April Review

It’s been a month of highs and lows for #NorfolkFootball in April.

FA COUNTY YOUTH CUP

The highest of highs came on the 14^th of the month, at Stoke City FC, when our U18 side emerged triumphant over opponents Staffordshire, and the rest of the country, winning the FA County Youth Cup, courtesy of a 2-0 win at the bet365 Stadium. After a tense tie, goals in the final quarter of the game, from Lewis Johnson and Ryan Miles (penalty) gave Adam Gusterson’s squad the victory.

You can relive the day’s action & events at the Norfolk County FA YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11bGIbzZ9hg

NORFOLK SENIOR CUP FINAL

We have also witnessed the three county cup finals over the course of the month, with the showpiece, the Senior Cup, being played on a soggy Monday night at Carrow Road between Norwich Utd and Downham Town.

Despite being two divisions above their West Norfolk opponents, Norwich Utd were made to fight all the way, including extra time, before they claimed their trophy for the first time, winning 4-2.

Paul Neary’s men, who were brave, resilient and a credit to their supporters and club officials throughout the game, made a perfect start as they opened the scoring within three minutes. Ben Baxter-Hunt was first to react, sweeping the ball home after The Planters failed to clear their lines effectively.

Norwich Utd recovered from this setback, and began to dominate the tie, but were thwarted in their attempts to equalise by a combination of fine goalkeeping from Capes and wasteful finishing. When it seemed as though the underdogs may make it to the break with their lead intact, they were by a double whammy in the space of four minutes. Firstly, Stewart’s delightful cross was flicked goalwards by Jackson, and young Sonny Carey was on hand to force the ball over the line. Then, Stewart and Carey again combined, a smart back heel from the former released the young forward who showed great composure to effortlessly glide past two defenders and fire into the bottom corner.

The second half was expected to follow a similar pattern, but Town had other ideas. They rallied, and with a passionate, all-action display, deservedly restored parity as the game entered the final quarter. A swift counter attack saw Simon Bird break into space, and taking aim, he unleashed low rasping shot from nearly 25yds that flew past the despairing dive of Wilton. The final twenty minutes couldn’t separate the two sides, and the game went to extra time.

It took thirteen further minutes, but it was Steve Eastaugh’s blow that landed the knockout blow. Nathan Stewart, who had been involved in the two first half goals, was hauled down outside the box, but dusted himself down to whip a beauty of a free kick, bending it over and around the wall, before crashing into the net, off the underside of the crossbar. It was a strike worthy of winning any cup final.

Downham were not finished, and continued to ask questions of their higher ranked opponents, but a second yellow card for Yates reduced them to 10 men early in the last 15 minutes, and it didn’t take the favourites long to confirm the victory. Stewart jinked past his marker and his low centre presented the simplest of tap-ins for Liam Jackson to make it four.

The Planters deserve great credit, given the disappointment they suffered just two days previous (which will be detailed later in the piece), to bounce back in such style to claim some silverware.

Highlights of the game can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVftLBDkg5c

NORFOLK JUNIOR CUP

A day prior to the Senior Cup final, Carrow Road also played host to the Junior Cup final, and those in attendance were to witness a shock result. Dussingdale Rovers, of Anglian Combination Division Five North, took apart Division Two side East Harling, executing a fantastic counter attacking display to win 4-1. Goals from Brooks, Cullumbine and Bird saw Rovers three up at the break, and despite an East Harling goal early in the second stanza after the wet conditions brought about a goalkeeping fumble, the underdogs held out, and were even able to add a fourth late on, another to be created by the slippery conditions.

All at Dussingdale also deserve the plaudits they received for shrugging off the disappointment they suffered in their previous game, just three days prior, to get the job done on the big stage.

Dussingdale Rover’s success can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc1VADvVGJI

NORFOLK PRIMARY CUP

The third county cup competition for Saturday football took place at The FDC on Friday 13^th April, with Anglian Combination Division Four side Gayton Utd Reserves prevailing over Lowestoft & District League outfit Celt Rangers by two goals to one. After a goalless first half, strikes in the 50^th & 75^th minutes, from Brady and Smith, were enough to claim the trophy, despite the best efforts of Celt and an injury time goal by sub Alford.

Match highlights are at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPaAmLaxyR4

Finally, we get to the league action around the county, and we start with a look at the goings-on at The Walks…

SOUTHERN PREMIER DIVISION (sponsored by Evo-Stik)

On the field, it’s been a fine month for King’s Lynn Town. They managed to go unbeaten through their five games, including a very important 2-1 win over Kettering Town, which proved vital in their successful quest to finish 2^nd in the table, and thus ensure home advantage through the promotion play-off battle.

Off the field, things haven’t gone so swimmingly. There were rumours of vultures circling around The Linnets’ manager, Ian Culverhouse, but these had been brushed aside and dismissed, before Culverhouse broke rank and revealed to the Non-League Paper that he had handed in his notice and would be leaving the club at the end of the campaign. Chairman Stephen Cleeve has already begun his search for a replacement, and they hope to have the new man in place very soon.

Obviously, there was a concern that this news could destabilise the club hopes of reaching the National League set-up, but the players shrugged off all the uncertainty to beat Chesham Utd 3-1 on the final day of the regular season to line up a play-off semi-final battle with Weymouth at The Walks on Wednesday 2^nd May, where a massive crowd is expected to cheer on the side.

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE NORTH (sponsored by Bostik)

For all the highs that Norwich Utd experienced on the final day of the month at Carrow Road, these will still probably be scant consolation for the massive lows they experienced with their league campaign.

Following their bad start to the campaign, The Planters never managed to rid themselves of relegation worries and went into April still looking over the shoulders. A run of four games without a win in early April dropped the Plantation Park outfit to the foot of the table with four games remaining, but a week later everything seemed far rosier in The Planters’ garden.

A 4-1 win at play-off bound Canvey Island, followed by a 3-1 home success over AFC Sudbury gave them a five point cushion going into the last two games. Unfortunately, with only a point needed to ensure safety, they fell to a demoralising 2-1 defeat to Heybridge Swifts, thanks to a 87^th minute winning goal for Swifts, before visiting Cheshunt on the final day.

A horror start to the game saw Utd three down after half hour, but they rallied superbly and, by the 54^th minute, they were level thanks to goals from Hipperson, Barker & Hitch. This would’ve been enough to render Romford’s game with Maldon & Tiptree meaningless, but Cheshunt were to add three further goals in 21 minutes to win 6-3 and leave The Planters praying for help from Maldon & Tiptree Utd. This divine intervention never came, with news filtering through that Romford had achieved a 4-2 win to save themselves and relegate our third-ranked side back to the Eastern Counties League after a two year hiatus.

What the immediate future now holds for the current Senior Cup holders is unclear, but with a big group of the squad having already pledged their commitment to the club, it is hoped a swift return to Step Four football can be achieved by the club.

On a brighter note, our other team at this level, Dereham Town, finished in a highly respectable 8^th position. The month began for The Magpies in fine style, hitting Grays Athletic for six on their own ground, goals coming from six different players.

One point from the next five games threatened to derail Neal Simmons’ hopes for a good finish, but wins over Waltham Abbey (2-0) and Hertford Town (3-2) ensured they finished on a high and now have a good platform to build on for next season. If they can retain players of the ilk of recent captures Sam Borrer & Rossi Jarvis, and add some quality to the current squad, a push for the paly-offs is certainly achievable next season.

EASTERN COUNTIES PREMIER DIVISION (sponsored by Thurlow Nunn)

An average run of form for the majority of our Premier Division sides means that four of our five representative remain concertinaed in the middle of the table. Currently leading the way for Norfolk are Gorleston, who picked up eight points from their April games, including a 5-2 win over Walsham le Willows, in which Ross Gilfedder once again displayed his predatory instincts with another four goal salvo. This takes to Gilfedder to 21 goals since returning to Emerald Park earlier in the season.

One place below Stu Larter’s men are Wroxham. The Trafford Park outfit won two, drew two and lost two this month, and #NorfolkFootball witnessed one of those defeats, to league leaders Coggeshall Town by two goals to nil. We were very impressed with the side from Essex, who on that form, will be worthy champions ahead of their nearest challengers Felixstowe & Walton Utd (the other side to beat The Yachtsmen this month). They were dominant for the most part, scoring a goal in each half from set pieces, and should be able to cope with the step up to Step Four football next season. Wroxham, on the other hand, will be looking to push on to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of their committee and mount a serious promotion challenge under Godbold & Reynolds next season.

The third team in the trunk of the table are Thetford Town. Danny White’s men picked up six points from as many games during the month to lie 13^th, but they do have their eyes firmly focussed on their cup final in early May. The Brecklanders take on Brantham Athletic at 3pm on Bank Holiday Monday in the League Challenge Cup Final at Brewers Green Lane, home of Diss Town.

One place below Thetford Town are The Bloaters. Great Yarmouth Town have continued to blood youngsters this month, and managers Mason and Sinclair must be commended for having the courage to utilise this talent. Given the fact that four players represented the county in their national success, the future appears bright for the lads from The Wellesley.

Our other side, Fakenham Town, haven’t ever managed to reach the heights of the previously mentioned four, and have fought an arduous battle against relegation. It appears this battle will get the better of them, with The Ghosts twelve points adrift of safety in the last relegation spot. A return of just one win in six looks to have put paid to any survival hopes and Andy Cunningham will be looking to regroup his troops and have a positive campaign in the new regionalised division next season.

EASTERN COUNTIES FIRST DIVISION (sponsored by Thurlow Nunn)

Given the quality of the Downham Town performance at Carrow Road, it is no surprise to see they have gone unbeaten in their April league programme. Five wins and two draws have propelled Paul Neary’s men into the top half of the table.

Another side to have had a fine month is our top performers in the division, Swaffham Town. The Pedlars sit 4^th, and underlined their abilities when dispatching 5^th placed Braintree Town Reserves by a magnificent seven in a scintillating display of vibrancy and effervescence. Star striker Joe Jackson hit a hat-trick in the game, watched by #NorfolkFootball, but he cannot shake off his partner-in-crime, Alex Vincent, in their battle for the club’s golden boot. Jackson has 41 goals and leads by one going into the final two games. The Pedlars have also managed to score wins against league champions Woodbridge Town and another of the promoted sides, Whitton Utd. A big season looks on the cards for Paul Hunt’s men next year.

Another side who can be proud of their season is sixth placed King’s Lynn Town Reserves. A change in manager occurred during the month, with Neil Back stepping down, but having completed their fixtures, the young Linnets can strive to improve their final placing next year. With the relative success enjoyed by the first team, the club are in a healthy position looking to the future.

Norwich CBS can also be equally proud of their efforts this season. Having joined the league, the side formerly known as Spixworth, have performed beyond expectations to currently sit 7^th, and this emphasised when they convincingly beat second placed Framlingham Town 3-0 at The FDC.

After another troubled season, Diss Town are starting to show some shoots of recovery. Thirteen points from a possible eighteen in April have lifted The Tangerines to 12^th spot.

Our final side in the First Division, Norwich Utd Reserves, have only played three games this month, losing all of them, and currently sit 19^th. It’s been a positive first year for the Planters’ second string, with a squad largely made up of under 21 players, but which division they find themselves in next season, given the first team’s demotion, is open to conjecture and debate.

ANGLIAN COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

For the second year in a row, the style in which fixtures in the league are allocated has allowed for the two heavyweights in the division to go head-to-head in a season-defining game at the end of the campaign.

Long-time leaders Harleston Town started the month with a slim advantage over title rivals Mulbarton Wanderers, but progressed serenely through the month’s fixtures, winning on the road at Waveney, Acle Utd and St Andrews, before destroying bottom side Reepham Town 22-1 and then completing the double of Suffolk side Waveney with a 6-0 win.

Mulbarton, also suffered no hiccups along the way, dispatching Wroxham Res, Long Stratton, Mattishall, Acle Utd, Beccles Town & Caister, whilst only conceding one goal, setting up a showdown at Mulberry Park on 28^th April.

Under dark skies, on a soggy surface, with over 300 in attendance, Town emerged triumphant by a single Scott Roberts goal and returned back to South Norfolk with the Sterry Cup in their mitts. This capped off a fantastic month personally for Harleston manager Adam Gusterson (after the heroics performed by his Norfolk Under 18s side), and his squad deserve the plaudits that will come their way for dealing with the pressure of being title favourites since the season began, and for shrugging off last season’s disappointment on the final day at Wilderness Lane. Special mention must also go to Danny Self, Ben Thompson and their Mulbarton squad for pushing the champions all the way this season, and #NorfolkFootball look forward to seeing how both teams fare as they step up a level in the football pyramid in 2018/19.

Below them, in third, are Norwich CEYMS, but a real battle has developed for 4^th spot, with just one point separating Hellesdon, Long Stratton and Bradenham Wanderers. At the bottom, it’s been a low month for Stalham Town. The men from Rivers Park succumbed to the threat of relegation in their final game, losing 4-2 at home to Beccles Town, and must be ruing drawing three out of four in an unbeaten run during the month. They return to Division One after two years at the top table, alongside Reepham Town, who were relegated a good while ago, and will also have to do it without their goalkeeper Thomas Nicholls, who has hung up his gloves after 900 games, and their manager John Bell.

ANGLIAN COMBINATION DIVISION ONE (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

Runaway leaders Wymondham Town were declared divisional winners on 14^th April, as a 9-0 hammering of North Walsham Town, ensured they were uncatchable, although the destiny of the title seemed certain a good while before that date.

The tussle to join them in the Premier Division has twisted and turned, with Sheringham, Mundford, UEA and Scole Utd all jostling for supremacy. As the month ended, The Shannocks needed just one point from their remaining two games to ensure promotion. Chris Wigger’s men held firm whilst others around them floundered, and will probably look at their 10 man fightback from two down at Mundford as a pivotal day in the battle.

Loddon Utd are the first side to slip through the trapdoor to junior football, but who joins them is still up in the air. Cromer Town achieved a notable win over Mundford to boost their hopes, and, going into May, The Crabs now sit two points behind Hindringham. It could all boil down to a battle between the two on May 9^th.

ANGLIAN COMBINATION DIVISION TWO (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

#NorfolkFootball were on hand at the beginning of the month to watch leaders Easton claim promotion, and strike a blow to Fakenham Town Reserves’ hopes of catching them, as they beat The Ghosts’ second string 3-0. Chris Brownbridge’s men started slowly and should really have been two down in the early stages, but as the game progressed, they upped their output, turned the screw and ran out deserved victors, with three goals in the final 25mins.

Two further wins put their title in their grasps, but they slipped up at home to Poringland Wanderers, before exacting revenge over The Trees to win the title last Saturday. Fakenham also managed to achieve promotion, as a 5-1 win over bottom club Horsford Utd ensured they were back in senior football too

Third place could also result in promotion, and East Harling seem to hold all the aces in the battle with Thetford Rovers and Poringland Wanderers to snare this spot. At the bottom of the table, top marks go to Mattishall Reserves. Thirteen points from a possible eighteen have lifted them out of the drop zone and way clear of bottom two Acle Utd and Horsford Utd.

ANGLIAN COMBINATION DIVISION THREE (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

The battle for the title looked to be heading towards a battle between the top two, Gorleston Reserves and Buxton, on the 5^th May at Buxton Rec, but two defeats in as many games for Buxton has more or less handed the title to Scott Butler’s squad, who have made it back-to-back-to-back promotions. Buxton are still guaranteed Division Two football and, if three are to go up, a real battle is on between border side Beccles Caxton, Freethorpe and Swaffham Town Reserves. Three points separate the three teams, but Caxton have played a game more than the other two, meaning Freethorpe have to be favourites, given they have the opportunity to do the business on their home ground.

At the bottom, Costessey Sports have been cast adrift and face the drop, but Blofield Utd Reserves could yet survive, if they were to better Hemsby’s and Redgate Rangers’ points haul. The latter two do have the comfort of having three games to claim the one point they need for survival. Above them, Hempnall and Long Stratton Reserves have picked up crucial wins to lift themselves clear of danger and ensure they are still playing Division Three football next season.

ANGLIAN COMBINATION DIVISION FOUR (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

Despite a heavy defeat to rivals Great Yarmouth Town Reserves early in the month, four wins in April have propelled Bradenham Wanderers Reserves to the brink of a divisional triumph. The Bloaters’ second string are also on the brink of promotion, although celebrations were put on hold last Saturday, when the Primary Cup winners Gayton Utd Reserves left The Wellesley with a 1-1 draw.

As Heacham have fallen away due to three games without a win, this has allowed Aylsham Reserves steal a march in the race for third, although the former only need to win one of their last three games, and they finish off their campaign hosting bottom club Reepham Town Reserves.

The Robins have suffered in a similar vein to their first team, and are relegated. In a strange coincidence, sitting just above them is Stalham Town Reserves. Also in danger of relegation, if the league stand by their constitution and relegate four sides to the regional divisions, are the reserve sides of Sheringham and North Walsham Town. The Shannocks have an opportunity to finish outside the drop zone, if they can win two away games, but The Angels appear destined to finish 13^th, despite accruing seven points from their last three games.

ANGLIAN COMBINATION DIVISION FIVE NORTH (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

What a calendar year it has been for UEA Reserves. The Students’ last lost a game on 18^th November, with a thirteen game winning run taking them to the title. They have backed up this superiority with three wins in cup competitions to achieve a double. Having won their last league game 10-0 over Thorpe Village, they beat Junior Cup winners Dussingdale Rovers in the CS Morley Cup Final, although they left it late. Trailing to a 77^th minute goal from Sam Brooks, they equalised in injury time courtesy of Jody Scowcroft before winning the cup with a Daniel Campfield strike. Below them, runners up spot was snatched from under the noses of Castle Acre Swifts by the fats finishing Mundford Reserves. An eight game unbeaten run resulted in The Stags grabbing second spot on goal difference. In an enthralling battle, Swifts had to settle for third, with Dussingdale Rovers just two points further adrift in fourth.

ANGLIAN COMBINATION DIVISION FIVE SOUTH (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

A similar battle for promotion occurred in the other regional division, although the title was claimed by the runaway train that was Suffolk side Beccles Town Reserves prior to the final day. However, going into that final round of fixtures, Attleborough Town Reserves and AC Mill Lane were separated by goal difference.

AC Mill Lane set the standard with a 6-1 win at East Harling Reserves on Saturday lunchtime, meaning Boro’ knew what they needed to do when they kicked off at 2:30pm. Despite the pressure being on them, they swept opposition Belton aside, hitting eleven unanswered goals to confirm their ascension to Division Four.

