Beaumont brace secures win

A Danny Beaumont double helped Dereham see off 10-man Norwich United 2-0 at Plantation Park.

New signing Stuart Barker made his debut for the Magpies and in a fast and furious opening, Higgs had to turn Shipley's long punt behind for a corner.

But after only 14 minutes, Norwich skipper Howlett received a straight red card after he kicked out at Barrett, leaving his side to struggle a man down for more than three-quarters of the game.

Dereham tested Hill properly for the first time in the 20th minute, when he claimed Terrington's 30-yarder with ease and the same player then blasted a 25-yard free-kick against the wall before drilling a follow-up inches over the upright.

The Plantners had a chance in the 29th minute, when Welham found himself in space in the Dereham box but his powerful drive flew off target.

As play switched ends, Hill made a fine save to deny Mowbray from close range as Dereham continued to press hard, while Ollie Willis diverted the ball over from point-black range after a five-man move.

A goal looked on the cards and it duly arrived in the 36th minute, when Danny Beaumont gave Hill no chance with a perfectly executed free-kick from 30 yards.

And it did not take Dereham long to increase their lead in the second half, after a well worked move in the 50th minute.

Danny Beaumont found Howell on the right before swiftly moving into the box to side-foot home his second of the night from the wide man's low cross.

Mowbray then failed to convert Beaumont's cross at the far post as Dereham looked to add to their tally, before United manager Butcher was sent from the dugout for needlessly getting involved as the home side began to lose their discipline.

Hill made a brilliant save from Willis after the full-back had made a superb forward run but in the end were happy to settle for the two-goal win.