ESSEX Under 16 took all three points against Suffolk at Hadleigh with a 2-0 win in the first East Anglian Championship match of the season after an own goal had helped them on their way.

ESSEX Under 16 took all three points against Suffolk at Hadleigh with a 2-0 win in the first East Anglian Championship match of the season after an own goal had helped them on their way.

This lucky start came after 14 minutes when a corner kick from the right wing was diverted into his own net by defender Josh Richards (Woodbridge Town) at the far post as he attempted to kick clear. The remainder of the first half was evenly balanced, with both sets of defenders giving nothing away.

In the second half Suffolk were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area but Matt McKenzie (Felixstowe & Walton) fired narrowly wide. The second goal came late on with a glancing header from Christie O'Donoghue (Hornchurch).