That’s all for April, but be aware that the month of May, albeit containing only a handful of games, has some mouth-watering encounters to look forward to!

#NORFOLKFOOTBALL

 

March Review

The month of March has been one that has been seriously affected by the weather, and began with football across the county being wiped out on the first weekend due to the snowfall and freezing temperatures, but once games recommenced on 6^th March we were rewarded to a fantastic month of football full of twists and turns, and ups and downs.

FA County Youth Cup

March 10^th was a superb day for football across the county, and was kick-started by the County U18 squad at The FDC, in their semi-final against Gloucestershire FA. Those in attendance on a bright morning in Norwich bore witness to a great game of football that was a credit to both of the counties involved.

The first half was an even affair, with Norfolk’s main chance resulting in Miles Palmer’s 20yd effort being tipped over via the top of the crossbar, whilst Ray Urry made one fine block to prevent a Gloucestershire goal.

As the second half began, Gusterson’s troops started to assert superiority in the game, and they were the side to make the breakthrough. Palmer raced onto a pass, reaching it before the onrushing visiting keeper, and was upended in the ensuing collision, leaving the official no alternative but to point to the spot. After a short delay, Ryan Miles stepped up to calmly dispatch the spot-kick. Gloucestershire immediately made a change to their line-up, bringing on an additional forward in Mannings, and this paid dividends soon after. A jinking run by McBeam into the right channel resulted in his low cross being tapped in by the substitute’s first touch. The visitors had their tails up, but keeper Billy Johnson earnt his corn, palming away a shot destined for the net.

Norfolk then made their first change as the game entered the final twenty minutes, Fatadjo replacing the stricken Palmer, with the Gorleston wingman adding an extra dimension to his side’s attacking play. The second substitute, Bemrose, entered the fray on 82mins, and he came close to grabbing the winner. Firstly, his looping header nestled in the net but was ruled out for offside, before the Long Stratton youngster spurned a great chance with the final touch of regulation time.

Extra time saw Norfolk enjoy a huge slice of luck when a Gloucestershire winger’s cleanly struck shot had Johnson beaten all ends up, but the sound of ball thudding against post allowed the watching crowd to breathe a collective sigh of relief. The turning point of the game occurred soon after when the referee was on hand to spot the Gloucestershire goalscorer, Mannings, throw a punch following a tangling of bodies and he was left with no option but to deliver the striker his marching orders.

From this moment on, Norfolk never looked back and upped the ante, sensing a final spot was in their grasp, and the team didn’t disappoint. On 110mins, a Billy Johnson free kick, delivered deep into the Gloucestershire box caused consternation, before Ryan Miles doubled his tally, hooking a volley into the bottom corner from 12yds.

Gloucestershire tried in vain to savage something from the tie, but the Norfolk rear-guard kept them at arm’s length and then delivered the coup de grace in injury time. A Gloucestershire corner was cleared and Fatadjo raced away and unselfishly teed up Ryan Miles to roll the ball into an unguarded net to complete his hat-trick and send his county into a FA County Youth Cup Final against Staffordshire FA

The final takes place at 2pm on Saturday 14^th April at the home of Stoke City Football Club against in a repeat of the 2011 final, the last time that Norfolk were crowned national champions.

Norfolk County FA Senior Cup

Following a brief hold-up due to the weather, the two semi-finals took place at The FDC in the early part of the month. First up was the battle of the heavyweights, as Dereham Town and Norwich Utd did battle, and it was the latter that progressed to the final with a comprehensive 4-0 win in front of nearly 200 spectators, inspired by a hat-trick from Adam Hipperson, with the rout being completed in stoppage time courtesy of an own goal.

Hipperson opened the scoring midway through the first half, before adding to his tally in the final ten minutes after The Planters had absorbed a concerted effort from The Magpies to get back into the game. The fourth goal was the icing on the cake for the Plantation Park based outfit, who reached their second final in three seasons.

And, in the final, they will meet Eastern Counties League Division One side Downham Town. Town ended the fairy-tale run by Anglian Combination side Wymondham Town, who had beaten a cluster of higher level opposition on their run to the semi-finals, with a 3-0 success. Approximately 400 watched Downham captain John Sykes give his team the lead in the early stages of the contest, and despite a spirited effort from the underdogs, second half goals from Baxter-Hunt & Pritchard settled the tie and sent the victors into their first final in nearly 50yrs!

The final takes place on Monday 30^th April at Carrow Road, 7:30pm KO

Norfolk County FA Junior Cup

Whilst Norfolk U18s were reaching the FA County Youth Cup Final, four teams were contesting a place in the Junior Cup Final at Carrow Road on the same day. The more glamorous looking of the ties, East Harling vs Fakenham Town Reserves saw the hosts overcome the second string of The Ghosts, courtesy of a goal in either half from their centre forward Charlie Webb.

In the final, on Sunday 29^th April (2:30pm KO), their opponents will be Dussindale Rovers. The Thorpe-based side defied a difference of three divisions and home advantage to beat Poringland Wanderers by a solitary Duncan Whitlam strike.

Norfolk County FA Primary Cup

The final of the Primary Cup takes place on Friday 13^th April at The FDC (7:30pm KO) and will be contested between Anglian Combination Division Four outfit Gayton Utd Reserves, and Lowestoft & District League side Celt Rangers.

On the 10^th March, Gayton Utd overcame Central & South Norfolk League side Tugas Utd in their semi-final, thanks to an extra time goal by Corey Brady, whilst Celt Rangers travelled the breadth of the county to see off AFC Walpole by 4-1.

http://www.norfolkfa.com/news/2018/apr/11/primary-cup-final-2018-preview

Southern Premier League (sponsored by Evo-Stik)

March was a faultless month for King’s Lynn Town, as they managed to put the heat on leaders Hereford, accumulating six wins out of six. The qualities of the 10^th March for the county was in evidence for The Linnets as they made the long trip to Herefordshire and completed the double over the big guns of the division, in front of nearly 3500 fans, thanks to second half strikes from Fryatt & Hilliard. They backed this up three days later, beating fellow challengers Slough Town 1-0, with Ward getting the first of three goals during the month.

Hilliard, Gash & Siddons were on target as Farnborough were sent packing from The Walks, having lost 3-1, and Gash was again on the scoresheet in the 1-0 success at Redditch Utd. The 5^th win of the month came as Culverhouse’s squad claimed revenge on Basingstoke Town with a stirring comeback, grabbing two late goals to overcome a first half deficit. Cameron King, who signed a short term contract during the month, scoring an 85^th minute winner

The month ended with a nap hand away at Stratford Town. Two early strikes by centre back Ward put them on their way, and despite a goal back from the hosts, further goals from Mettam, Siddons & an own goal sealed the handsome victory.

All this means The Linnets go into April sitting in second place, looking all set for a play-off battle later in the month

Isthmian League North (sponsored by Bostik)

It’s been a chastening month for Dereham Town. Having lost their Senior Cup semi-final, they have gone on to lose every league game this month. Single goal defeats to well-placed Potters Bar Town (0-1)and Maldon & Tiptree (2-3), was followed by an Easter Saturday defeat at strugglers Ware (1-2) leaving Neal Simmons men just outside the play-offs, but hoping for a profitable April to catapult The Magpies back into the top six.

Simmons has also entered the transfer market, as he coaxed Rossi Jarvis away from the troubles across the border at Lowestoft Town, to reinforce the club’s play-off bid.

Norwich Utd also took advantage of the strife in Lowestoft, as they persuaded Harry Barker to join them at the start of the month. #NorfolkFootball were on hand to witness his debut, a thrilling 2-2 draw with Grays Athletic on 10^th March (that day again!), in a game that included three penalties and was certainly not for the feint-hearted. The first penalty was awarded to the visitors when the linesman missed a clear offside, but was on hand to signal for an obvious foul in the area.

The Planters upped their game after the interval and had the chance to equalise in the early stages, but Jackson’s penalty was expertly saved. Within minutes though, a second penalty was awarded and, this time, Adam Hipperson stepped up to dispatch. A breathless second half continued minutes later, as an Applegate slip, saw Grays Athletic grab their second, but back came the home side and Nathan Stewart volleyed home a second equaliser, with all three goals coming in seven minutes. Both sides had chances to win, but a draw was a fair result.

Draws were as good as it got for Steve Eastaugh’s men for the rest of the month. Stewart was on target again in the next game, a 1-1 draw with top six side Bowers & Pitsea. An agonising last minute defeat to Witham Town was a kick in the teeth, but a big transfer was in the offing, as former club favourite and lethal marksman Matt Blake returned to Plantation Park on a loan deal from Isthmian Premier side Leiston. Blake made an instant impact, scoring on his debut, but it was not enough as Utd fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Hertford Town. Blake was again on target in the 1-1 draw with Waltham Abbey and scored again, against Maldon & Tiptree, with an 88th minute equaliser as The Planters recovered from a 3-1 deficit, inflicted by ex-Southend forward Lee Barnard’s hat-trick.

The month of April looks pivotal for Eastaugh’s men, and includes encounters with bottom side Romford and fellow strugglers Cheshunt.

Eastern Counties League Premier Division (sponsored by Thurlow Nunn)

Top of the class in this division for Norfolk this month was Thetford Town. Danny White’s men have not only gone unbeaten through the month, but they also added some gloss to that run with a 2-0 win over Stanway Rovers to book a spot in the League Challenge Cup Final on 7^th May at Brewers Green Lane, the home of Diss Town. The four league games saw two wins for The Brecklanders, over Ely City & Histon, and two draws, with Newmarket Town and their cup final opponents, Brantham Athletic.

Elsewhere across the county, it was the month of Gilfedder! Gorleston centre forward Ross went goal crazy during the month, firing The Greens to ten points from a possible fifteen and propelled them into top Norfolk side in the process. Gilfedder grabbed braces in the big wins over FC Clacton (4-0), Hadleigh Utd (6-2) and Haverhill Rovers (4-1), before grabbing the goal in the 1-1 draw at Newmarket Town. Amongst this, Stu Larter’s men did suffer a 2-0 defeat to Godmanchester Rovers, which blunted a six game winning run.

It’s been a mixed month for Great Yarmouth Town. The Bloaters have won two, lost two and drawn one, a noble effort considering that goals have been hard to come by. With games in hand, Mason’s & Sinclair’s squad will be looking to catch the Norfolk sides just above them in the table, Thetford Town and Wroxham.

The Yachtsmen have endured a frustrating month, missing the chance to join Thetford Town in the League Challenge Cup Final, having lost 3-1 to Brantham Athletic, whilst also being held to draws in all three league games, with the aforementioned Brantham and lowly Ipswich Wanderers and Fakenham Town.

The troubled season for The Ghosts continues, as the point with The Yachtsmen was the only accrual for Andy Cunningham’s men. The weather left them inactive until 20^th March and subsequent defeats to The Bloaters and Haverhill Borough leave them with a real challenge to escape relegation. This task wasn’t helped in their game with high-flying Felixstowe & Walton Utd was abandoned when Kegan Charlesworth suffered a broken leg in the early stages of the game.

Eastern Counties League Division One (sponsored by Thurlow Nunn)

Despite a Knockout Cup semi-final defeat to lofty Whitton Utd, it has been a month to remember for Norwich Utd Reserves. Four consecutive league wins in March have shot The Planters’ second string away from the bottom two as goals from Cooper & Diggens have inspired Kaine Challen’s men to single goal victories over Holland FC (1-0), Downham Town (3-2), Cornard Utd (1-0) and Halstead Town (2-1) and has lifted the gloom over Plantation Park.

The gloom still hangs over Brewers Green Lane though. Only three teams sit below The Tangerines as four points have been claimed from four games with goals a-plenty. Leitao has continued to do his best for the club, with four of the nine goals during the month. Unfortunately, the team hasn’t been able to stem the concession of goals, as the goal has been breached thirteen times.

In the top half of the table, #NorfolkFootball has four sides, although none are able to lay a glove on the top three. Downham Town are the lowest placed, and will look back on a positive month, largely due to their progression to the Norfolk Senior Cup Final. League wise, they managed only two points from their four games.

Above them are Norwich CBS. The boys from The FDC started the month with a 5-3 win over Debenham LC, but then picked up only one point from the subsequent three games, and the 2-1 defeat to leaders Woodbridge Town was hard to take, as CBS finished the game with nine men.

The two sides in the top six, Swaffham Town and King’s Lynn Town Reserves drew with each other early in the month, before The Pedlars hit AFC Sudbury Reserves for seven, and The Linnets’ second string inflicted the same pain on Little Oakley.

Anglian Combination Premier Division (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

It looks like a two horse race for the Sterry Cup, as Norwich CEYMS suffered two defeats in the month to drop off the pace being set by Harleston Town and Mulbarton Wanderers. Four straight wins for Harleston Town sees them have the best record, as The Mulberries, despite also winning four, may rue a draw with Wroxham Res. Having said that, if both sides were to win all their games leading up to 28^th April, there will be a prospective title showdown between the two at Mulberry Park on the last Saturday of the month.

At the bottom, the task for Stalham Town looks increasingly more difficult. Improvement in the form of Acle Utd, Blofield Utd & Mattishall leaves The Reds occupying the second relegation spot, alongside already doomed Reepham Town. They also are still on the search for a new manager for next season, with John Bell’s replacement, Travis Manning, performing a U-turn after being appointed for 2018/19.

Anglian Combination Division One (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

The march to the title for Wymondham Town continues in Division One. Despite losing their semi-final to Downham Town, they picked up seven points in March to put themselves within touching distance of the top division.

Below them, the battle is well and truly on for second place. Sheringham, Mundford Utd, UEA and Scole Utd are separated by just four points.

The real story in this division could be the fairy-tale brewing on the North Norfolk coast at Cabbell Park. Three wins out of four for Cromer Town, as made an unlikely survival bid all the more real, but the fixture list is against them, as they face all four sides in the battle for runners-up. Hindringham must’ve begun to nervously look over their shoulders at The Crabs, but a 3-2 win over Aylsham in late March could prove to be enough to keep them above the drop zone. Below this tussle, Loddon Utd are set for junior football next season and have failed to raise a side at the end of the month.

Anglian Combination Division Two (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

The top two, Easton & Fakenham Town Reserves, look destined for senior football, and much will depend on their encounter in early April to see where the title heads to. The battle for third, however, is alive and well, with five or six sides in the running.

At the bottom, the arrival of Bevis at Horsford Utd has given them a glimmer of hope in their battle to survive. They have closed the gap in March, but need to overhaul two reserve sides to ensure this. The fact it is reserves sides of two Premier Division clubs is quite significant at this stage of the campaign.

Anglian Combination Division Three (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

Gorleston Reserves have stolen a march in the quest for glory in this division. With title rivals Buxton only picking up one point in March, five straight wins for Scott Butler’s men has seen them go five points clear. Buxton must also be wary of the steam train that is Freethorpe. The side now sitting in third place picked up ten points to extend unbeaten run to seven games, a run that dates back to when #NorfolkFootball watched them be eliminated from the Norfolk Junior Cup by eventual finalists East Harling.

In all likelihood, the division’s bottom spot will be filled by Costessey Sports, but just above them a real battle is developing with Hemsby precariously placed, given they are in competition with the reserve sides at Blofield Utd and Long Stratton.

Anglian Combination Division Four (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

The stuttering form of long-time leaders Heacham has seen them drop off their perch, and this spot is now filled by Travis Manning’s Great Yarmouth Town Reserve side, with Bradenham Wanderers Reserves now in second. Four wins on the bounce for The Bloaters’ second string mean the points are in the bag, but both Bradenham & Heacham have games in hand in the title battle.

At the bottom, relegation appears to be on the cards for the reserve sides of Reepham Town, North Walsham Town and Stalham Town, whilst their counterparts at Sheringham and St Andrews are the others in danger of falling through the trapdoor to the regional divisions.

Anglian Combination Division 5N (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

Four wins on the bounce for UEA Reserves has put them in pole position to claim the tile, given they have a game in hand on leaders Castle Acre Swifts, who finish their season in early April against fellow challengers Mundford Utd Reserves. The other team in the mix are Junior Cup finalists Dussindale Rovers, although how much of a distraction the Carrow Road final is to their hopes, remains to be seen. Hellesdon Reserves have seemingly fallen away from a top two finish, picking up only one point in March.

Anglian Combination Division 5S (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

This title looks like its heading over the border to Suffolk side, Beccles Town Reserves. They have reached the end of March with their extraordinary winning run of sixteen still in intact, and the Norfolk sides are seemingly battling for second place. And this is a three-way tussle between AC Mill Lane, Tacolneston & Attleborough Town Reserves. The first of these appear to be favourites and struck a blow with their away win at Station Road in late March.

Anglian Combination League Cup Semi Finals

The semi-finals of two competitions took place during the month of March and we now know who will be competing in the Mummery & CS Morley Cups.

The Mummery Cup will be contested between Premier Division leaders Harleston Town, who slugged it out with Norwich CEYMS, emerging 2-0 winners, thanks to second half strikes from Cheese and Stone. Their opponents will be Division One side Sheringham. The Shannocks came through at the expense of Blofield Utd after 120 minutes of action. Extra time strikes from the experienced Halliday & Terrington ensured a 3-1 win for Chris Wigger’s squad.

The CS Morley Cup semi-finals saw Dussindale Rover continue their love affair with cup competitions continue, as they backed up their giant-killing in the Junior Cup at Division Two side Poringland Wanderers, with a 3-1 home win over Division Four high-fliers Heacham to reach a second final. In this they will meet UEA Reserves. The Students’ second string capped a fine month with a solitary goal success over Mulbarton Wanderers Reserves.

Both finals will be played out at The FDC in late April and early May.

February Review

Southern Premier Division (sponsored by Evo-Stik)

King’s Lynn Town kicked off the month of February by going on a goal rampage to back up their dramatic injury time win at the end of the previous month over Hereford. Ian Culverhouse’s men went nap over Dunstable Town, before hitting a magnificent seven over Gosport Borough. The twelve goals were shared out between seven different players, with Ryan Fryatt and Tom Siddons scoring in both, whilst Ryan Hawkins added to his strike against Dunstable with a hat-trick at bottom club Gosport. Siddons’ goals were his last contribution to The Linnets for a while, as he joined Spalding Utd on loan soon after the Gosport Borough encounter.

After a free Saturday, Lynn were held to a frustrating draw, in front of another four figure crowd, by Banbury Utd, relying on an injury time equaliser from Toby Hilliard to grab a point. They then had a long trip home from the West Country as the visit to Tiverton Town resulted in the home side grabbing the solitary goal in the 87th minute.

