The reserve teams of three clubs will play in the Suffolk FA Senior Cup for the first time next season.

AFC Sudbury Reserves, Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves and Needham Market Reserves had their participation rubber-stamped at last Wednesday night’s AGM of Suffolk FA.

All three teams played in the Suffolk FA Senior Reserve Cup last season, with AFC Sudbury defeating Kirkley & Pakefield 4-3 in the final last May.

The switch follows AFC Sudbury and Needham Market’s election to Thurlow Nunn League Division One, for the forthcoming 2013/14 season.

With Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves also playing in a senior competition – the Premier Division of the Anglian Combination – the Suffolk FA Council voted in favour of all three teams competing in the Suffolk Senior Cup.

Suffolk FA chairman David Porter said: “The addition of AFC Sudbury, Kirkley & Pakefield and Needham Market’s reserve teams will enhance the standing of the competition in the forthcoming season.

“Although some traditionalists may not be in favour of reserve teams participating in the Suffolk FA Senior Cup, the landscape of football is changing and we are reacting to this in Suffolk.”

Ipswich Wanderers won the Suffolk FA Senior Cup last season, defeating Whitton United 3-2 on penalties after the two sides had drawn 1-1 after extra time at Portman Road.