SUFFOLK Boys Under-18s put in a plucky performance but were beaten 4-3 by a superior Norfolk side.

The Suffolk youngsters mounted a spirited comeback after going 2-0 down in the first-half but slack defending handed the visitors victory in this East Anglian Counties Competition clash at Bungay Town.

The visitors started brightly going ahead through Lewis Butcher’s well-taken volley following an incisive counter attack.

Suffolk attempted to grab an equaliser but Adam Burroughs’ shot was blocked at the crucial moment by a Norfolk defender.

Moments later Burroughs was in the thick of the action again but once again his shot was blocked.

The Bury Town striker went close again when he drew a last-ditch save from Matthew Coote in the Norfolk goal.

But Suffolk were undone by the visitors’ counter-attack again as Butcher scored his second following a quick break.

The hosts reduced arrears against all odds when Ross Bailey’s curled shot deceived Coote.

However, Norfolk restored their two-goal advantage moments before half-time when Butcher sealed his hat-trick thanks to a shot which sailed inside the right-hand post.

But the visitors’ two-goal lead did not last long when Liam Wales scored Suffolk’s second goal of the game.

The tide seemed to be turning in the hosts’ favour when Butcher received a straight red card for a foul on a Suffolk player.

Suffolk captain Perry Moody was booked moments later for a rough challenge.

Keegan Middleton tested goalkeeper Stephen Fenner with a rasping shot which the Bury Town keeper grabbed at the second attempt.

The hosts’ amazing comeback was complete when a Burroughs header from a cross made the score 3-3.

However, Suffolk switched off at the back allowing Luke Thaker to hand Norfolk victory. The Wroxham player peeled away from his marker to stab a shot past Fenner.