These setbacks, coupled with Hereford’s ominous looking form, means our top non-league side now sit in 2nd, seven points adrift of The Bulls, who also have two games in hand on The Linnets. Given the current situation, it seems unlikely that Culverhouse’s squad will obtain the automatic promotion spot, and will be focussing their attentions on ensuring they are ready for a tilt at the end-of-season play-offs.

Isthmian League North (sponsored by Bostik)

Another team to suffer a frustrating month are Dereham Town. Despite going unbeaten through the month, events that transpired in late February have put a dampener on the achievements.

The Magpies began the month with wins over Heybridge Swifts (2-1) and at Romford (2-0). Sandwiched in-between this was a 2-2 draw at home to Canvey Island. However, since then, things haven’t gone to plan. First up was a 90th minute equaliser by Aveley in a 2-2 draw at Aldiss Park, before news filtered through in the preceding week that Neal Simmons’ men had incurred a three point deduction from the Isthmian League for fielding the ineligible Robbie Linford in the win over leaders AFC Hornchurch back in October. This setback was compounded as the side again saw the concession of a late goal limit their accrual to just one point in their draw at Brentwood Town. Despite this, The Magpies still sit in 7th spot, only three points adrift of third-placed Canvey Island, and will be looking to build up a big enough points total in their last eleven games to reach the divisional play-offs.

On a positive note, winger Rhys Logan has been amongst the goals, scoring in three of the five games, whilst recent signing Sam Borrer highlighted his worth to the squad with goals in the Romford and Aveley games.

Down at the other end of the table, Norwich Utd still have a small cushion over the solitary relegation spot in the division, despite only winning one time during February. A home defeat to Potters Bar Town was followed up by a 3-1 midweek loss at Heybridge Swifts, but The Planters were more successful on their next road-trip. An Adam Hipperson hat-trick fired Steve Eastaugh’s men to a 3-1 win at Ware and sees the side finish the month in 21st position. The postponements of their two further scheduled games mean the Blofield Heath based side still have 14 games to play.

Off the field, it was announced that striker Liam Jackson had extended his current deal with the club for a further two seasons. 20yr old Jackson currently has 17 goals to his name this term, and it must be hoped that the former North Walsham Town striker can continue to improve and fire The Planters to future club success.

Eastern Counties Premier Division (sponsored by Thurlow Nunn)

The in-form Norfolk team in the Eastern Counties Premier Division are Gorleston. The Greens have won all three games to rise into 12th position, scoring eleven goals along the way. The month began with Ross Gilfedder banging in four goals in a 6-2 win at fellow Norfolk side Fakenham Town, the other two goals coming from Joel Watts. Watts was again on target, alongside Peter Lambert & Nathan Russell in a 3-1 win away to Hadleigh Utd, before Larter’s men performed their own version of The Late Show, beating Stanway Rovers 2-1 at Emerald Park. Gilfedder was again on target, equalising after 87 minutes, to set the scene for Peter Lambert to grab the winner as the clock ticked beyond 90 minutes.

Two places above The Greens are Norfolk’s top ranked Step 5 outfit, Wroxham. The club under the management of Godbold & Reynolds reached the League Challenge Cup semi finals in early February, winning 7-3 at Wisbech St.Mary, setting up a tie with Brantham Athletic at Trafford Park on March 20th. The Yachtsmen have since found goals hard to come by, with only one goal in the subsequent three games. A 4-0 reverse at Coggeshall Town, was followed by a fine 1-0 win over Ely City, before they succumbed to a solitary goal defeat at the hands of Histon to finish the month in 8th position. In a bit of bad news, the cub have lost the services of Payton Swatman. The midfielder, who grabbed the winner over Ely City, has decided to move to pastures new, with Stowmarket Town being the recipients.

Also in the semi finals of the League Challenge Cup are Thetford Town, with The Brecklanders hammering Godmanchester Rovers 5-1 at Mundford Road. Their reward is a home tie with Stanway Rovers. The league form of Danny White’s squad has been topsy-turvy, with four points from the four league games played, leaving the side in 13th position. Having lost 5-1 (Melanson) to Stowmarket Town, they bounced back with the cup win, where Valta Rocha marked his return to the club with a hat-trick, before being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Ipswich Wanderers, with Robbie Priddle adding to his cup brace with another goal. Consecutive weekend visits to the town of Haverhill saw one big win and an agonising odd goal in five defeat. Rocha was again in the goals in the former, grabbing a second hat-trick in just over a week in the 5-0 win over Rovers, before Borough inflicted the 3-2 defeat.

Sitting a few places adrift of The Brecklanders are Great Yarmouth Town. The Bloaters sit 17th, having won one of their three games, with the weather hampering their efforts to catch up on the games they have in hand on those around them. A red card to captain Rob Andersen was the catalyst to Histon beating a young squad 5-1, but Mason & Sinclair’s men recovered to beat FC Clacton 2-0, thanks to goals from Lewis & Holmes. #NorfolkFootball were in attendance for their most recent game, a 2-0 defeat to leaders Felixstowe & Walton Utd. With a notable list of absentees, the young side fought valiantly throughout, but just couldn’t find a way to break down a well organised and resolute opposition, who themselves were cheered on by a large, vocal travelling support. The leaders had numerous players with experience of higher level football within the ranks, and this was pivotal in their victory. One of those players, ex- Lowestoft Town man, Joe Francis, claimed a goal in each half to ensure The Seasiders left The Wellesley with the points.

Languishing near the foot of the table are Fakenham Town. Four straight defeats for Andy Cunningham’s men has left The Ghosts with a real battle to avoid relegation, and a significant upturn in fortunes is going to be required to achieve an act of escapology. Having been hammered 8-0 by Histon, they were then turned over in the aforementioned Gorleston loss, before visits to Godmanchester Rovers and Saffron Walden Town resulted in defeats by 2-0 and 7-0 respectively.

Eastern Counties League Division One (sponsored by Thurlow Nunn)

The county has three sides in the top eight of the First Division, although it is highly doubtful that any can break the stranglehold of the top three in the table. Highest of the threesome, Swaffham Town, sit fourth and after achieving only one point from their first three games in the month (1-3 vs Leiston Reserves, 2-2 vs Little Oakley & 0-3 vs Framlingham Town), The Pedlars returned to winning and goalscoring form, beating Cornered Utd 7-2 with Joe Jackson plundering a hat-trick and his striker partner Alex Vincent claiming a brace. This means the battle for the club’s golden boot is still alive and well, with the former on 34, two ahead of his strike partner.

Sitting one place and three points adrift of Paul Hunt’s men are Rob Back’s King’s Lynn Town Reserves. The Linnets’ second string started the month with a convincing 4-0 win over lowly Team Bury, with Eion McQuaid hitting a treble, but have since hit the buffers, losing 4-2 at Little Oakley and 2-1 at home to neighbours Wisbech St.Mary. The side have also lost the services of Harry Whayman, who has also made the move to Stowmarket Town, on a loan deal.

Eighth place is occupied by Norwich CBS. The boys from The FDC grabbed two wins out of three in February, beating Norfolk rivals Diss Town 3-2 at Brewers Green Lane and Little Oakley by 4-0 at home. Sandwiched in between was a 3-1 home defeat to Halstead Town. The month saw both Ben Fowkes & James Baughurst claim their first goals in CBS colours, whilst Attree, Barraclough & Page bagged two apiece. These goals took Barraclough into double figures for the campaign, a great achievement for a defender.

Mid-table is occupied by Downham Town. The Norfolk Senior Cup semi-finalists started the month with a creditable 2-1 win over Braintree Town Reserves, but drew blanks in their next two encounters, a 3-0 defeat to Debenham LC and a stalemate at Halstead Town. Their scheduled semi final tie with Wymondham Town was a victim of The Beast From The East and is now set for March 13th.

In the lower echelons of Step 6 football sit Norfolk’s last two representatives, Diss Town and Norwich Utd Reserves. The Tangerines have been very active in the transfer market recently, but it doesn’t appear as though these arrivals have had a positive impact, with all three games resulting in defeat, leaving them in 17th place. Jason Hunt’s squad have lost eight out of nine, six of those consecutively.

The Planters’ second string have lost both their league games on the road, to top six sides Framingham Town (0-2) and Braintree Town Reserves (0-6), to sit in 19th, albeit seven points clear of the bottom two. Challen’s men look like they have saved their best form for cup competition, and a fine 4-1 win at March Town Utd saw them reach the semi finals of the Division One Knockout Cup. There, they face a daunting task as they travel to the team sitting 2nd in the division, Whitton Utd, on March 14th.

Anglian Combination Premier Division (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

The weather affected the early part of the month, but it didn’t stop it from being a positive February for league leaders Harleston Town. The Wilderness Lane boys reached the Mummery Cup semi finals with an impressive 4-1 win over Wroxham Res, before reinforcing their Sterry Cup aspirations with wins over third placed Norwich CEYMS (2-1), Blofield Utd (4-1) and Beccles Town (5-1). This form, coupled with the recent 1-1 draw between their closest challengers, mean Gusterson’s squad have a nine point cushion over both Mulbarton Wanderers and Norwich CEYMS, although The Mulberries do have three games in hand.

At the other end of the table, both Acle Utd and Stalham Town have done their best to escape the clutches of relegation. #NorfolkFootball watched the encounter between the two sides at Rivers Park, where the visitors recorded a fully deserved 3-0 success, the game being remembered for a truly wonderful 35yd free kick in the opening two minutes by Brett Colclough. The A’s then beat Caister 3-1 at Bridewell Lane, whilst Stalham arrested their slide down the table with a big 5-1 win at doomed Reepham Town and a 2-1 home win over Waveney. With The Reds on the lookout for a new gaffer for next season, they must be hoping that the current manager, John Bell, and his squad have enough about them to ensure Premier Division football is on the agenda for his replacement.

Both sides’ upturn in form means there is only two points separating Suffolk based side Beccles Town, Blofield Utd, Mattishall and the highlighted pair. Aswell as a relegation battle, Blofield Utd have a Mummery Cup semi final to contend with. They joined Harleston Town and Norwich CEYMS as Premier Division representatives following their noteworthy 4-1 win over Mulbarton Wanderers. Their reward is a trip to Division One side Sheringham on March 17th, whilst the other two will do battle at Hilltops.

Elsewhere in the division, Hellesdon have shot up the table into 5th place with three successive wins and clean sheets in February, taking their unbeaten run to seven in the process.

Anglian Combination Division One (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

The destiny of the title seems set for Kings Head Meadow, as Wymondham Town’s grip on the division has showed no signs of abating. Four straight wins, taking their winning run to eight, means they are now twelve points clear. #NorfolkFootball were on hand to witness their first win of the month, over Mundford Utd, in a game that typified their never-say-die attitude. Mundford had taken a first half lead, when the impressive Ian Fancett volleyed home from 25yds, and looked to have executed the perfect away performance, on a sticky surface that made flowing football an issue. They appeared well organised, resolute and had coped with everything the leaders had thrown at them until the 85th minute. Then, enter Jordan Rocastle. The much travelled striker had been virtually anonymous for the seventy minutes he’d been on the pitch, before he danced into the penalty area and smashed home the equaliser. The collective sighs of relief from the home faithful turned to shrieks of unbridled joy a minute later, when Ashley Mitchell poked a shot past the visiting keeper at his near post to complete a remarkable turnaround.

They’ve since gone on to wallop Suffolk side Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves 11-2, dug deep to win their local derby at Attleborough Town by 3-1, despite being down to 10 men, before seeing off bottom club Cromer Town 5-2. Since that Mundford game, Rocastle has gone on to hit ten further goals to indicate that the club made the right decision in enticing him away from Sheringham.

The Shannocks are one of four sides separated by just one point in the fight for the second promotion spot, but all have suffered inconsistencies throughout February. Chris Wigger’s men are the sole Division One representative in the Mummery Cup semi finals, having seen off Bungay Town at the start of the month, and they then dispatched Attleborough Town, but have since drawn 2-2 with promotion rivals Mundford Utd and were surprisingly put to the sword by Yelverton. Mundford Utd have played only two games during February, at Wymondham & Sheringham, adding only one point to their total.

The third club involved, UEA, were unbeaten in six and hadn’t conceded this month, before, most recently, losing 2-1 at North Walsham Town. #NorfolkFootball witnessed The Students’ stalemate with Aylsham at Colney Lane, when a side afflicted by educational ‘Reading Week’ unavailabilities just couldn’t capitalise on their territorial superiority and possession overload and had to settle for a point.

Scole Utd lost 2-0 to UEA in the opening game of the month, but have gone on to win 2-0 and 4-1, over Hindringham and Watton Utd respectively, to stay in touch. A winless month for Aylsham has seen them fall five points off the second promotion spot. Another side to suffer a poor month has been Attleborough Town. The side, now managed by Martyn Fuller, lost all three in February, and are still winless in 2018.

At the bottom of the table, both Cromer Town and Loddon Utd have claimed some points with morale boosting wins, but still lie ten and six points, respectively, below the current safety mark.

Anglian Combination Division Two (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

For Wymondham Town in Division One, read Easton in this division. The longtime leaders had a crucial month of fixtures against top six sides Holt Utd, Eash Harling and Fakenham Town Res, but emerged with seven points to maintain a twelve point lead at the top.

Chris Brownbridge’s men look set to be joined in senior football next season by third placed Fakenham Town Reserves. The second string Ghosts started the month with a 5-0 away win at Poringland Wanderers in the Cyril Ballyn semi final to set up a final against Suffolk side Brandon Town and then claimed four points from a possible six. They currently sit two points behind Holt Utd, but have the comfort of five games in hand on The Owls.

A bad month has been experienced by East Harling, who slipped off the pace having only picked up one point during the month, whilst two good wins have propelled Martham into 4th spot.

A special mention this month must be extended to bottom club Horsford Utd. The club have been riddled with player shortages, but have continued to fulfil all fixtures, albeit conceding 80 times across their four February defeats. The club have, however, announced that Roy Bevis has stepped into the breach to become manager, and it must be hoped that his phone book of contacts can improve things on the field for them.

Anglian Combination Division Three (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

In a month where only eighteen games have been played across the division, Buxton still lead the way. The Broadland side won twice in February but, most recently, lost at home to Swaffham Town Reserves. Second placed Gorleston Reserves took advantage of this slip-up with a 3-0 win at Blofield Utd Reserves to close the gap at the top. However, The Greens’ second string must still be ruing their sudden death penalty shoot-out defeat to Brandon Town in the Cyril Ballyn Cup semi final earlier in the month.

Freethorpe seem to have shook off the disappointment of their Junior Cup quarter final defeat, winning all three February fixtures to move up to 5th place.

At the bottom of the table, Costessey Sports grabbed an odd goal in five victory over Long Stratton Reserves to create some light in their quest to survive, whilst above them Hempnall, Hemsby and Blofield Utd Reserves are separated by just two points.

Anglian Combination Division Four (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

Heacham are five points clear at the top, despite a month of near inactivity. Their cause was certainly  helped by fellow North West Norfolk side Gayton Utd Reserves, who inflicted a 5-4 defeat upon 2nd placed Great Yarmouth Town Reserves. The Bloaters’ second string and 3rd placed Bradenham Wanderers Reserves can only be separated by goal difference, but The Bulldogs do have two games in hand. Just below these is a team on the charge. Aylsham Reserves have a 100% record in February and moved within three points of 2nd spot.

At the bottom, North Walsham Town Reserves are doing their best to perform a survival miracle. After beating Downham Town Reserves 1-0, they claimed a more than resettable 2-2 draw with Great Yarmouth Town Reserves. Unfortunately, with four teams set for the drop, a reprieve appears their best bet, given they are 19 points behind 11th place and safety.

Anglian Combination Division Five North (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

5N only has twelve sides in it, but the promotion battle looks set to go to the wire. Leaders Castle Acre Swifts picked up four points from their two games to sit on 43 points and they hold a two point cushion over Hellesdon Reserves. They, themselves, have won all three February fixtures, whilst boosting their goal difference by +17 in the process. UEA Reserves are third, and have also had a good month. As well as winning both league fixtures, they reached the CS Morley Cup semi finals, beating the much-heralded 5S heavyweights from Suffolk, Beccles Town Reserves. Joining them in the semi finals are Dussindale Rovers, who have matched their Norfolk County FA Junior Cup efforts by reaching a second semi final. However, their league form has faltered and they have lost to Hellesdon Reserves, whilst also drawing with the fifth challenger, Mundford Utd Reserves during February. The Stags have only played thirteen games so far, but if they were to win their games in hand, they will be firmly in the mix.

Anglian Combination Division Five South (sponsored by Hadley & Ottaway)

The regional division title race in the south of the area sees four sides split by just the solitary point, although Suffolk based Beccles Town Reserves must be considered the favourites, given their remarkable winning run. Current leaders Tacolneston have been reeled back to the pack in recent weeks, losing to the title favourites and third placed Attleborough Town Reserves. Attleboro ugh themselves have gone unbeaten in February and can go above the leaders, were they to pick up points from either of their games in hand. Fourth place is occupied by Gorleston based side AC Mill Lane. Two wins from three during the month keeps them firmly in the hunt for honours.

Looking forward, March looks like an exciting month, with cup semi finals at all levels in both County and League competitions, whilst Norfolk U18s have their FA County Youth Cup against Gloucestershire to look forward to at The FDC.

#NorfolkFootball

January Review

FA County Youth Cup

We start this month with a look at the exploits of our Norfolk County Youth squad. Adam Gusterson’s men made the arduous journey to the Isle of Man for a FA Youth Cup quarter final on 20th January and, despite being taken to extra time, they eventually prevailed by two goals to one over their counterparts from the Manx Island to secure a home semi-final with Gloucestershire FA.
The Norfolk lads took the lead in the first half, courtesy of Lewis Johnson, but, with victory in their grasp, the hosts equalised to take the tie to extra time. A tense additional thirty minutes then ensued, but as the clock ticked down, Charlie Hitch rose to head home Josh Ford’s set piece and send his county into wild raptures on and off the pitch.
You can see all the drama (before, during and after the game) on the County’s YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHGYK0O7Zh0&feature=youtu.be).
The semi-final is scheduled for The FDC at 11:30am on 3rd March, where the boys will be fighting for a spot in the final against either Berks & Bucks or Staffordshire.

This month has also seen the quarter finals for all three Saturday competitions take place.

