There were mixed fortunes for Suffolk’s representative teams this weekend with the ladies team grabbing victory but the boys’ under-18s side falling to defeat.

Suffolk Ladies gained their first victory in the East Anglian Counties Competition with a 1-0 victory over Essex, thanks to Substitute Michelle Allum’s strike.

Allum, who plays for Ipswich Town Ladies, scored with her third touch and her strike clearly impressed Suffolk Ladies manager Kim Rix. “Michelle got her shot from what was her third touch. She had a great game,” said Rix.

“The game was heading towards a 0-0 draw so I am absolutely delighted that we have managed to win this game.

“This win gives us four points from two games which is great. The girls are delighted with their performance.”

The match was even from the start with Suffolk Ladies hitting the post twice and Essex Ladies also rattling the goal posts in the opening stages of the contest.

Lauren Cartwright squandered a good chance for Suffolk when her fierce drive flashed wide of the left-hand post.

Dani Bitten also went close shortly before half-time for the visitors with a thunderous effort which Strauss superbly palmed over the bar.

After the restart Suffolk continued to take the game to their hosts, with Nicole Parish running at the Essex defence but her shot was deflected for a goal kick.

The hosts also had their share of chances but Jacqueline Ball’s shot was comfortably gathered by Suffolk goalkeeper Faye Lunn.

Lapses in the Suffolk defence gave Essex plenty of chances but the hosts were unable to capitalise on them. Nicole Carty was put through following a slip by a Suffolk defender but the C & K Basildon player managed to chip her shot wide.

Amanda Everett also had a good chance for the visitors but she scuffed her shot wide. Bitten then hit a thunderous free kick which smashed the base of the post.

Ball then stole the ball from Nicole Pannifer when the Ipswich Town player stumbled in the box but Essex were unable to head home the Colchester United player’s cross.

Lunn also saved at the feet to dramatically deny Essex and the visitors would have been grateful for a draw until Allum’s moment of magic.

Meanwhile, the boys’ under-18 team lost 2-1 to Cambridgeshire Boys U18s, having recorded an 8-1 win over Bedfordshire Boys under-18s and a 6-1 victory over their Hertfordshire Boys counterparts earlier in the season.

Bury Town’s Adam Burroughs gave the visitors the lead with a powerful shot past Kettering Town’s Barney Mclaughlin after 20 minutes. In the second half, George Darling attempted to equalise for the hosts with a swerving shot which flew wide of the left hand post.

The hosts were not to be denied in the closing stages as Histon’s Jack Utterige stabbed home after Suffolk gave away possession cheaply.

Moments later Cambridgeshire grabbed the winning goal when Ben Sawyer smashed the ball past Lancaster to give the hosts their second win of the season.