AFTER an absence of 14 months, Monday Night Football has returned in Suffolk

The Monday Night Football League, which is run by Suffolk FA and sponsored by Haven Power, resumed this week for the first time since the country went into lockdown in March last year.

Four teams were in action on the opening night at Ipswich Academy in Brazier’s Wood Road as the league started up again following the coronavirus pandemic.

Athletico Demon defeated CTFI FC 4-2 in the opening match, after CTFI FC had fought back from 3-0 down to reduce the deficit to a single goal.

The second match of the night saw Haven Power and Friars Street share the points in a 2-2 draw.

The Haven Power team line-up prior to their match on Monday night. The Ipswich-based energy supplier are once again sponsoring the league. Main photograph: Action from the first match on Monday night as Athletico Demon (yellow shirts) play CTFI FC (blue shirts) at Ipswich Academy.

Suffolk FA Inclusive Football Development Officer Kirsty Smith, who organises the league, said: “It was great to see MNF back. It’s an important area for us as it offers a regular outlet to play for people who can’t commit to weekend but still have a passion for the game.

“Both games were very good and fairly even across the board. The games were played in the right spirit, the standard of football was good and lots of fun was enjoyed by all.”

Haven Power, the Ipswich-based energy supplier, are once again sponsoring the league, which has six teams signed up so far.

Paul Sheffield, Managing Director, Customers (Drax), said: “Helping Suffolk FA to achieve its sustainability goals is a great example of everything that Haven Power stands for.

“It demonstrates our purpose and the way we work closely with our customers to help them reach their goals. An added bonus is that we get to support grassroots football in our local community; just one of the ways we get involved with local people and support the Ipswich area.”

There is scope to increase the number of teams playing in the league.

The cost per team per match is £42 which covers the hire of the floodlit 3G pitch and a Suffolk FA qualified referee.

If you are interested in entering a team then please contact Kirsty Smith at Suffolk FA on 01449 616606 option 3 or 07432 735985 or email kirsty.smith@suffolkfa.com