Norfolk County FA Senior Cup
After some interesting encounters, the final four of Dereham Town, Downham Town, Norwich Utd and Wymondham Town lie one step from Carrow Road.
The biggest shock of the round saw Anglian Combination Division One leaders Wymondham Town eliminate Eastern Counties Premier Division side Thetford Town at Kings Head Meadow, winning 2-1 after extra time. Having fallen behind to a Nathan Clarke goal, Town roared back and equalised in the dying moments courtesy of Danny Mace to send the game into extra time. In this period, the giant was slain as defender Tommy Salmon grabbed the winner.
On the same day, Downham Town also belied their divisional inferiority to dispense Great Yarmouth Town from the competition with a deserved 3-2 success at The Bloaters’ home, The Wellesley. Two goals by Sanders were not enough for the home side, as goals from Bussens, Plumb and Oughton ensured a second shock of the round occurred.

The remaining two ties were then played out under the floodlights at Trafford Park and Plantation Park. The latter saw a Norwich Utd outfit prove to be far too strong for a second string Kings Lynn Town side, easing to a 5-0 win. The tie saw three more goals from Liam Jackson and a couple of truly delightful lobs from Adam Hipperson, with the technique of the second strike a joy to behold.
Dereham Town were the last side to secure their semi-final spot, as their tie with Wroxham went all the way to extra time. The Yachtsmen took the lead on the hour through Wilkinson, and looked to have caused a shock, but Anema struck with more or less the last kick of the game. Extra time saw Wroxham again take the lead, courtesy of Swatman’s great free kick, but the lead didn’t last long as Crisp equalised for the Magpies. Then, as the clock ticked towards 115mins, the visitors had the final say when Forshaw grabbed the winner.
Both semi-finals are set for late February at The FDC. The draw has paired the two heavyweights, Dereham Town and Norwich Utd, together meaning Downham Town and Wymondham face off for the chance to claim an unexpected appearance in the final.

Norfolk County FA Junior Cup
The last four for the Junior Cup is an all Anglian Combination affair; three sides from Division Two and one from 5N.
The first side to qualify for the semis was Fakenham Town Reserves. The second string Ghosts hosted last season’s beaten finalists Runton Utd under the Clipbush Park lights and prevailed by the solitary goal, scored by Harrison in the second half.

The following day, East Harling knocked out Freethorpe with a clinical display. Goals from Bareham, Durrant (a wonderful overhead kick) and Senior gave the visitors a commanding first half lead that they never looked like relinquishing. Freethorpe’s task was made harder in the second half when their keeper saw red following an off-the-ball altercation. Despite Harling’s dominance, Burns, at the heart of the Freethorpe defence, can be more than satisfied with his performance.
The other two quarter finals saw Poringland Wanderers ease past Bradenham Wanderers Reserves by the same scoreline as Harling, whilst Dussindale Rovers beat higher opposition in Norwich CEYMS by the odd goal in three.
The semi-final draw has paired East Harling with Fakenham Town Reserves, in what promises to be a titanic tussle, and Poringland Wanderers play host to Dussindale Rovers. Both ties are due to be played in early March.

Norfolk County FA Primary Cup
The quarter finals of the Primary Cup brought up three away wins out of four. The solitary home win saw Gayton Utd Res overpower UEA A by 4-0, but their reward is an away tie at Tugas Utd. The Central & South Norfolk League side won by the same scoreline at Ellingham.
The other tie will see a cross-county tie as North West Norfolk League side AFC Walpole host Gorleston-based side Celt Rangers, who ply their trade in the Lowestoft & District League Division Three. The latter reached the semis courtesy of a stunning fightback at Briston, having been 2-0 down before rallying to win 7-2. Meanwhile, Celt showed their abilities on the road with a 3-1 success at Docking Rangers. As with the Junior Cup, both ties are scheduled for early March.

Southern Premier League (sponsored by Evo-Stik)
It’s been another positive month for King’s Lynn Town as The Linnets sit on top of the perch as we enter February.
Despite a disappointing New Year’s Day defeat at the hands of Kettering Town and the departure of Sam Gaughran, Culverhouse’s men have regrouped and subsequently claimed 11 points from five games.
The 3-0 home win over Dorchester Town was preceded by news that the club had signed the former Norwich City and Shamrock Rovers player Cameron King. Draws with Frome Town and Weymouth followed the Dorchester win, before King made his first major impact with a brace in the 4-0 win at Hitchin Town.
The month ended with what is hoped could be an important moment in The Linnets’ aspirations for the season, in their clash with non-league giants Hereford. Trailing 2-0 at the break, Lynn stormed back and, with nearly 1200 spectators cheering them on, goals from Gash and Hawkins drew them level. The scene was then set for Hilliard to stab home the winner in injury time.
This all means that The Linnets hold a two point lead with Kettering Town, Weymouth & Hereford breathing down their necks, whilst Slough Town have the capacity to become involved in what looks like being a titanic tussle for the title.

Isthmian League North (sponsored by Bostik)
The month ends with Dereham Town still involved in the battle for play-off spots. AFC Hornchurch appear to be heading towards the automatic promotion spot, but The Magpies currently occupy the final play-off spot, but have Maldon & Tiptree, Haringey Borough and Barking breathing down their necks.
Early January saw a couple of convincing wins, firstly a New Year’s Day 4-1 success at Soham Town Rangers followed by a 3-0 home win over Tilbury, in which youngster James Cooper marked his arrival at this level with a brace of goals. Since that Tilbury win, The Magpies have suffered a drought in front of goal, having been involved in two goalless draws, albeit one of those was a creditable result with the league leaders, and a one goal defeat at Barking.
The Magpies finished the month in high spirits, however, as they announced the return to Aldiss Park of Sam Borrer from Lowestoft Town, and then went on to win the aforementioned Norfolk Senior Cup tie at Trafford Park.
Norwich Utd had another more than respectable month to improve their prospects for survival, although if they could turn a couple of draws into wins, they would be in a far healthier position. They drew three games out of five during the first month of 2018 (against Mildenhall Town, AFC Sudbury & Tilbury), whilst also defeating bottom club Cheshunt 3-1, to extend their unbeaten run to seven games, before suffering an agonising solitary goal defeat at the hands of AFC Hornchurch. All this means Steve Eastaugh’s men currently have a six point cushion over Cheshunt.
In front of goal, Liam Jackson backed up his four goal salvo against Canvey Island before Christmas with another six goals, including his Senior Cup hat-trick against King’s Lynn Town Reserves, whilst Nathan Stewart has also came to the fore, scoring in four consecutive games and, not to be outdone, The Planters’ talisman Adam Hipperson claimed three during the month.

Eastern Counties League Premier Division (sponsored by Thurlow Nunn)
January brought about a change of management personnel at Trafford Park, as Wroxham dispensed with the services of management duo Ross Potter & Tom Parke and replaced them with ex-Sudbury managers Jamie Godbold and Andy Reynolds.
Potter & Parke were culled after their 2-0 defeat to Godmanchester Rovers. But, under Godbold & Reynolds, results have improved with The Yachtsmen claiming three straight wins and three clean sheets, to see them in 9th position, before they were seconds away from the Senor Cup scalp of Dereham Town as mentioned earlier in the blog. A 2-0 win over FC Clacton was preceded by a six goal hammering of Hadleigh Utd and a fantastic 1-0 win at leaders Felixstowe & Walton Utd, despite having to absorb the dismissal of Tom Matthews. Whilst McRae has been keeping clean sheets, Ingram has continued to bang in the goals, and his three in January have taken him to 13 strikes in his 16 appearances for the club.
Just below The Yachtsmen are Thetford Town, who sit in mid-table. The Brecklanders began the year losing to Stanway Rovers, and then narrowly to the league leaders. They recovered to win by the odd goal in five over Saffron Walden Town, but suffered that painful Senior Cup exit before ending the month with a 2-1 win over Haverhill Borough. Max Melanson has again been in the goals and has taken his tally to 21 for Danny White’s men.
Two places below Thetford, we have Gorleston. The Greens have lost the services of keeper Molloy to Anglian Combination side Caister, but have replaced him with ex-Acle Utd custodian Scott Foreman, whilst also adding Nathan Russell (from Harleston Town) and Sean Perfect (Great Yarmouth Town) to their ranks. The new signings have all helped Larter’s men to a good month, picking up ten points from a possible fifteen. Both Russell and Perfect scored in the 2-0 win over FC Clacton and The Greens backed up this up with a 2-1 success over Ely City and a 2-0 defeat of Fakenham Town, thanks to a further two goals from Russell. Russell scored again, to take his tally for the month to four in four, alongside Watts, in a 2-2 draw with Long Melford, before Saffron Walden Town blunted the side’s good run, beating them 2-1, despite a third goal in the month for Watts.
The Greens hold a slender advantage over their old adversaries Great Yarmouth Town, with The Bloaters one place behind them, having enjoyed an unbeaten January in the league. Draws with Ely City and Haverhill Borough sandwiched a win over Godmanchester Rovers. The cup defeat at the hands of Downham Town was soon forgotten about, as the side managed by Mason & Sinclair followed Wroxham’s achievements by toppling Felixstowe & Walton Utd 2-1, thanks to a late Hagan winner.
During the month, it was also announced that four teams would be relegated from the division this season, instantly plunging Fakenham Town into an almighty dogfight to prevent them tumbling through the trapdoor. 2018 started with a 2-1 win over Haverhill Rovers for The Ghosts, but that was as good as it got for Cunningham’s men. Four straight defeats, and the concession of 14 goals, leaves the side seven points adrift of safety.

Eastern Counties League Division One (sponsored by Thurlow Nunn)
The Senior Cup success at The Wellesley for Downham Town was a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy month for Town. Neary’s men have lost all three league games in January to drop down to 11th spot in the table.
Another busy side this month was 7th placed Norwich CBS. Despite seeing their impressive run in the Vase come to end after extra time at Leighton Town, where a late equaliser for the home side was the catalyst for a further thirty minutes of angst for CBS and a final score of 5-2; injuries taking their toll to the extent that they had to play the majority of extra time with ten men, the team from The FDC have been good on home soil, beating Downham Town (2-0) and FC Holland (4-0). Away fixtures on the road have proven problematic though, although the defeats have come at the hands of the top two, Woodbridge Town and Whitton Utd.
Improvements in the squad have also been made by the Collinson duo with the addition of Ben Fowkes from Wroxham, with the young attacker making his debut in the Whitton defeat.
Above CBS, in 5th, are King’s Lynn Town Reserves. The second string Linnets have only played two league games, but they have won both. An Eoin McQuaid hat-trick inspired Back’s men to a 4-2 defeat of Halstead Town, whilst Lynn created a blueprint for others to follow, inflicting a first defeat of the season upon Woodbridge Town, thanks to strikes from Harnwell and substitute Lennon.
A bit of sympathy must be felt for The Linnets as a whole when, due to the league commitments of their first team, the Reserves made up the side that lost to Norwich Utd in the Senior Cup ties on the final Tuesday of the month and resulted in the club relinquishing their grip on the County Cup.
Still flying high above Lynn, in 4th spot, are Paul Hunt’s Swaffham Town. The Pedlars began the month with an impressive 8-0 win over Needham Market Reserves, where Joe Jackson got back on the goal trail with a brace, whilst his strike partner Vincent also grabbed two, but a home defeat to Framlingham Town, in their only other game this month, saw The Castlemen leapfrog them in the table.
Towards the bottom of the table sits our other two representatives at this level. In 16th place are Diss Town. The Tangerines are another side who have only got out on to the pitch twice, but Jason Cook’s men have suffered convincing defeats to leaders Woodbridge Town (0-4) and 6th placed Braintree Town Reserves (0-3).
Then, fourth from bottom, sit Norwich Utd Reserves. The young Planters did manage an impressive 3-2 win over March Town Utd, thanks to a Sonny Carey hat-trick, but this was bookended by defeats to Braintree Town Reserves and an emotionally inspired Whitton Utd. Kaine Challen’s men have also had to deal with the loss of squad regulars Cheese and Crosby, who have dropped back into Anglian Combination football, but have a seven point cushion to third from bottom Wisbech St. Mary.

Anglian Combination Premier Division (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

The race for the Sterry Cup is still wide open after an intriguing month of football. Harleston Town lead the way, despite suffering another defeat to one of their nearest challengers. This time it was Mulbarton Wanderers, as both sides played out an enthralling nine goal thriller at Wilderness Lane that captivated @NorfolkFootball from start to finish. The Mulberries were hugely impressive and had to withstand a fabulous fightback by the leaders before grabbing the three points courtesy of Aulert’s late winner.
Gusterson’s men, who added Lawrence Cheese to their squad having lost the services of Nathan Russell, still sit four points clear and bounced back from that defeat to grind out an important win over fifth placed Long Stratton.
In second place, we have Norwich CEYMS, who picked up ten points in an unbeaten month, but may regret the draw last weekend with struggling Acle Utd. The squad of Self and Thompson over at Mulberry Park sit third after a perfect month and have the best points per game ratio in the division.
At the bottom, Acle Utd have managed to climb out of the drop zone, picking up a win over bottom club Reepham Town, who are beginning to look doomed, and following it with a decent point with CEYMS. This has meant that Stalham Town have dropped to 15th, largely due to the fact they have failed to pick up any points during the past two months
Special mention in this division also go to Wroxham Reserves. The second string Yachtsmen have claimed three win out of three to rise to 6th.

Anglian Combination Division One (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)
What a month it has been for Wymondham Town! Three straight wins in January sees them top the table, with games in hand, whilst they also achieved that stunning Senior Cup to reach the semi-finals of Norfolk’s premier cup competition. Added to this, they have boosted their squad with the addition of the much-travelled Jordan Rocastle from Sheringham.
Just below them are Mundford Utd, although The Stags have suffered damaging defeats to UEA and Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves in recent weeks. They must hope Fancett continues to fire them towards promotion and that new signing Bailey (from neighbours Thetford Town) has a similar impact.

Third placed Sheringham started the month with an assured win over North Walsham Town, but also suffered consecutive defeats at the hands of the Suffolk based reserve side and the leaders, but recovered from these setbacks to get back in the hunt, beating Aylsham, with the only goal of the game coming from new signing Dale Wilton, who traded being an Angel to become a Shannock earlier in the month. Sitting outside the top three are UEA, Aylsham and Scole Utd, and all three know a consistent run of form will propel them into the promotion race. Aylsham will be looking to James Oliver to continue plundering goals at this level, as he leads the way in the goalscoring charts.
At the bottom, congratulations must be extended to Cromer Town. The Crabs returned from Station Road in Attleborough with a first win since March 2016. They do, however, still have a fourteen point gap to bridge if they are to achieve a miraculous recovery for survival. Three straight defeats have ensured that Loddon Utd also remain deep in the mire, seven points from safety.
The appointment of Terry Beane at North Walsham Town has not produced the results hoped for, as of yet. Despite convincing Daniel Crosby to return to his roots from Plantation Park, The Angels have only gained one point, against Yelverton, from their three games. Yelverton themselves have made a significant improvement to the playing squad, with the signature of former Wroxham, Cromer, North Walsham Town and Sprowston Athletic player Matthew Eves.

Anglian Combination Division Two (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)
Runaway leaders Easton finally tasted defeat this season, 3-2 at the hands of Suffolk side Brandon Town, but they still hold an eleven point lead. Two points then separate the four teams below them, Fakenham Town Reserves, Holt Utd, Gayton Utd and East Harling.
The Ghosts’ second string could bridge the gap to the leaders given they have three games in hand, but they also have two cup semi-finals on the horizon, and also will be fearful of fellow Junior Cup semi-finalists East Harling, who beat them on their own patch in the first game of the calendar year. Meanwhile, the goals of Chez Rust should ensure Gayton Utd stay involved. Eight goals this month has taken his tally to 36 goals from 19 appearances.
At the bottom, Horsford Utd are finding it tough. Depleted squads have led to 49 goals being conceded in three games, with Martham being one side to take advantage of their opponent’s plight, beating them 27-0 in a game where Darren Patterson notched eight. Four points in the month for Acle Utd Reserves have lifted them away from Mattishall Reserves, who occupy the second relegation spot.

Anglian Combination Division Three (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)
The month began with Gorleston Reserves signalling their intent, as they convincingly beat leaders Buxton 3-0. Unfortunately, The Greens’ second string subsequently lost to Redgate Rangers, and with the leaders recovering to win their subsequent two games, ensuring they still lead the division by eight points. Their hot-shot, Will Abbs, continued to find the net and now has 25 to his name.
2nd spot looks to be a keen contest between a number of others with only five points between 2nd placed Gorleston Reserves and 7th placed Earsham, but Butler’s men from Emerald Park must be favourites, especially as they have a couple of games in hand.
At the other end of the table, Costessey Sports, who lost their only January encounter by 8-2, are in danger of being cast adrift. Hemsby have given themselves a real chance of surviving. A draw and a win to end the month has brought them to within two points of Blofield Utd Reserves

Anglian Combination Division Four (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)
Thirteen has proved to be unlucky for Heacham. Their 100% record fell at the 14th hurdle as they lost 3-2 to Sheringham. This defeat must’ve knocked them out of their stride as a 4-2 defeat to Bradenham Wanderers Reserves followed the week after.
This has led to the gap being reduced to four points, with Great Yarmouth Town Reserves now sitting in second spot. The Bloaters’ second string went unbeaten in January, but still have the Reserve sides of Wymondham Town and Bradenham Wanderers hovering below. Wymondham’s unbeaten run now stands at ten, and an honourable mention must go to veteran striker Karl Pask, who hit ten goals during the month to take his record to a startling 34 goals in 19 games.
In the bottom half, the second strings of Reepham Town, North Walsham Town and Stalham Town remain deeply rooted in the mire. Given that all three are way adrift of safety, they must already be clinging to the hope of a relegation reprieve.

Anglian Combination Division Five North (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)
There are new leaders in the Northern region of the league’s bottom level, as all four sides challenging for promotion continue to dent each other’s prospects. New leaders Hellesdon Reserves got an important win over previous leaders Castle Acre Swifts, but followed it with a defeat to third placed Dussindale Rovers. Dussindale, who also have a Junior Cup semi-final on their minds, must be ruing their defeat to the fourth team in the mix, UEA Reserves. The Students’ win over the County Cup semi-finalists backed up the previous week’s success over Castle Acre Swifts, and they now sit level on points with Dussindale, only four behind the lead.
There is a potential of a fifth team becoming involved. Mundford Reserves are coming up on the rails, having won four straight games in January, and with games still in hand, they could play a major part in the promotion battle.

