.

During pre season many had stated that due to their poor league form that the Seasiders should have been relegated and replaced by the side that finished fourth as Fulbourn Institute did not have the necessary ground improvements. Well Clacton have certainly worked hard off the field with results now showing on it as they sit mid table and are a very hard side to beat. They are also recruiting some very good players and there is a definite buzz around the ground.

One of the main talking points in the region lately has been the on off transfer of Danny Cunningham from Bury Town to AFC Sudbury. I know neither of these sides are currently plying their trade in the Ridgeon League but the outcome of the Suffolk FA commission should be a warning to all clubs. AFC Sudbury put in a seven-day approach for the player as he was not under contract. Unfortunately, both sides disagreed over the actual date and or duration of the seven days so the issue was reported to the clubs affiliated association, the Suffolk FA.

At a hearing last Friday the commission found in favour of Bury Town after much discussion and AFC Sudbury were fined £200. The issue was swiftly concluded when Cunningham completed his transfer to Sudbury early this week after Bury Town waived the necessary follow up seven-day approach from Sudbury. This is a clear indication that approaches must be sent by recorded/special delivery or even followed up by a phone call so as to clear yourself of any possible wrong doing. In this particular case, it has been reported that both sides felt they were correct and thus the decision was decided by the Suffolk FA and Sudbury duly accepted the decision. The Ryman North side finally got their man even if it did take longer than expected.

Several transfers have been taking place in the past fortnight with much activity at Diss Town following the appointment of Richard Carter as first team manager. Carter amassed 10 new signings last week yet his new charges went down at third placed Wroxham. When a new manager is appointed it's never an immediate fix so I'm sure the powers to be at Brewers Green Lane have allowed the new manager plenty of time to settle. His reign hasn't started well though with three defeats in a row the latest a 5-1 hammering at Wisbech, who themselves have been struggling of late.

With the Ridgeon Premier Division very competitive this season sides are more than capable of belittling their league positions whether top or bottom so the need for Diss to accumulate some points between now and Christmas is of paramount importance if they are to regain their Senior status for next season.

MIDWEEK saw some shocks in the Club Colours Suffolk Premier Cup. Holders Lowestoft Town went down 2-1 at Newmarket Town with the Trawlerboys hitting the woodwork on no fewer than six occasions. Newmarket also reached the semi final last season where they lost 3-1 to Leiston who also made the semi finals this week with an entertaining 3-2 win at Woodbridge. In the other quarter final tie this week Ipswich Wanderers sprang a surprise on Ryman North side Bury Town with a last minute winner at Ram Meadow. The final semi finalists will be known next Wednesday when Needham Market takes on Ipswich Town Reserves.

The semi finals don't take place until March but the draw itself will take place live on Radio Suffolk next Saturday at 5.30pm.