WHILE the economic recession is now starting to affect football at all levels, the Ridgeons League is bucking the trend to a great degree.Attendances are up this season with last season's FA Vase finalists Lowestoft Town averaging nearly 600 spectators each home match.

Elvin King

WHILE the economic recession is now starting to affect football at all levels, the Ridgeons League is bucking the trend to a great degree.

Attendances are up this season with last season's FA Vase finalists Lowestoft Town averaging nearly 600 spectators each home match.

This is almost as many as some League Two clubs attract and shows how a visit to Wembley can whip up interest.

And full marks for Hadleigh United - with their good husbandry and efficient management by Steve Jay creating much more interest in what is going on at Millfield.

Highest average Ridgeons League attendances

Premier Division: Lowestoft Town 572, Leiston 194, Dereham Town 186, Needham Market 172, Kirkley 152.

First Division: Saffron Walden 143, FC Clacton 124, Diss Town 121, Gorleston 120, Hadleigh 118.