Following a first defeat of the season for Tom Parkes’ new-look Dereham Town Football Club side at the hands of Woodbridge Town, the Magpies would return to form three days later at Aldiss Park against newly promoted opposition Heacham (final score: 5:1). 

The hosts began proceedings in style when Mac Gee would pick out wide man Robbie Sweeney with a pinpoint diagonal switch.

His first touch matched that of the pass bringing the ball into his stride perfectly before slotting the ball calmly under the Heacham keeper, firing the Magpies into an early lead on the 10-minute mark. 

Dereham Times: Dereham Town in action against Heacham at Aldiss ParkDereham Town in action against Heacham at Aldiss Park (Image: Dereham Town FC)

Dereham doubled their lead 8 minutes later when attacking midfielder Bradley Spooner found his way down the right-hand side before sliding the ball across to the back post for Scotsman Michael Campbell to slot home unopposed. 

Minutes before half-time Campbell grabbed his second of the evening after some neat passing from the hosts would set away a buoyant Sweeney, using excellent close control to weave in between several Heacham defenders before firing a shot goalwards.

 Campbell was in the right place at the right time once again to slot home from the rebound for his fifth of the season since arriving from Norwich United. 

However, Parke’s side started the second half in similar electric fashion, moving the ball around with purpose before Sweeney won himself a free kick about 25 yards out.

He then converted with a left-footed clip into the top right-hand corner, sending the home fans behind it into raptures. 

It wouldn’t be long before Sweeney would cap off a fine individual night's work by completing his well-deserved hat-trick, second-half substitute Jamie North at full stretch sliding the wide man in on goal down the right flank before rolling past the keeper.

It proved to be the perfect response for all involved at Dereham after a minor setback days before against Woodbridge, making it 3 wins out of 4 in the league and setting the Magpies in good stead for the upcoming fixtures.