Anglian Combination Division Five South (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)
Previous leaders of the Southern regional section AC Mill Lane suffered two defeats, to new leaders Tacolneston and Belton, to drop to 3rd. The new leaders, known as The Mast, are flying high, having achieved seven straight wins, four this month, to shoot to the top of the standings.
Also in the top four are Attleborough Town Reserves, who have had an unbeaten start to 2018, and currently sit just two points off the top.
It doesn’t get any better for Newton Flotman and Freethorpe Reserves at the bottom. Both sides are still winless and have now conceded a combined 250 goals over the season. @NorfolkFootball hopes both sides come out of these tough times and enjoy some semblance of success at some point in the future. Getting sides out on a weekly basis, given their position, is extremely difficult and the fact that both sides are hanging in there is testament to the effort being put in behind the scenes.

December Review

Southern Premier League (sponsored by Evo-Stik)

As 2017 comes to an end, its great to see King’s Lynn Town sitting atop the Evo-Stik Southern Premier. Ian Culverhouse’s men have had a relatively good month, with the only defeat coming on a traumatic afternoon at Farnborough Town, when four goals from Nicholas Ciardini and another from the veteran ex-Canary Jamie Cureton put The Linnets to the sword. Prior to this, Lynn had achieved to good victories, 3-1 over Redditch Utd (where Michael Clunan added another two spot-kicks to his season’s tally) & 5-0 at St Neots Town (three goals in seven second half minutes swept aside the opposition).

Following the Farnborough defeat, a frustrating week was endured as games at Gosport Borough and at The Walks against Slough Town were postponed. The Linnets made the most of the enforced break, making the long journey to Merthyr Town two days before Christmas and winning by the solitary goal, courtesy of Michael Gash. Boxing Day saw St Ives Town visit North West Norfolk and, with Culverhouse lamenting the state of The Walks surface, returned to Cambridgeshire with a point, as an early second half goal cancelled out Simon Lappin’s first half penalty.

The Linnets have a tough start to 2018, with seven league games scheduled, bookended by a battle of the top two at Kettering Town and the visit of high-flying Hereford. Other tough encounters also come up against top six sides Weymouth & Hitchin Town, plus the Norfolk Senior Cup quarter final away at Norwich Utd on 24th January.

Isthmian League North (sponsored by Bostik)

After a fine start to life under Neal Simmons, Dereham Town currently sit in the top four of the Isthmian League North Division; no mean feat considering last season’s 18th placed finish. The Magpies continue to pick points up and a play-off spot must be the target for Simmons’ squad.

The month began in frustrating fashion as an injury-time Aveley goal saw the side head back to Norfolk with a 2-2 draw. If the first game was frustrating, the second of the month, at home to fellow top six side Bowers & Pitsea, was disappointing. We witnessed this game, and Dereham never really got into the stride and were left to rue their defensive frailties on the day, going in 3-0 down at the break, and that is how it stayed. A weekend off allowed The Magpies to recharge their batteries, and this they did, as an they hit AFC Sudbury with a blitzkrieg, going 3-0 up after only 16 minutes, before eventually wining 4-1.

The Boxing Day clash with neighbours Norwich Utd, brought an improved attendance of over 200, although it would be good to see even more spectators attending a traditional derby game between two of our best sides. The paying public saw a hard-fought encounter but, alas, neither side could find the net and the game finished 0-0. The calendar year was due to finish with a big clash at the top against Canvey Island, but the heavens opened leading up to the game and left the Aldiss Park pitch unplayable.

January sees The Magpies start at Soham Town Rangers and includes tough games with leaders AFC Hornchurch and fellow challengers Barking, whilst the Norfolk Senior Cup quarter final at old adversaries Wroxham looms large on the horizon on 23rd January.

Further down the table, Norwch Utd have begun to show signs of last season’s form, picking up eight points to lift themselves away from the foot of the table. After starting the month with a goalless draw against Ware, The Planters suffered their only real disappointment of the month at Grays Athletic, as they fell to a 10 man opposition, despite taking the lead through Adam Hipperson.

Hipperson turned provider the following weekend, when Steve Eastaugh’s men raced into a 4-0 lead over top six side Canvey Island, before their opponents ensured a nervy finish as they managed to reduce the arrears to just one goal. As mentioned previously, Hipperson became the provider, assisting in all four goals. But star of the show was his strike partner Liam Jackson. The 21yr old put his name into the club’s record books by scoring all four goals.

Norfolk Football watched their next game, at home to Brentwood Town, and were particularly impressed with the side’s resolve and unity, recovering from the concession of a 2nd minute wonder strike to claim the points courtesy of two Hipperson goals in the second half. A point away at Aldiss Park on Boxing Day was thanks to a gritty display, where again their desire to pick up points shone through, and with their final game of 2017 falling foul of the weather at fellow strugglers Romford, The Planters end the year outside the bottom two and with their eyes firmly set on the sides above them.

2018 starts with a home game with Mildenhall Town, who themselves are only six points above Eastaugh’s men, and the month finishes with a visit to leaders AFC Hornchurch. Sandwiched between these are winnable games with bottom half sides AFC Sudbury & Tilbury, plus a clash with lowly Cheshunt.

Eastern Counties League Premier Division (sponsored by Thurlow Nunn)

Controversy reigned supreme in the Eastern Counties League at the beginning of the month, when the league committee decreed that the game between Fakenham Town and Great Yarmouth Town, called off in farcical circumstances when The Ghosts were at a low ebb, should be replayed. Most observers would imagine that the points should’ve been awarded to The Bloaters, but the game is now scheduled for mid-February.

After a positive November, The Ghosts have endured a sticky period in December losing all five games to remain firmly ensconced in a relegation battle. However, they now seem to have a look of stability about them off the field, and with the appointment of ex-Hellesdon boss Andy Cunningham, must now be looking to clear themselves from the mire at the bottom. One other positive saw over 200 in attendance for their last game of the year at home to Histon.

Great Yarmouth Town have had a brighter month, picking up 11 points along the way, including draws with fellow Norfolk sides Thetford Town (0-0) and local rivals Gorleston on Boxing Day, when a crowd in excess of 500 saw Mitch Forbes’ penalty late on ensure a share of the spoils. A 2-0 win at lowly Ipswich Wanderers at the year’s end, coupled with The Greens’ defeat at leaders Felixstowe & Walton Utd, meant The Bloaters moved above their rivals and ended the year with the East Coast bragging rights.

Gorleston envisaged a tricky month and so it transpired, as Stewart Larter’s men went winless in December. Having departed the FA Vase, losing 4-2 at home to handy opposition in Leighton Town, they picked up a point at mid-table Haverhill Rovers, before being systematically dismantled by a Coggeshall Town side, who romped to a 7-0 win. A morale boosting win over The Bloaters looked on the cards at Emerald Park on Boxing Day, before Forbes’ spot-kick and, having gone in at the break 2-1 up at Felixstowe & Walton Utd, thanks to Ingram and Gilfedder strikes, they succumbed to a fightback from the league leaders to ultimately lose 3-2.

In contrast to Gorleston and Fakenham Town, Thetford Town have had a month to write home about. Sixteen points accrued from a possible 21, a concession of just three goals (including five clean sheets) and the scoring of 26 goals along the way. The improved defensive form seems to have correlated with the signature of Will Viner, between the sticks, from Wroxham. Viner made his first appearance at the beginning of the month, and largely watched on as his new side beat Hadleigh Utd 9-0. A goalless draw with Great Yarmouth Town followed, before The Brecklanders got big wins over FC Clacton (6-2) and Ipswich Wanderers (4-0). A solitary goal defeat to Godmanchester Rovers was soon put to bed, as post Christmas wins over Fakenham Town, by 1-0, and at Wivenhoe Town, where Danny White’s men hit six without reply, meant that they finished the year in a far more healthy 12th position. Leading the way in front of goal this month has been Andrew Wood with eight, including two hat-tricks, and Max Melanson, who has found the net seven times. The form of these two, in addition to Robbie Priddle, has meant the departure of Tanner Call has largely gone unnoticed.

Thetford Town still sit four points behind Norfolk’s best placed side in the division, Wroxham. The Yachtsmen enjoyed a successful start to the month, beating Ipswich Wanderers (2-0) and Wivenhoe Town (4-1), whilst drawing 1-1 at Haverhill Rovers. However, the Christmas period saw the form of Potter’s & Parke’s side take a nosedive as they lost all three games. Defeats at Ely City and Kirkley & Pakefield were compounded by the 30th December defeat on their home ground at the hands of Long Melford.

This dip in form has seen Wroxham drop to 10th, albeit only four points adrift of Godmanchester Rovers in 5th place. Still amongst the goals is Connor Ingram, with five goals across the month taking his tally for The Yachtsmen to ten goals, in just twelve games. Added to his goals as a Gorleston player before his move, the young striker has grabbed 24 in 28 games.

The Yachtsmen are also still involved in the League Challenge Cup, having beaten King’s Lynn Town Reserves by the odd goal in three to progress to the quarter finals. There, they will travel to Division One strugglers Wisbech St. Mary in early February.

Eastern Counties League Division One (sponsored by Thurlow Nunn)

Once again, the shining lights for the county in this division have been Norwich CBS & Swaffham Town.

The club formerly known as Spixworth have taken to the demands of Step 6 football very well and currently sit in 8th position, having picked up seven points from their three league games during the month. A 1-1 draw at Little Oakley preceded two clean sheets achieved courtesy of wins against Norwich Utd Reserves (1-0) and March Town Utd (2-0). A debut goal by Stephen Drake, signed from Anglian Combination Premier Division strugglers Acle Utd, achieved the point at Little Oakley, before James Page took over, scoring all three goals in the two wins.

CBS’s league form pales into insignificance though, when you look at the teams in the last 32 of the FA Vase. In their first year in the competition, the side have blazed a trail and, in early December, they silenced a number of people, making their way over to Yaxley and, following an impressive 1st half in which their scintillating passing ripped open their hosts’ defence, they went in three up at the break, thanks to a Matty Doyle brace an another for James Page. Two goals from Yaxley early in the second half ensured a nail-biting finale, but the side held on and the Collinson duo can be rightly proud of their team’s achievement.

Their chance of progression comes on 6th January, when they again go on their travels, this time to Leighton Town, 4-2 conquerors of Gorleston in the previous round.

Swaffham Town, who sat 2nd at the end of November, have taken a step further during December, and now sit at the apex of the divisional standings, having collected nine points from a possible twelve. Three wins have been achieved against Wisbech St. Mary (6-0), Debenham LC (2-0) and AFC Sudbury Res (2-1), whilst the only downside of the month came on Boxing Day, when their 11 game winning run in the league came to an end at local rivals Downham Town by the odd goal in three. Interestingly, Downham have now defeated Paul Hunt’s squad three times across all competitions this season, and are the only side to beat them in 90 minutes since the first week of September.

With chief marksman Joe Jackson suffering something of a goal drought this month, it has fallen upon Alex Vincent and Ryan Pearson to carry the burden and both have duly delivered, grabbing three and two goals respectively.

The improved form of Downham Town has continued through December, and thanks to impressive wins over Framlingham Town (1-0), Swaffham Town (2-1), plus a 3-0 win at Little Oakley and a respectable point at Braintree Town Reserves has seen Town rise to 9th place.

Above Town, however, are their neighbours from North West Norfolk, King’s Lynn Town Reserves. The Linnets’ second string had a tough start to the month, losing 2-1 at both Diss Town and Wroxham (in the League Challenge Cup). They put this to one side to beat Cornard Utd by the odd goal in three themselves on 9th December.

Pitch conditions have seen the side play only one other game this month, a 4-3 pre-Christmas win over Needham Market Reserves. Given they have played only three league games, it is no surprise to see Robbie Back’s men drop in the table, but they still sit 5th and are only four points off the promotion spots.

Sitting further down the table are Diss Town. The Tangerines have experienced a topsy-turvy month, enjoying successes over King’s Lynn Town Reserves (2-1) and Team Bury (4-0), but have suffered defeats to Whitton Utd (3-1), Cornard Utd (3-0) and Debenham LC (4-0) to leave them in 12th position.

January appears to be a quiet, but tough month for Diss, with only two games scheduled. However these games see them play host to unbeaten Woodbridge Town and the in-form Braintree Town Reserves.

Lowest of the Norfolk clubs at Step 6 of the football pyramid are Norwich Utd Reserves. Kaine Challen’s young side only played three times in December, but having only picked up a solitary point, in a 1-1 draw with Wisbech St. Mary, they find themselves in 18th position. Defeats to AFC Sudbury Reserves (2-0) and Norwich CBS (1-0) on Boxing Day leave them five points clear of the bottom three, but as long as they steer clear of this area, and continue to blood youngsters in readiness for possibly representing the club’s first team at Isthmian Level, than the objective will have been achieved.

Anglian Combination Premier Division (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

The break in fixtures over the festive period, together with the wintry conditions in the early part of the month putting paid to a number of fixtures, there was a reduced programme across all the divisions.

This didn’t stop the title race in the Premier Division being blown wide open though, as previously invincible leaders Harleston Town failed to win either of their two encounters. They began the month with a frustrating goalless draw with Blofield Utd, before making their way to Hilltops at Swardeston, where they were comprehensively outplayed by their hosts, Norwich CEYMS, losing 6-1. Norfolk Football were in attendance for this game, and we can safely say that the scoreline could’ve been a lot greater. Having taking the lead courtesy of a comical own goal, the home side then saw their star striker Thomas Amis come to the fore as he grabbed a hat-trick, the last of which came from the spot.

Given this result, CEYMS must be ruing the fact that they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Wroxham Reserves the week prior. These results have opened the door for Mulbarton Wanderers to become involved. The Mulberries had a good month, firstly hammering Stalham Town 7-0, a game where their new signing from Hellesdon, Jack Guyton, grabbed a debut hat-trick, and following this up with a 1-0 win over Blofield Utd. Wanderers have also added Scott Woodgate, formerly of Norwich CBS, to their ranks and he looks set to be a handy signing in the club’s attempts to win further honours.

Elsewhere, Bradenham Wanderers picked up two wins to preserve their 2nd placed position, but they still sit seven points adrift of the leaders and have played two games more. At the bottom, its been a harrowing month for Acle Utd. The former heavyweights of the league lost striker Stephen Drake to Norwich CBS and have suffered three straight defeats during the month, and currently sit 15th with only the luckless Reepham Town below them. The one chunk of light for The A’s is the fact that they haven’t been cut adrift and sides as high as Hellesdon in 8th are still looking over their shoulders.

Anglian Combination Division One (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

There is definitely all to play for in this extremely tight division. Current leaders Wymondham Town, who suffered their first defeat of the campaign in the last game of the calendar year by 2-0 to Aylsham, a game in which the division’s top scorer James Oliver added to his season’s tally, have a slender advantage, sitting only three points ahead of UEA in 7th position. Both these sides, plus those inbetween, Sheringham, Mundford Utd, Attleborough Town, Aylsham and Scole Utd, will all be fancying their chances of reaching the Premier Division come May.

Looking on enviously are North Walsham Town. The Angels started the month with a 10-0 drubbing of the divisions whipping boys, Cromer Town, but subsequently suffered heavy reverses of their own on their home ground, as both Wymondham Town (8-1) and Attleborough Town (5-1) left Greens Road with victories. Having started the season with Patrick Johnson in charge, before he walked away, they then appointed Antony Davies, but the club have made a statement of intent over the Christmas period, with the announcement that Terry Beane, the Anglian Combination Representative Team boss, would be taking on the managerial role, alongside David Harty. Davies has agreed to step aside after three games at the helm.

At the bottom of the table, it appears highly likely that Cromer Town will continue to plummet down the leagues, given the fact that they are still pointless. Above them, Loddon Utd and Hindringham seem in the most precarious position, although the goals of Matthew Ayre could yet prove to be a lifesaver for the former.

Anglian Combination Division Two (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

It’s all about Easton in Division Two. Chris Brownbridge’s men have dropped only two points from their thirteen games and have an eleven point cushion over Holt Utd. Easton underlined their credentials with a 10-1 win over Mattishall Reserves prior to Christmas.

The more likely challenge, if one is to develop, looks set to come from the two teams directly below the second placed Owls, East Harling and Fakenham Town Reserves. The former were able to demonstrate this with their 2-0 success at Kelling Road during the month, whilst Fakenham Town Reserves managed to join Harling in the Norfolk Junior Cup Quarter Finals, beating Castle Acre Swifts 2-1 in the solitary tie carried over from November. They are set to face last season’s runners-up Runton in a mouth-watering battle under floodlights at Clipbush Park.

At the bottom, Horsford Utd are in danger of being cast adrift. Yet to win, they were the victims of a 13-0 drubbing by Gayton Utd recently. This game also saw another hat-trick for the prolific Chez Rust, who sits on 29 goals so far.

Anglian Combination Division Three (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

This division’s promotion race has also perked up a bit this month, following the intervention of Hingham Athletic. With Buxton and Gorleston Reserves seemingly sweeping all before them, The Hornets introduced themselves into the battle with a 1-0 win over leaders Buxton. courtesy of a Marcus McInerney strike, having been in seventh heaven at Hempnall the previous week.

The Greens’ second string failed to capitalise in their only game of the month, losing 5-2 to Norwich CEYMS Reserves on a weekend that was one to remember for the Swardeston based club. Leaders Buxton bounced back from their defeat at Hingham to win their final game of 2017 by 4-0 over Beccles Caxton. Once again, divisional leading goalscorer Will Abbs was on the scoresheet, claiming a brace to take his total to 22 from twelve games.

The bottom of this division is also less than clear cut. Costessey Sports currently prop up the standings, but they look to be in a five-way battle to avoid the drop with Hemsby, Long Stratton Reserves, Blofield Utd Reserves and Hempnall.

Anglian Combination Division Four (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

Division Four is the first of two divisions to be home to a team with a perfect record. That side is Heacham, whose eleven wins see them six points clear at the top. They stamped their authority on the divison this month with important wins over third placed Great Yarmouth Town Reserves (6-3) and sixth placed Aylsham Reserves (3-1).

Below the perfect league leaders are Bradenham Wanderers Reserves, who took advantage of The Bloaters’ second string’s defeat to Heacham to leapfrog them into second place with a 4-2 win at Bungay Town Reserves. Also hovering with intent are Mulbarton Wanderers Reserves. Two big wins for them in December sees them sitting four points off a spot in the top two.

In the lower echelons of the table, North Walsham Town Reserves ended the month with their first victory, 2-1 over fellow strugglers Reepham Town Reserves, to join them on two points. With Stalham Town Reserves only three points above this pair, it looks like it will be these three fighting it out at the bottom right through until May.

Anglian Combination Division Five North (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

For Heacham in Division Four, read Castle Acre Swifts in Division Five North. Swifts also have maximum points from eleven games, although they did start the month of December bowing out of the Norfolk Junior Cup in a 2-1 defeat to Division Two high-flyers Fakenham Town Reserves.

