SOCCER: Earl Soham Victoria have been knocked out of the Carlsberg Pub Cup in controversial circumstances. The 1999/00 winners at Wembley Stadium lost 2-0 to Canning Town Sports and Social Club at Brimsdown Rovers – after fielding a weakened side.

By Elvin King

EARL Soham Victoria have been knocked out of the Carlsberg Pub Cup in controversial

circumstances.

The 1999/00 winners at Wembley Stadium lost 2-0 to Canning Town Sports and Social Club at Brimsdown Rovers – after fielding a weakened side.

Manager Mel Aldis said: "They offered us Friday, Saturday and Wednesday dates with the latter two no good as Stowmarket Town had a match.

"I thought of pulling out but in the end sent a weakened team to play on Friday night. It was a disappointing way to go out."

Canning Town now travel to Durham for a quarter-final tie.

STOWMARKET Town have re-appointed manager Mel Aldis for next season.

The Jewson League side are chasing a top six position in the Premier Division having finished tenth in 2000/01.

A club spokesman said: "Mel's record speaks for itself and we are pleased to have him back next year."

Stowmarket – who just avoided relegation in Aldis' first season in charge – had a good run in the FA Cup this season.