Dereham's relegation battle is set to go to the wire after a hard-fought 4-3 defeat against bottom-of-the-table Cambridge City.
A win would have ensured Dereham survival in Premier A for another season, but a disappointing second-half performance meant the visitors took the points.
City arrived rooted to the bottom of the table with their relegation confirmed the previous week. Dereham grabbed an opening goal inside the first few minutes after an excellent finish from the returning Richard Stainthorpe following a powerful run by Will Edwards. Cambridge pulled a goal back before Dereham scored two more going into half-time with a 3-1 lead.
But Dereham rapidly unravelled in the second half and Cambridge deservedly scored three goals to snatch a 4-3 victory.
Dereham go into their final home game against Ipswich knowing a win will ensure Premier A hockey. The game is at 1.30pm on Saturday.
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