Grief, cup runs and a night of goals define the week

Eastern Counties League action was overshadowed this week following the death of young Noah Woods. Brantham Athletic confirmed the death of young Noah Woods and, after what the club described as an incredibly difficult decision, chose to let fixtures go ahead, with a minute's silence observed before every match, youth and senior, and a collection held at Saturday's first team game in support of a JustGiving fund for his family. The one exception was the Development Team's fixture against East Bergholt, postponed given what the club called the deep-rooted personal attachments between the two clubs and the family. Brantham went on to beat Lakenheath 4-2 on the day itself.

In cup competition, Harleston Town's FA Cup adventure came to an end. Harleston Town's FA Cup run ended 1-2 at home to Real Bedford, the Southern Premier Division leaders, in front of more than 300 supporters. Town, who saw manager Adam Gusterson sent off following a dispute over an injury-treatment delay, equalised through a Josh Durham penalty before Conor Tees' deflected effort settled it. Alex Blowers, who made repeated saves throughout, was named man of the match. The club noted the run had already carried it past Great Yarmouth Town, Dereham Town and Romford Town, with the Yarmouth tie dedicated to Harleston Youth FC player Logan Collier, who died earlier this year.

Ely City progressed in the FA Vase with a 2-1 win over ten-man Harleston Town, Alfie Rogers heading a late winner after Sam Townshend's earlier goal, with Phil Mendy earning the player of the match award. The Robins backed that up in the league with a 4-1 win at Stowmarket Town, inflicting the leaders' first home defeat of the season, with goals from Rogers, Steph Pereira, Townshend and an own goal.

Step 5 action brought several high-scoring encounters across the division. Thetford Town beat Great Yarmouth Town 6-4 before Yarmouth responded with a 4-1 win at Haverhill Rovers, Reegan P scoring a hat-trick in the earlier game. Dereham Town lost 3-0 at Thetford Town having beaten March Town United 2-0 in midweek, and now face SWT Football Club in the FA Vase first round proper on 10 October. Mildenhall Town and Downham Town drew 2-2, while Wisbech Town won 3-1 at Walsham Le Willows, setting up an FA Vase meeting between the same two clubs on the same date. Soham Town Rangers lost 1-2 at home to Ipswich Wanderers despite the loan arrival of Josh Hammond from Ipswich Town.