They shook off this disappointment and reaffirmed their abilities in this division, beating fellow challengers Dussindale Rovers by the odd goal in five and then following it up with a 4-2 win at Easton Reserves. Seven of their eight goals over the month were scored by the deadly Daniel King, including all four at Easton, and he has an incredible goal scoring ratio of over 2 goals per game at this stage of the campaign (32 goals in 15 games) to lead the goalscoring charts for the whole league.

In second place are Hellesdon Reserves, who beat Norwich Eagles 3-1, but ended the year with an agonising defeat at the hands of Narborough to slip four points behind the leaders. Third place is filled by Dussindale Rovers, with UEA Reserves in fourth.

Player availability seems to be the crux of the problem at the foot of the table, with both Wells Town Reserves and Redgate Rangers Reserves suffering. The Seasiders’ second string have lost all eleven games and, due to call-offs, currently sit on a minus points tally. Redgate have four points to their name, but it looks like being a long hard struggle for both over the coming months.

Anglian Combination Division Five South (sponsored by Hadley & Ottoway)

Two big wins for AC Mill Lane has seen them open up a four point lead at the top. Twenty goals have been plundered as wins have come over Freethorpe Reserves (13-1) and Martham Reserves (7-0).

Amongst the sides chasing the Gorleston-based side, Talconeston moved into third spot with consecutive 4-1 wins over the second strings of Poringland Wanderers and Scole Utd. Second placed Attleborough Town lost ground on the leaders, losing their final game of the year at home to Suffolk side Beccles Town Reserves. Sitting in 6th position are Belton, and they finished the year winning 12-1 at Newton Flotman, with Shane Darnell notching a double hat-trick.

The foot of this division looks cut and dried, with two sides cast adrift. Both Freethorpe Reserves and Newton Flotman are still winless, have suffered further heavy defeats this month and having conceded a combined total of 207 goals, their plight is there for all to see.

SPECIAL FOCUS – DISTRICT FOOTBALL

Given the fact that we largely centre our gaze on football at Anglian Combination level and higher, #NorfolkFootball ends the year of 2017 with a special report on one of the many District Leagues that operate throughout the county.

CENTRAL & SOUTH NORFOLK FOOTBALL LEAGUE (sponsored by Barnes Print)

The league operates four divisions, with 46 sides competing regularly.

If we take a look at Division One, it is evident that there is a three-way battle for the championship. Leading the way are Longham, who have maximum points from their eight games, but sitting in their rear view mirror are the challenges of Dereham Taverners and Watton Utd Reserves, who both sit just three points in arrears of the leaders.

A mid-table scrap looks on the cards for the likes of Shipdham, Hethersett Athletic, Attleborough Town A, Hethersett Athletic OB and Rockland Utd, given the form so far of the top three.

At the bottom, four teams appear involved in a relegation fight. Sporle, North Elmham, Mubarton Wanderers A and Morley Village are separated by only four points, although the latter have the comfort of four games in hand on the others.

At the top of Division Two, again we have a hierarchy at the top. In a slight deviation to the top level, only two sides look head and shoulders above the rest. Leaders Norwich Medics have only dropped five points to date, whilst the unbeaten Briston sit in third, having dropped only two points. Given the fact that Hockering are the only other side to have squandered less than ten points, it seems unlikely the top two spots will be filled by anyone else. Castle Acre Swifts Reserves currently sit second, but have already lost four of their ten encounters, so probably see themselves in a false position.

The bottom of the table also looks cut and dried, with both Talcolneston Reserves and Rockland Utd Reserves winless at the turn of the year. They will be hoping to latch onto the sides directly above them, Dussindale Rovers Reserves and Mundford Exiles, but it looks like a tough road to safety for both sides.

Redgrave Rangers are the stars of Division Three East, sitting on maximum points and with an eight point cushion to their nearest competitors. With the title appearing to be theirs for the taking, second spot appears to be a straight shoot-out between Briston Reserves and Wensum Albion

The battle at the bottom is a far cloudier affair. Five points separate basement side Bacton from fifth placed Home Care Utd and a real battle to avoid the wooden spoon looks on the cards for the two teams mentioned, in addition to Taverham and the second strings of Bar 33, Morley Village, Longham and Hockering.

The same cannot be said of Division Three West. Leaders Gressenhall are currently six points clear, but lurking ominously in the background are Tugas Utd, Hingham Athletic Reserves and AFC Weeting. Second place is currently occupied by Cockers, but their current record would suggest they are set for a mid-table finish.

Division Three West’s lambs to the slaughter appear to be Necton Reserves. Eight consecutive defeats leaves them pointless as we enter 2018 and firm favourites to prop up the table come May. The gap between them and second bottom Yaxham Reserves is five points.

With regards to County Cup involvement, the league’s interest in the Junior Cup was extinguished in the early stages, but three of the last eight of the Primary Cup are representatives of the league. On 20th January, Briston will be welcoming AFC Walpole of the North West Norfolk League, whilst UEA A will be making a journey in the opposite direction to take on Gayton Utd Reserves. Last but not least, Tugas Utd will be undertaking a trek along the county border to face Ellingham on the banks of the River Waveney.

In the coming months, we will look into other District Leagues across Nelson’s County and how the teams are faring.

 

Finally, we would like to say Happy New Year to all involved in #Norfolk Football and we wish you all a prosperous and successful second half to the season

 

 

November Review

Southern Premier

The Grant Holt affair with North West Norfolk was shortlived as, after four games, 192 minutes and a solitary goal for Kings Lynn Town, the big frontman has upped sticks and returned to his roots to undertake a Player-Coach role with Barrow AFC, where he enjoyed a two year spell in the early part of the century. The news reverberated around The Walks after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Chesham Utd, but this hasn’t hindered The Linnets, as they have gone on to have an unbeaten run since. Away wins over Banbury Utd (2-1), Basingstoke Town (2-1) and draws at Kings Langley (0-0) and Biggleswade Town (2-2), alongside a 4-0 home thumping of Royston Town means Lynn sit 4pts clear at the top of the table.

Alongside their fine league run, they have made it into the quarter finals of the Norfolk Senior Cup, following an emphatic 5-1 win over Attleborough Town, a side five divisions below them. Attleborough put up a valiant effort, playing the second half with 10 men, but The Linnets’ superior class told. With regular taker Mchael Clunan, who has bagged penalties in four games over the month, not involved, they even contrived to see two spot-kicks saved by Guiness in the Attleborough goal. The quarter final draw sees them pitted against fellow Norfolk heavyweight Norwich Utd in late January.

The Linnets have a busy December, with seven games scheduled, including three away games over the course of eight days and an encounter with fellow challengers Slough Town. They do have the comfort of a home game, against St. Ives Town, on Boxing Day.

Isthmian North

Dereham Town are another side who have maintained their lofty position in their division, albeit off the back of a topsy-turvy run of form. Despite starting the month with defeats at Haringey Borough & Witham Utd, they regrouped and, with the addition of Toby Hilliard on loan from Kings Lynn Town, went on to pick up 7 points from 3 games. However, the end of the month has seen The Magpies being comprehensively beaten 5-1 by Maldon & Tiptree, before losing to a last minute goal to Grays Athletic at Aldiss Park. All this has left them sitting second, but with a number of teams around them with games in hand, another good run of form is required of Simmons’ troops to stay in the hunt. The aforementioned Hilliard appears to have struck up a good partnership with Jamie Forshaw, resulting in the two grabbing the eight league goals scored this month.

Like Kings Lynn Town, The Magpies have also managed to reach the last eight of the Norfolk Senior Cup. A reshuffled starting XI still proved too good for their opponents Diss Town, despite Eastoe-Smith’s dismissal, and they ran out 5-2 victors. Hilliard was again on target, with Ryan Crisp grabbing a brace and further goals from Linford & Burgers. The quarter final in January sees them travel to Wroxham in a repeat of the 2015 final

At the other end of the table, Norwich Utd continue to toil away in an attempt to break free of the relegation zone. Two draws at the beginning of the month with Barking and Bury Town were followed by defeats to Witham Utd and Potters Bar Town. The Planters did manage a morale boosting 7-1 success over Anglian Combination side Sheringham in the Norfolk Senior Cup, and followed that with 1-1 draws against Hertford Town and Aveley (thanks to a Sam Watts stoppage time strike). Both Adam Hipperson and Liam Jackson have been in good goalscoring form, with the former striking five times to Jackson’s three.

Manager Steve Easthaugh has also acquired the services of talented midfielder Sam Applegate from Great Yarmouth Town and Liam Moriarty from Wymondham Town during the month. It is expected that Applegate will assume the roles and responsibilities of Jamie Speller, who has hung up his boots to concentrate on his career outside of football, whilst Moriarty will boost The Planters’ attacking pool.

Looking at December, Dereham only have trips to Aveley & AFC Sudbury to undertake, and have the comfort of two home games between Christmas & New Year. Norwich Utd, on the other hand, have two away games to contend with during the same period, although one of them is the local derby at Aldiss Park on Boxing Day. Of The Planters’ six games, four of them are against sides in the bottom half of the table.

Eastern Counties Premier

Despite only being the end of November, the top spots of the division already look sewn up. Felixstowe & Walton Utd, having dropped only five points all season, hold a 20 point lead over nearest challengers Coggeshall Town, who themselves have games in hand on all those below them.

The nearest Norfolk challenge comes from Wroxham, in 8th. The Yachtsmen made a major statement at the beginning of the month as they pinched prolific, young marksman Connor Ingram from Gorleston. Ingram made a dramatic impact, grabbing two goals on his debut against Brantham Athletic. Unfortunately, the opponents scored three times to ensure a disappointing debut for the ex-Green. Since this defeat, five points have been picked up from four games. A 1-0 success at Thetford Town was backed up with a 0-0 draw at Stanway Rovers and a 2-2 draw with Stowmarket Town, where Ingram again grabbed a brace. The month ended in disappointment however, as The Yachtsmen were the losers in a seven goal thriller with a reinvigorated Fakenham Town, despite Ingram taking his tally to five goals in as many games .

December presents an ideal opportunity for the lads from Trafford Park to be sitting tidily come New Year as five of their six league games are against teams in the bottom half. They also have a League Challenge Cup last 16 tie with Kings Lynn Town Reserves to look forward to.

Gorleston are next best in the county, placed 13th. After a sticky October and the loss of key men Deeks and Ingram, The Greens have managed to bounce back under recently appointed boss Stewart Larter. Despite a 2-0 defeat to Histon, a number of pleasing performances and results have occurred since, leading to the obtaining of seven points from a possible nine. New signings Ross Gilfedder, Jackson Ramm and David Shade have all had an impact, the former grabbing a hat-trick in the 6-0 success over Ipswich Wanderers.

The Greens also entered the FA Vase this month, and reached the 3rd Round with a 2-1 win over Framlingham Town, Ramm grabbing the winner. Their reward is a home tie with Leighton Town on December 2nd.

The festive period for The Greens looks tough. Their traditional Boxing Day clash with Great Yarmouth Town is sandwiched between visits to the top two.

Hovering just above the relegation spots are our three other representatives. Thetford Town sit 18th, having won only one league game. That was a 6-0 drubbing of bottom club Wivenhoe Town, in which Tanner Call smashed a hat-trick. The only other point was thanks to a Max Melanson double in the 2-2 draw with Gorleston. They came away with nothing from games against Wroxham and Coggeshall Town.

Their cup form has been better, having reached the quarter finals of both the League Challenge Cup and Norfolk Senior Cup thanks to wins over Kirkley & Pakefield (2-1) and Scole Utd (3-0). The Vase run came to an end at the hands of Gary Setchell’s Wisbech Town side, who departed Mundford Road with a 4-1 win in their bags.

December sees seven games for The Brecklanders, and they have a visit to Wivenhoe Town to end the year, following a Boxing Day game with Fakenham Town.

Lying just one spot below Thetford is Great Yarmouth Town, who also picked up only four points during the month, despite the goalscoring of Mitch Forbes. Forbes grabbed a double in the 4-0 win over Fakenham Town, and backed that up with a goal in the creditable 1-1 draw at Walsham le Willows. That was it for league points, as The Bloaters drew a blank losing to Stowmarket Town (0-2) and Ely City (0-1), whilst an Adrian Ager dismissal contributed to a 6-1 loss to Histon.

The Bloaters are still involved in the Norfolk Senior Cup however. A side including a number of youngsters were still too strong for Anglian Combination side Yelverton as a Haydn Davis double and another one from Forbes ensured a safe passage to the quarter finals, where they pay host to Downham Town.

Last but not least is Fakenham Town, located in 21st position. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story, with The Ghosts appearing to move on from the dark days of previous months to rise from the dreaded drop zone, off the back of collecting seven points from the last four games of the month. Alex Walpole’s men started the month suffering back-to-back 4-0 reverses to Stowmarket Town and Great Yarmouth Town, but a Ricky Claxton two goal salvo obtained a point with Kirkley & Pakefield, before Kyle Plumb matched Claxton’s efforts in a 2-0 win over FC Clacton. Sandwiched between these was a 2-0 defeat to runaway leaders Felixstowe & Walton Utd. The month ended with The Ghosts in a buoyant mood, as Plumb again grabbed a brace to inspire his side to a 4-3 win at Trafford Park on a cold, wet Tuesday evening.

The next month sees the side largely on their travels with four away games, but they finish the year in the comforts of Clipbush Park against Histon.

Eastern Counties Division One

The Vase exploits for Norwich CBS continue to create headlines. The side, in their first ever entry into the competition, are now in the 3rd Round having travelled over to Wisbech St.Mary this month to inflict a 4-1 defeat (Doyle 2, Barraclough, Page) upon their hosts. Their reward is another visit to Cambridgeshire to face Yaxley this weekend.

Their league form, however, has been less to write home about. Four defeats in five has seen the side slip to 7th and the concession of 20 goals in those games must be cause for concern for the management due, the Collisons. The one win came in a 8-0 destruction of Leiston Reserves, where Matty Doyle snared a trio of goals to take his tally to six for November and 17 for the season.

On the transfer front, Mohammed Hassan has been brought in from UEA. Hassan is a very talented attacking player who enjoyed great success with The Students last season, and has more than enough ability to influence any success CBS have. Exiting the club are veteran striker Darren Terrington, who has joined his old gaffer, Chris Wigger, at Sheringham and Scott Woodgate.

A fantastic month for Swaffham Town has seen them rise to 2nd in the league standings, only four points behind the unbeaten leaders, Woodbridge Town. Goals have been raining in from all angles as The Pedlars have won five straight games to extend their unbeaten league run to 13. A total of 27 goals have resulted in 6-1 wins over Little Oakley and Norwich CBS, a 3-1 success at Debenham LC, a 4-0 triumph over Holland FC and a 8-1 hammering of Norwich Utd Reserves over at Plantation Park. Once again, Joe Jackson leads the way with the goals, as his nap hand over The Planters was part of nine goals during the month. Ex-Norwich Utd striker Jackson leads the divisional scoring charts with 29. Others to hit the net regularly in November include Pearson (five), Blackford and Vincent (four each).

Just below Swaffham Town are Kings Lynn Town Reserves. The Linnets’ second string obtained ten points during the month, with their two defeats coming at the hands of fellow top six sides Braintree Town and Whitton Utd. Dylan Edge has been important in front of goal, as his four strikes came in the three wins over Team Bury (2-1), March Town Utd (3-1) and Norwich CBS (2-1).

Another club to enjoy a fruitful November are Downham Town. Paul Neary’s men have steadily climbed away from the relegation zone after a poor start, and now sit comfortably in 12th position. Three wins from four league games, plus a convincing 3-0 win over Norwich CEYMS in the Norfolk Senior Cup mean the signs are good for Town. Their reward for beating CEYMS is a trip to The Wellesley to take on Great Yarmouth Town in the quarter finals next year.

Sitting just below them are Diss Town. The Tangerines have been indebted to the goalscoring abilities of Virgilio Leitao as his five goals have helped the club to two wins, over AFC Sudbury Resers and Wisbech St.Mary, out of their four league games. Leitao’s goals included one in the Norfolk Senior Cup defeat to Dereham Town.

In contrast to the other Norfolk sides, the second string of Norwich Utd have not a month to remember. Only one point has been gained and Challen’s men have conceded over 20 goals in their five encounters, meaning they sit in 16th position.

The Boxing Day clashes in this division see Swaffham Town make the short journey to Downham Town, whilst Norwich CBS will head across the city to face Norwich Utd. Diss play host to Suffolk side Debenham LC.

Anglian Combination Premier

Harleston Town’s dominance at the top of the table continues unabated, as they sit twelve points clear following twelve straight league wins. After a string of single goal victories, they put on a masterclass at Long Stratton, who themselves were on a seven game winning run, to utterly destroy them 6-1.

Below then, a gaggle of sides are squabbling over 2nd and 3rd place. Those spots are currently held by Bradenham Wanderers and Long Stratton, who were on a phenomenal run before they bumped into Harleston, but just below them, the likes of Norwich CEYMS and Mulbarton Wanderers have games in hand. CEYMS have faltered slightly over the last couple of weeks, dropping points to Blofield Utd and St. Andrews, whilst The Mulberries have only played nine games.

Reepham Town still prop up the table, and are in danger of being cast adrift having lost to fellow stragglers Acle Utd recently. Elsewhere, after a dip in results, Hellesdon have rediscovered some form, whilst Mattishall and Stalham Town seem to possess a knack of grabbing wins to keep themselves away from the relegation spots.

The last 16 of the Senior Cup saw the division’s two representatives, Norwich CEYMS and Mulbarton Wanderers, both fall by the wayside. As previously mentioned, CEYMS were eliminated by Downham Town, but Mulbarton were the victim of the upset of the round, as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Division One side Wymondham Town. This tie was an enjoyable afternoon’s fare, with the home side failing to reach the heights of their win over Gorleston in the last round, and this saw them being beaten 2-1 by a resolute, organised and talented Wymondham side.

Anglian Combination Division One

Strange goings on in the second tier of the Combination. Hoveton Wherrymen, promoted into senior football for the first time this season, had enjoyed a productive start, but it appears as though the postponement of the Blofield cup game has been a catalyst for the wheels to well and truly fall off. Heavy defeats to Kirkley & Pakefield, Watton Utd and UEA followed, but worse was to come last week, as the club’s committee decided that, due to additional off-the-field difficulties, they had no option but to dissolve the organisation and withdraw from the league.

This sort of story is so disappointing to hear given the success the club enjoyed last season, and only goes to highlight the fragile nature of our sport at grassroots level.

