Eastern Counties week shaped by tributes to Kaylem Scopes

Tributes were paid across the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division this week following the death of Kaylem Scopes, son of Woodbridge Town manager Liam. Woodbridge Town said Kaylem progressed from their youth teams to Ipswich Town Academy, and that he died after a battle with leukaemia. The club opened its clubhouse to anyone wishing to support Liam and his family, with management and players attending, and a GoFundMe has been set up to create a memorial.

Other clubs responded. Stowmarket Town postponed their Suffolk Premier Cup tie with Woodbridge Town, now rearranged for 27 October. Tributes preceded kick-off at Woodbridge Town, where the club noted that a minute's silence was impeccably observed. Ipswich Wanderers gave their half of the 50/50 draw from the game with Great Yarmouth Town to the fund, a total donation of £168. When Walsham Le Willows visited Woodbridge Town, the match finished 1-1, and the visitors thanked both sets of players and officials for performing on what they called a difficult day.

There was a loss at Soham Town Rangers too, who announced the death of former player and reserves manager David Low and held a minute's silence before their game with Brantham Athletic. The hosts won 2-1.

On the pitch, the Vase first round brought the most remarkable scoreline. Ely City lost 5-4 at Haverhill Rovers after leading 3-2 in the second half. Sam Townshend scored twice, Jack Friend once, and substitute Ollie Roth smashed in the rebound in the 96th minute after Friend's penalty was saved. Joe Tarpey was the club's away player of the match. Haverhill's next outing was a 3-0 league defeat at Stowmarket Town.

Elsewhere, Great Yarmouth Town won 3-2 at Ipswich Wanderers and have a Vase trip to Riseborough Rangers on 31 October. Harleston Town beat Wisbech Town 2-1, with Josh Durham making his 200th appearance for the club, after a 1-1 draw with Thetford Town in which Bertie Oliver scored. Thetford then won 5-1 at Cornard United. Wisbech Town have a Vase tie at Belstone on 31 October.

Lakenheath drew 0-0 with unbeaten Downham Town, having previously beaten Kirkley 7-0. Mildenhall Town won 1-0 against Kirkley & Pakefield, while Dereham Town lost 4-3 at March, a result the club felt was undeserved. Dereham Town also signed Luca Upton from Lowestoft.