Dereham 2 Cringleford 4

A specialist team of meteorologists, psychologists & geologists set about debating whether this fixture would go ahead, an unexpected spell of sunshine Sunday morning was the clincher. So despite the centre of the pitch at Aldiss Park resembling the 2nd battle of the Somme, Cringleford trotted out ready for battle.

The early pressure came from the Away side, Dereham were pretty much camped in their own half for the first 20 mins resisting wave after wave of Cringleford pressure, but the inevitable goal eventually came. A long cross from Hucks found Karl Izzard on the far right-hand post who headed home with aplomb.

A lot of early physical effort from Cringleford should have led to more goals but instead allowed Dereham back in the game late in the first half & on one of the home sides rare breakaways they got an unexpected leveler just before half-time. 1-1.

Half-time feelings from Cringleford were that there was no major cause for concern as their dominance would almost certainly pay dividends.

It soon did. Cringleford took the lead fairly swiftly early in the 2nd Half, once again a pin-point cross from King of the assists Hucks finding Big Howie the Scottish gladiator who finished with a powerful header. 2-1.

Hucks increased the lead with a brilliant solo run & clean finish…..but saved the best till last as he met an over-hit Ben Carver cross with an athletic chest control & volleyed into the top corner with his left. Class.

Ecky as usual provided some light entertainment in the dying moments as he was clattered by the big brute of a centre-back & went off with a couple of cracked ribs.

Dereham got a late consolation & just rewards for their efforts. 2-4 to Cringleford Final Score.