With a number of players now looking for clubs, it appears as though North Walsham Town have plundered the old Wherrymen stocks to boost their playing pool, which had taken its own hit in October after a managerial change, by no less than seven.

The Angels had endured a sticky month, but the new-look side got their first point of the month in a 3-3 draw within Yelverton last Saturday.

The top of the table is incredibly tight. Seven teams look to be in contention and are separated by only 3pts. Top of the pile are Mundford on 24pts, but they are closely followed by Sheringham and Scole Utd on 23pts, UEA, Aylsham and the unbeaten Wymondham Town a point further adrift on 22, with Attleborough Town hitting blackjack.

Two of the challengers, Wymondham Town and UEA, have suffered setbacks in the past seven days, losing key players (Liam Moriarty and Mo Hassan) further up the food chain, and it will be interesting to see how these changes impact upon their title challenges. In contrast to this, Sheringham have acquired the services of Norwich CBS striker and ex-Cromer Town man Darren Terrington, whilst Aylsham have snaffled Sam Bryant back to his roots.

The bottom of the table is still occupied by Cromer Town, who are still to register a point. They now sit 8pts behind 2nd from bottom Loddon Utd, who also inflicted a 9-1 drubbing upon The Crabs.

The division were represented by five clubs in the last 16 of the Norfolk Senior Cup, all playing sides higher up the pyramid, but Wymondham Town merged to still be flying the flag for the division and the Anglian Combination as a whole. As mentioned previously, Wymondham made their way over to Mulbarton Wanderers and progressed with a fine 2-1 win thanks to goals from Moriarty and Mace, but there were defeats for Attleborough Town, Scole Utd, Sheringham & Yelverton. In the quarter finals, Eastern Counties Premier Division side Thetford Town stand between Wymondham Town and a semi final spot.

Division Two

Chris Brownbridge’s Easton side are still runaway leaders, leaving all others trailing in the wake with 34 points from a possible 36. Below them, the remaining sides in the top six (Martham, Fakenham Town Reserves, Holt Utd, East Harling & Thetford Rovers) are concertinaed together with only four points between them, and Poringland Wanderers are just outside this group, but with games in hand on all.

The month saw two rounds of Junior Cup ties and, last week, the focus fell on the last 16 encounters. East Harling, who achieved a notable penalty shoot-out win over the much-heralded AFC Lynn side, and Poringland Wanderers, another to win on penalties, will be awaiting news of the quarter final draw. Fakenham Town Reserves are also still in the hat, but are still to play their tie with Division 5N high-flyers, Castle Acre Swifts. The Ghosts will be looking to Ben Darby to continue his phenomenal streak in the penalty area, with the ex-Foulsham man having hit 25 goals in 11 games so far.

Division Three

It’s still all about Buxton and Gorleston Reserves with the former holding a five point lead. The leaders also still have Will Abbs banging them in from all angles. However, emerging on the rails, after a ten point accumulation through November are Swaffham Town Reserves. The Pedlars’ second string made a big statement with a 4-0 win over their counterparts in green last weekend, and are obviously harvesting the same joys as the club’s First Team. Below them, Hingham, Earsham and Beccles Caxton continue to have productive campaigns.

Flying the flag for the division in the Norfolk Junior Cup are Freethorpe and Norwich CEYMS Reserves. Freethorpe headed to West Norfolk and thwarted the power of Gayton Utd & Chez Rust to win 2-1 after extra time, while CEYMS enjoyed a solitary goal victory over Mundford Reserves.

Division Four

Its a three way battle in Division Four with the perfect record of Heacham leading the way from Great Yarmouth Town Reserves and Bradenham Wanderers Reserves. The latter have also made progress in the Norfolk Junior Cup, swatting aside Belton and then Division Two opposition in the shape of Sprowston Athletic.

Elsewhere in the division, Aylsham Reserves have moved up the table, scoring 25 times in four games in the process, including a 8-1 crushing of their local rivals North Walsham Town Reserves. The Angels currently sit bottom and must be hoping the influx of players into their first team squad benefits them and sees an improvement in results.

Division 5N

Castle Acre Swifts continue to beat all that is put before them with nine wins from nine. They also have the aforementioned Junior Cup tie with Fakenham Town Reserves to look forward to this weekend. Were they to win, they would join Dussindale Rovers in the last eight, after they won the much-publicised tie with Terrington Tigers, courtesy of Tom Cullumbine’s effort.

Dussindale currently sit 3rd, just behind Hellesdon Reserves, with both sides only being beaten once. Norwich Eagles also have only one defeat to their name, but a number of draws means they are slightly off the pace. Further down the table, cup duties have led to Mundford Reserves having only completed five games to date.

Division 5S

The Southern section of the regional divisions looks extremely competitive. Only five points separate leaders AC Mill Lane from 8th placed Belton. It appears as though Reserve sides of Attleborough Town, Harleston Town, Scole Utd and Yelverton, together with Talcolneston, Suffolk side Beccles Town Reserves and the previously mentioned two all have the capacity to take points off each other, thus creating an interesting and interchangeable league table.

The only definite in the division is the plight of Newton Flotman. They have lost all 11 games, conceding 92 times in the process and currently sit on a minus points total.

 

Best wishes for the upcoming festivities to all involved in #NorfolkFootball

 

October Review

Southern Premier

Having made a promise to the Linnets’ faithful to expect big things from the club when he arrived last year, chairman Stephen Cleeve made a serious statement of intent this month, with the acquisition of two ex-Premier League footballers in the form of Grant Holt and Simon Lappin. The signings both played a major part in Norwich City’s fortunes in recent years, with the former being something of a talismanic superhero to the Canaries’ supporters.

Their signings have brought about a increased interest in the club and has already resulted in an improvement in crowd figures. The pre-Holt and Lappin average attendance was just under 750, but since their arrival ahead of the Hitchin game, the three league games played at The Walks has seen nearly 3000 spectators pass through the turnstiles.

On the pitch, things have also been rosy for The Linnets. Despite losing their first game of the month 3-1 away at Weymouth, they have racked up four straight wins in the league (over Hitchin Town, Kings Langley, Dunstable Town and Bishop’s Stortford – in which Holt grabbed his first goal in Lynn colours), and they currently sit 2nd in the table, only being denied the top spot by Slough Town’s superior goal difference.

Unfortunately for Lynn, the month ended in disappointing fashion as they succumbed to a surprise 1-0 defeat at the hands of Step 4 side Mildenhall Town. This curtailed any hopes that the club had regarding a visit to Wembley, and also ended the involvement in the FA Trophy for all Norfolk clubs.

Isthmian North

In addition to Lynn’s healthy position, there is a sense of satisfaction further down the A47, as Dereham Town finish the month looking down on their Isthmian North competitors from the top of the tree.

The Magpies have had a fine month, winning all four league games, and thus extending their unbeaten league run to seven. Consecutive 3-1 home wins over Potters Bar Town and Mildenhall Town, in which Jamie Forshaw grabbed a brace in both, were followed by a 2-0 win at Cheshunt and a fine 1-0 success at fellow high-flyers AFC Hornchurch to ensure Neal Simmons’ troops hold a 2 point advantage at the top.

Like The Linnets, Dereham’s only real disappointment came in the FA Trophy as they conceded a last minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Bowers & Pitsea, before suffering a 4-1 defeat in the replay at Aldiss Park.

Elsewhere in the division, Norwich Utd have managed to drag themselves off the foot of the table, largely thanks to a 2-0 win over Waltham Abbey that came on the heels of a point gained in a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Romford. These results were bookended by convincing defeats at the hands of Soham Town Rangers (3-0) and Haringey Borough (4-0), whilst The Planters fell at the first hurdle in the FA Trophy, losing 4-3 to Grays Athletic despite a spirited second half comeback.

Manager Steve Eastaugh has made a good number of additions over recent weeks to bolster his squad, with Hafeez Sanusi making a positive impact in the goalscoring charts.

Eastern Counties Premier

The main focus across the county in this division over the past month centred around the situation that escalated at Fakenham Town.

Following the departure of Robbie Harris in September, things snowballed from there and came to a head on the 10th day of the month. The players made a united stand against the decisions of the club committee, and refused to play in the game against Great Yarmouth Town, resulting in the game being postponed fifteen minutes before kick off. With the help of youth team coaches and players, a side was raised for the following Saturday, but they succumbed to a 3-1 Norfolk Senior Cup defeat to Yelverton, a side three divisions below them. They then lost 3-0 to Ely City, but having installed Youth Team Manager Alex Walpole as Caretaker Manager, alongside a trio of knowledgeable individuals in Barnes, Keeley & Colman to repair the damage, they have recovered from their strife and actually gained two good wins, over Hadleigh Town and Gorleston to move off the foot of the table. Consecutive 4-0 defeats to Stowmarket Town and Great Yarmouth Town have occurred since, but The Ghosts are in a much better place than the bleak future that presented itself early in the month.

Gorleston were another club which saw a new man at the helm. Stewart Larter replaced Ricci Butler at Emerald Park for a second stint as Greens’ boss, but his opening month in the job has been a winless one. They lost key player Connor Deeks, who defected to Wroxham soon after Larter’s arrival, and only picked up one point, as well as losing in the Norfolk Senior Cup and Eastern Counties League Cup. I witnessed their Senior Cup defeat on penalties to Anglian Combination side Mulbarton Wanderers, and despite a poor opening half in which they seemed to be overawed and outmuscled by their hosts, a much improved second half saw a fightback from two goals down, largely due to the introduction Jack Garrod who was the catalyst as he scored with his first touch. A goalless extra time led to a penalty shoot-out, in which the home side progressed. All in all, it was a very enjoyable afternoon’s football and a good advert for the county’s premier cup competition.

Another club to endure a tough month in the league were Thetford Town. The Brecklanders lost all three league games to slip down the table, but they have found joy in the competitions. A creditable 4-1 Senior Cup win over last season’s semi finalists Harleston Town was followed by a replay win over Debenham LC in the FA Vase, and they capped their good cup form with an emphatic 3-0 League Cup success over Norwich CBS.

Wroxham are the highest placed Norfolk side in the division, and they are maintaining a spot in and around 6th place, as the rebuilding process by Parke & Potter continues. They added the afore mentioned Deeks, and Sam Pledger from Dereham Town to their ranks and both made their first bows in the Friday night game under The Wellesley lights.

The game against Great Yarmouth Town was a tale of two halves, as The Bloaters ran riot to lead 3-0 at the break, but a stirring response from The Yachtsmen saw goals from Gilfedder and Pledger, on his debut, ensure a nervy last five minutes for The Bloaters, but they held on for the three points.

Potter and Parke’s men then went goal crazy, scoring 18 times in four wins, one of which saw them gain revenge over Norwich CBS for the FA Vase exit. The two new signings have also proven their worth, grabbing ten goals between them. A heavy 5-1 defeat to Saffron Walden followed, but they finished the month beating Diss Town in the League Cup.

But for a last day of the month defeat to Stowmarket Town, Great Yarmouth Town would’ve gone through the month unbeaten. The aforementioned defeat of Wroxham, was followed by an extra time Senior Cup win over a plucky Aylsham side, both by 3-2. Consecutive draws with Kirkley & Pakefield, FC Clacton and Long Melford preceded the Stowmarket defeat, but having watched the Wroxham game, The Bloaters look sure to move up the table very soon.

Eastern Counties Division One

It’s been a good month for our clubs in Division One of the ECL.

The journey that new-boys Norwich CBS have undertaken has been very enjoyable to watch and they have developed a special affection for the FA Vase. In their first season in the competition, they continue to enjoy success and achieved a 1-0 win over Oxhey Jets, courtesy of a Matty Doyle strike.

Their league form has been none too shabby either with four straight wins over Wisbech St.Mary twice (who they will soon meet again in the FA Vase 2nd Round), Diss Town and Norwich United Reserves.

It hasn’t been all rosy during the month though, as the side have experienced defeats in the Norfolk Senior Cup and ECL Challenge Cup to fellow Norfolk teams Wroxham and Thetford Town.

Downham Town are another side sure to be pleased with their October efforts. Having picked up only six points during August and September, they have accrued seven points from their three league games. To reinforce this improvement in form, they have defeated neighbours Swaffham Town in both the Norfolk Senior Cup (5-4 on pens after a thrilling 4-4 draw) and ECL Challenge Cup (2-0). The only low point has been the defeat to Wisbech St.Mary in the ECL Knockout Cup.

Despite having fallen to Downham Town in two competitions and to Debenham LC in a third, Swaffham Town have again gone well in their league programme throughout the month. A draw in early October with March Town Utd was followed by four consecutive victories (over Team Bury, Braintree Town, Diss Town and Whitton Utd) that have propelled the side into the top six.

Also riding high in the division are Kings Lynn Reserves. A 3-0 defeat to undefeated Woodbridge Town was soon forgotten about as they returned from Holland FC with three points, before annihilating their counterparts from Leiston 8-1. They also defeated Premier Division Fakenham Town on penalties in the ECL Challenge Cup, but did suffer a loss to March Town Utd by a solitary goal in the ECL Knockout Cup.

The other sides in the division, Diss Town and Norwich Utd Reserves, were not so successful as both sides accrued only four points from the month. The Planters’ second string did manage to beat The Tangerines 4-1 in the ECL Knockout Cup, whilst Diss Town did enjoy some Cup success of their own, beating Caister in the Norfolk Senior Cup.

Anglian Combination

There has been no change at the head of the Premier Division, with both Harleston Town and Norwich CEYMS remaining undefeated. Just below them sit Mulbarton Wanderers, who impressed me greatly during their Senior Cup win over Gorleston, where the wicked crossing ability of Player-Manager Self was instrumental in their progression. Three straight league wins has also propelled Long Stratton up the table.

Lower down the table, I took in the A47 derby as Blofield Utd claimed the bragging rights over Acle Utd with a 2-1 win in front of a healthy gathering of spectators. Meanwhile, a pointless month for Reepham Town ensures they still prop up the standings

Sheringham continue to lead Division One, but have Wymondham Town (who have won the October Senior Team of the Month), Mundford and UEA snapping at their heels. Hoveton Wherrymen have benefitted from the implosion at Greens Road, snaring two players from North Walsham Town, and have collected 7pts from their three games. However, they suffered from serious player unavailability at the end of the month and were forced to call-off their Mummery Cup tie with Blofield Utd due to this. At the foot of the table, Cromer Town are still pointless, whilst Loddon Utd continue to struggle for points and players.

The league has eight representatives (six of those ply their trade in Division 1) still in the Norfolk Senior Cup. One of which, Attleborough Town, pulled out the plum tie of a visit to Kings Lynn Town in the next round.  Due to the dynamics of the draw, the league is only guaranteed one side to progress further with Mulbarton Wanderers v Wymondham Town being the only all Anglian Combination tie.

The Mummery Cup has reached the quarter final stage, with big hitters Harleston Town & Norwich CEYMS, and current holders Mulbarton Wanderers still involved, as well as the in-form Long Stratton.

Easton lead the way in Division Two and remain unbeaten. Holt Utd, Fakenham Town Reserves and Martham are amongst the chasing pack. In Division Three, Gorleston lead the way from Buxton, who still have Will Abbs plundering goals left, right and centre.

In the Cyril Ballyn Cup, we have reached the semi final stage. Gorleston won the battle of the Division Three big guns, beating Buxton 2-0 and they now face Brandon Town. The other semi final sees Poringland Wanderers and Fakenham Town Reserves pit their wits against each other, following wins over Sprowston Athletic and Holt Utd respectively.

Heacham continue to lead the way in Division Four, closely followed by the Reserve sides of Great Yarmouth Town and Bradenham Wanderers. Mulbarton Wanderers Reserves also had a good month and, with games in hand, have their eye on an assault at the top three. At the bottom, North Walsham Town Reserves sit last with no points to their name and trail Reepham Town Reserves by a solitary point.

In the regional sections of Division Five, Castle Acre Swifts still have a 100% record in the North, and lead the way from unbeaten Hellesdon Reserves and Dussindale Rovers. Wells Town Reserves are the only team without a win to their name. A whole number of teams are in contention in the South, but AC Mill Lane lead the way. And it goes from bad to worse for Newton Flotman. They remain pointless and suffered the fate of conceding 42 goals during their three October fixtures.

In the CS Morley Cup, the last 16 saw wins for UEA Reserves, Bradenham Wanderers Reserves, Mulbarton Wanderers Reserves, Easton Reserves, Heacham, Dussindale Rovers and Attleborough Town Reserves. Gayton Town Reserves lost out to Suffolk side Beccles Town Reserves.

The Junior Cup 2nd Round took place early in the month. The top games saw East Harling come away from Holt Utd with a 3-1 win and Gorleston Reserves prevail at Martham, whilst struggling Reepham Town Reserves upset the formbook by beating Division Five South leaders AC Mill Lane. Other results of note saw Sprowston Athletic claim a place in the 3rd Round at the expense of Hingham Athletic, and Castle Acre Swifts win at Division Four Wymondham Town Reserves.

 

#NORFOLKFOOTBALL

 

September Review

Southern Premier

Kings Lynn Town have maintained their promising start and currently sit in 2nd position, two points adrift of leaders Kettering Town.

The Linnets kicked off the month with back-to-back 4-1 wins, over Coleshill Town, in the FA Cup, and Stratford Town respectively. A slight downturn in fortunes followed, as a first league defeat at the hands of Royston Town preceded the club’s elimination from the FA Cup, via a 3-1 loss at Nuneaton Town.

The Linnets have since bounced back, achieving two clean sheets in victories over Tiverton Town (2-0) and Biggleswade Town (3-0).

A 3-1 Challenge Cup reversal at Kempston Rovers with a much-changed side shouldn’t detract from what has been a decent month of football for the county’s highest ranked amateur side. And with a healthy crowd backing the team, could this be the successful season for Culverhouse’s men that chairman Cleeve desires

Isthmian North

There has been a mixed bag of results for Dereham Town in September, with three wins, two draws and three defeats from their eight games. Despite this, The Magpies are still flying high in 3rd position.

They began the month with a creditable 1-0 FA Cup away at Yaxley, but their run came to an abrupt end at Aldiss Park in the next round, when United Counties League side Boston Town came to Norfolk and, having more than played their part in an enterprising game, struck twice in a matter of minutes in the final quarter of the game to cause an upset with a 2-1 win.

Betwixt these two cup encounters, the concession of late goals against both Ware & Witham Town ensured only one point was obtained instead of four. After the Boston defeat, The Magpies were hammered 4-1 by 2nd placed Canvey Island, but since then The Magpies have gone on a three game unbeaten run.

A 3-3 draw with Barking, which again saw a last minute equaliser for the opposition was followed by a 1-0 win at Bury Town, courtesy of a Joe Gatting strike, and a 4-3 success, largely thanks to a Rhys Logan hat-trick, over Waltham Abbey.

The Magpies’ Norfolk compatriots at this level, Norwich Utd, are beginning to display the green shoots of recovery despite languishing at the foot of the table.

The Planters had gone six games without a point, as defeats to Maldon & Tiptree and Bury Town compounded the August form, before a visit to Tilbury Utd saw a spirited display saw the side recover from 2-0, 3-2 and 4-3 deficits to clinch their first point, as Lee Will’s late equaliser capped an eight goal thriller.

A defeat to a AFC Hornchurch side yet to drop a point followed, but Steve Eastaugh’s men grabbed their first win at the tenth time of asking, as a brace from new signing Hafeez Sanusi and Liam Jackson’s third of the season ensured a 3-1 success over high-flying Bowers & Pitsea on the last day of the month.

Eastern Counties Premier

Two managerial departures loomed large over this month’s action. First to go was Ricci Butler at Gorleston. Butler, who had a fine record whilst in charge of The Greens, stepped down due to personal reasons. Within a few days, Robbie Harris at Fakenham Town left his post, as he departed the Clipbush Park hotseat after only four months in the role, with The Ghosts propping up the standings.

Fakenham Town’s form during the month has not been great with only one point being gained from their four league games and no goals being scored. They suffered defeats to Brantham Athletic (5-0), Stanway Rovers (3-0) and Haverhill Borough (2-0), before finishing the month by drawing 0-0 with Long Melford, whilst under the caretaker stewardship of Trevor Daniels and Dean Betts. Amongst this poor run of form, they also exited the FA Vase, losing 3-2 at home to Huntingdon Town.

Gorleston started the month in the worst possible way, as they came up against a very talented Barking side from the Isthmian North in the FA Cup, and were soundly beaten 4-0. I was very impressed with the away side on the day, and it came as no surprise to me when they drew 3-3 with Dereham in a league game a few weeks later.

One thing you can be guaranteed when it comes to The Greens is goals, with their seven games this month providing 35 goals, and it’s been the two Connors leading the way again, with Deeks’ six goals this month bettering Ingram’s tally by one. Wins over Stanway Rovers (2-1) and Haverhill Borough (4-3, thanks to a four goal salvo by Deeks) followed the FA Cup loss, but a midweek game at Ipswich Wanderers brought about a 2-1 reverse. A 3-3 draw with Ely City was next on the schedule before they sent Kirkley & Pakefield back over the border empty handed, beating them 3-2. The final game of the month was a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Newmarket Town to leave The Greens 6th in the table.

Wroxham are the highest placed Norfolk side in the table and they currently sit in 5th position. Three wins, two draws and only one defeat, 5-1 to Newmarket Town has been The Yachtsmen’s league record this month.

Parke & Potter’s men have enjoyed the comforts of home as all three gams at Trafford Park have resulted in victories, all by the odd goal in three against Saffron Walden Town, Stowmarket Town and Thetford Town, whilst the road trips have seen two draws, at Walsham le Willows and FC Clacton and the aforementioned drubbing at racing HQ. The club’s involvement in the FA Vase was short-lived however, as neighbours Norwich CBS belied their divisional inferiority to score a 3-0 win. They will, however, have the opportunity to gain their revenge very soon, as the Norfolk Senior Cup draw paired the two sides together to meet in mid October.

Further down the table, in 10th place, are Thetford Town, who have endured a somewhat tough month.

Having started the month, with a fine 3-2 win over 2nd placed Coggeshall Town, they have since gone on a four game losing streak, as Felixstowe & Walton Utd (0-5), Walsham le Willows (1-2) & Wroxham (1-2) defeated them, before The Brecklanders ended the month with a 7-1 drubbing by Stowmarket Town. The one bright spot during this run was the progression in the FA Vase, which came about courtesy of their opponent’s, Oakham Utd, inability to fulfil the fixture.

Last but by no means least for our county’s involvement in the division, sitting in 17th position, but having played far fewer games than more or less every other side, are Great Yarmouth Town.

The Bloaters have only played three league games during the month, picking up four points. Three points were gained in a 3-1 win over Walsham le Willows, before a point was picked up on their travels to Haverhill Borough courtesy of a 3-3 draw. The month ended with 2-0 defeat to Coggeshall Town.

In amongst all this, Yarmouth have played four cup games. They put up a spirited effort when losing 2-0 to higher ranked opponents, Chesham Utd, in a well attended FA Cup game at The Wellesley, but a week later beat Broxbourne Borough 3-1 in the FA Vase. Their next opponent was ECL Division One side Debenham LC, who managed to claim a 1-1 draw after extra time at The Welesley, before sending The Bloaters packing as they eventually won 2-0 following more extra time, back at their own patch.

Eastern Counties Division One

Sitting atop the perch are the second string side from Kings Lynn Town. The Linnets’ Reserves have enjoyed a fine month, gong unbeaten and collecting sixteen points in the process.

With Frohawk, McQuaid, Whayman, Edge & Dye all finding the net on multiple occasions, Lynn have recorded wins over Wisbech St.Mary, AFC Sudbury Reserves, Norwich Utd Reserves, Cornard Utd & Diss Town. The only draw was in a local derby against Downham Town that finished 2-2.

Elsewhere in the division, there is a trio of Norfolk Thsides all concertinaed together around halfway. The loftiest of those is 10th placed Swaffham Town, above Norwich CBS and Norwich Utd Reserves.

The Pedlars have picked up five points from their four games; beating Norwich CBS 2-0, drawing with Norwich Utd Reserves and lowly Cornard Utd, whilst suffering a defeat in the early part of the month to Woodbridge Town. Despite hammering Stewarts & Lloyds 6-1, they exited the FA Vase at the hands of Rushden & Higham Utd by the odd goal in nine, after extra time.

As in August, both Joe Jackson & Alex Vincent continue to plunder goals at an incredible rate. The former has found the net four times to move onto 14 for the season, but he has been overtaken by the latter. Vincent’s eight strikes see him sitting on 15 and on top of the division’s goalscoring charts.

Norwich CBS have more than adjusted to their new surroundings and have broke new ground with their FA Vase run too. A 2-0 win over Premier Division Ipswich Wanderers was bettered a few weeks later when they visited Trafford Park and dispatched Wroxham by 3-0, as mentioned previously in the article. Next up is a home tie with Oxhey Jets.

In the league, they have obtained seven points from their five game. Defeats to Swaffham Town and Debenham LC were countered by wins over Needham Market Reserves & Team Bury. A draw at the beginning of the month with Halstead Town means CBS can be more than satisfied with their month’s efforts.

The last of the mid-table trifecta are Norwich Utd Reserves. The Planters’ second XI have had a degree of symmetry in the last month. Two wins (over Downham Town and Wisbech St.Mary), two draws (with Swaffham Town and March Town Utd) and two defeats (inflicted by Debenham LC and the leaders Lynn) in the league, a cup win on penalties and a cup defeat on penalties.

Slightly lower down the table are Jason Cook’s Diss Town. The Tangerines started the month with two defeats, including a 7-0 drubbing by Framlingham Town, but recovered with wins over Downham Town and Needham Market Reserves.

Unfortunately, in the last two games of the month, Cook’s men have been on the wrong end of five goal thrillers, as Framlingham Town were made to work hard for their FA Vase success with the tie going to extra time, before The Linnets’ second XI got the better of them.

Struggling in 19th place, with six points, are Downham Town. The early part of the month saw their Norfolk rivals make them suffer as only one point was gained from Norwich Utd Reserves, Kings Lynn Town Reserves and Diss Town. A further defeat to Biggleswade Town saw Town exit the Vase, but they grabbed their first win of the season in a comprehensive 4-0 win over Wisbech St.Mary on the 19th.

A defeat to mid-table Leiston Reserves followed, but an away point at Little Oakley means they move into October with something to build on.

Anglian Combination Premier & Division 1

The August form of Harleston Town and Norwich CEYMS has continued, with both sides on maximum points at the top of the table. Mulbarton Wanderers sit 3rd, whilst the new boys Bradenham Wanderers and Hellesdon have to be pleased to be sitting in 4th and 5th position.

At the foot of the table, four sides have only one win. Blofield Utd, Reepham Town, Acle Utd (now managed by Rob Taylor) and St. Andrews will all be hoping for an upturn in fortunes as we hit Autumn. Mattishall, by virtue of two consecutive wins, have raised themselves above these sides.

Division One looks to be all about Sheringham, who are still unbeaten, although Wymondham Town have the opportunity to catch The Shannocks should they win their games in hand.

Mundford sit 2nd, a point adrift of the leaders, but must be ruing their 3-1 defeat to North Walsham Town. The Angels have their own problems to deal with as we enter October, with manager Patrick Johnson walking away from his role after last Saturday’s defeat to Attleborough Town.

At the bottom, things don’t get any better for Cromer Town, whilst Yelverton and Hindringham still remain winless.

The two cup competitions brought about some interesting results. The Mummery Cup saw the Premier Division sides enjoy a level of dominance, but the Norfolk Senior Cup was a different matter.

The Division One flag flew with pride as four sides sprung shocks. Chris Wigger’s Sheringham beat Blofield Utd, UEA enjoyed an impressive 3-0 win over Hellesdon, Mundford edged past Long Stratton, whilst winless Yelverton defeated Stalham Town 3-1.

In bad news for the league, the Representative Squad suffered a brutal 5-0 defeat to their Amateur Football Combination counterpart to end their involvement in the FA Inter League Cup.

Anglian Combination Division 2 & 3

Easton lead the way at the top of the junior level rankings and are the only unbeaten side in Division 2. Their cup form, however, has not been so great, with the side having suffered heavy defeats to Castle Acre Swifts & Holt Utd in the Junior Cup and Cyril Ballyn Cup.

A host of sides are sitting in the slipstream of the leaders, with Thetford Rovers, Fakenham Town Reserves, Poringland Wanderers & Martham all having lost only one game each. The Ghosts’ start was been boosted by the goalscoring exploits of Ben Darby. The ex-Foulsham striker has shown he has lost none of his predatory instincts, claiming 19 goals in only seven appearances.

At the bottom of the table, three straight defeats have seen Horsford Utd slip to 15th, with only Caister Res (on a minus points total) below them.

Division Three sees Gorleston Reserves and Buxton continue to lead the way with their perfect records. Buxton’s assault has largely been down to the goals of Will Abbs. The ex-Aylsham man has hit 13 goals in five games so far, and claimed four of the five league goals scored by the side in September.

Beccles Caxton are the only other unbeaten side in the division, but having drawn three of their five encounters so far, they are sat in 6th. Blofield Utd Reserves and Costessey Sports prop up the table with only three points each.

Anglian Combination Division 4 & 5

High scoring Heacham lead Division 4 with five straight wins, with the Reserve sides of Bradenham Wanderers, Great Yarmouth Town and Bungay Town tucked in behind them. The bottom two, Reepham Town Reserves and North Walsham Town Reserves have no points to the name. The Angels did pick up a point away at Wymondham Town Reserves, but a failure to fulfil their following fixture meant they suffered a points penalty.

The top two in Northern section of Division 5, Dussindale Rovers and Castle Acre Swifts, are already nine points clear of the rest, although Hellesdon Reserves could catch them were they to win their games in hand. Castle Acre won the battle of the big two at the end of the month, as they returned back to base with a 3-1 away win.

Also this month, the division suffered a blow as North West Norfolk based Dersingham Rovers were forced to fold. It is so sad to see clubs, who have enjoyed relative success over the last few years, suffer such hardship that they see to no choice but to stop competing.

There looks to be a real battle developing in the Southern section. Talcolneston are top, but have AC Mill Lane, Belton and the unbeaten Attleborough Town Reserves breathing down their necks. Furthermore, all four sides are still in the hunt to win the CS Morley Cup.

 

August Review

Southern League Premier Division

After appointing Ian Culverhouse midway through last season and claiming the Norfolk Senior Cup in May, Kings Lynn Town have made an impressive start to their first full season under the stewardship of the ex-Norwich City stalwart.
13 points from a possible 15, including three straight wins on their travels, sees The Linnets flying high in 3rd place, just two points adrift of the top two, Banbury Utd & Kettering Town.
The Linnets begin their FA Cup journey this weekend when last season’s FA Vase semi finalists Coleshill Town are the visitors to The Walks.

Isthmian League North

There have been contrasting fortunes for the county’s two clubs plying their trade at Step 4 of the footballing pyramid.
On the one hand, Dereham Town, under the guidance of Neal Simmons, have made a fantastic start with 4 straight league wins, including a 3-1 derby day success at Norwich Utd, that sees them sitting in 3rd place. AFC Hornchurch and Heybridge Swifts sit above them, only due to their superior goal difference. The Magpies also enjoyed success over Corby Town in the FA Cup and next face a trip to Yaxley this weekend.
In a direct opposite, Norwich Utd have suffered 4 straight league defeats and currently prop up the table. They also fell at the first hurdle in their FA Cup journey, losing to Clapham. Manager Steve Eastaugh will be hoping The Planters rediscover last season’s form in the near future.

Eastern Counties League Premier

There have been some strong starts made to the season by a number of our clubs in the ECL Premier Division. The highest placed of those is Thetford Town, who sit in 4th, just two points behind joint leaders Coggeshall Town & Felixstowe & Walton Utd, having gained 5 victories, including a morale boosting win over Great Yarmouth Town recently. The goals from Call and Melanson have been pivotal to this decent start.
Unfortunately for The Brecklanders, their involvement in the FA Cup was shortlived, as they lost 3-2 at the hands of Eynesbury Rovers.
One of Thetford’s two defeats was to fellow Norfolk side Gorleston, who themselves sit in 8th, but have played less games than all the sides sitting above them. Their only defeat was to Stowmarket Town, but throughout the month, the two Connors, Deeks and Ingram, have been fine goalscoring form for the team.
Unlike Thetford, The Greens have taken to cup competition and, after two away wins in The FA Cup, they host Barking in the next round this weekend. Also in FA Cup action this weekend is Gorleston’s near neighbours Great Yarmouth Town. The Bloaters have beaten Diss Town and Basildon Utd to earn a home tie against Chesham Utd. Their league record to date has seen 2 wins and 2 defeats from just 4 games, and whilst The Bloaters sit just below mid-table, they do have the opportunity to rise the table as they play catch-up on fixtures.
Sitting in 6th place in the division are Wroxham, now managed by Ross Potter and Tom Parke following their demotion from the Isthmian League North last season. The Yachtsmen, with a vastly changed squad, have adapted well to the grind of Eastern Counties League football and have suffered only one defeat so far. During midweek, they achieved an impressive 5-2 win over previously unbeaten Walsham le Willows, largely thanks to a Peter Wiltshire treble. Alongside Wiltshire, Ross Gilfedder has also been in fine goalscoring form. The Yachtsmen were hoping for a money-spinning FA Cup run, but succumbed to a late goal by Southend Manor, who subsequently suffered a similar fate to Gorleston.
Last but not least, we focus on Fakenham Town. After a poor start to the campaign, with goals seemingly a problem, The Ghosts got up and running with a 2-1 win over Ely City on Tuesday night with Kyle Plumb grabbing an injury time winner. Manager Robbie Harris will be hoping this success is a catalyst to an improvement in their league form.

Eastern Counties League Division 1

Upheaval has been the name of the game for a couple of our clubs in their Thurlow Nunn ECL Division 1.
Diss Town lost their newly appointed management team before a ball had been kicked and the signs of what to expect for the season were looking ominous. However, new manager Jason Cook has had a positive effect and, after only one defeat so far, has seemingly built a platform from which to progress from.
Downham Town have also suffered from managerial change as Pawel Guziejko and his assistant Paul Hawes left North West Norfolk. Despite the departures, the club picked up their first point of the season last Friday, drawing 2-2 with rivals Swaffham Town. The club also moved swiftly to appoint Paul Neary this week, and he is tasked with getting Town to a healthier league position. Our best placed side in the division is Swaffham Town, who have coped well following last season’s relegation to pick up 10pts from a possible 15. The Pedlars’ fans have certainly got their money’s worth with regards to goals as Alex Vincent and new signing Joe Jackson have plundered 17 between them.
Sitting in mid-table are Kings Lynn Town Reserves and new-boys Norwich CBS. I witnessed the game between these two sides in the latter’s first game at their new home, the FDC, and was impressed with the youthful vibrancy displayed by the young Linnets, especially midfielder Eoin McQuaid.
That result was the only defeat that CBS have suffered as they have gone on to record two victories, scoring 9 goals along the way.
Final word goes to Norwich Utd Reserves, who are also in their first season at Step 6. The second string Planters picked up 4pts from their opening two games, but have since lost three games on the bounce to sit in 16th position.

Anglian Combination Premier

Norwich CEYMS lead the way with maximum points from 4 away games, but both Harleston Town & Mulbarton Wanderers are close behind with maximum points from a game less. The latter also claimed the annual league curtain-raiser, as they beat last season’s runners-up Harleston Town 9-8 on penalties following an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Newly promoted Bradenham Wanderers, Beccles Town & Hellesdon have all managed to get a win to their name.
Elsewhere, Acle Utd and Mattishall are the only teams currently pointless.

Anglian Combination Division One

Newly promoted Hoveton Wherrymen have made a fine start to senior football and are currently unbeaten from their first 3 games. Also unbeaten are Wymondham Town and leaders Sheringham, whilst Mundford Town have a perfect record and sit 2nd.
Fellow new-boys Watton Utd gained their 1st win last weekend over Cromer Town, but UEA & Yelverton are yet to notch a victory.
It’s been a poor start by Loddon Utd and they sit alongside Cromer Town at the foot of the table.

Anglian Combination Division 2/3

Free-scoring Fakenham Town Reserves top the junior football charts, courtesy of a perfect start, from perennial challengers Easton. Good starts have also been made by Poringland Wanderers & Martham.
The goals of Will Abbs have fired Buxton to a great start in Division 3, and they sit just behind the newly-promoted leader, Earsham. Gorleston Reserves also appear to be continuing their ascent through the lower levels of the league, as they have two straight wins to their name.

Anglian Combination Division 4/5

Division 4 of the Anglian Combination is still in its early stages, but we only have three sides with a perfect record. The second strings of Downham Town and Waveney, alongside Heacham Town all have maximum points.
In the regionalised 5th divisions, Dussindale Rovers and Castle Acre Swifts head the North, whilst Belton have made a sparkling start in the South.