Bradenham Wanderers 1, Acle Reserves 0AT Hale Road on Saturday Acle looked a stronger, more competitive outfit than the one at Acle in the reverse fixture a couple of weeks ago.

Bradenham Wanderers 1, Acle Reserves 0

AT Hale Road on Saturday Acle looked a stronger, more competitive outfit than the one at Acle in the reverse fixture a couple of weeks ago.

Although the game was very competitive the ball spent most of the time in the air. Forder hit a speculative volley over from 35 yards.

The game burst into life just before the interval when Palin went on a mazy run and produced a shot which the Acle keeper did well to save. Immediately Palin created another chance which the keeper scrambled away.

Five minutes into the second half Bush took a skilful corner which went right across the face of the goal. The game was played mainly in midfield, but on 70 minutes Hancy had a good chance which he headed just over.

On 85 minutes a point-blank save by Butters kept the Bradenham goal intact.

The game looked like ending a draw when a tremendous scramble in the Acle goalmouth ended with a defender handling on the line. Bush calmly placed the spot-kick home and Bradenham had gained a vital three points to help their promotion push.

Bradenham Wanderers 2, Mundford 3

Mundford deservedly won this local derby 3-2 last Tuesday after controlling much of the second half.

Bradenham started brightly enough and took the lead when Frappell touched the ball home at the far post after some good work by Miller and Forder. On 18 minutes Mundford equalised. On 23 minutes Palin wriggled past two defenders and placed his shot inside the far post for an excellent goal to give the Bulldogs the lead.

But within a few minutes the visitors were on terms again with the easiest of headers in the six-yard box with no defender challenging after a corner.

On 51 minutes Hancey headed over the Mundford bar after an accurate Bush corner. On 79 minutes the visitors took a deserved lead.

Wanderers visit Sprowston Wanderers on Saturday, 2.30pm and entertain West Lynn SCC on Tuesday, 6.30pm.

Northwold 1, Bradenham Reserves 1 (aet Northwold win 4-3 on penalties)

AT Aldiss Park, the first half of the Ben Smith Cup final produced no real goalmouth action with defences generally on top, and much of the second half was similar.

With about 15 minutes left Bradenham had a sustained spell of pressure but no finish. With 20 minutes left Bradenham were awarded a penalty for handball, the No 3 sent off. Ashby converted.

Bradenham were unable to make the extra man count and with just a few minutes left Northwold equalised from a free-kick just outside the box.

Neither side could produce much in the way of goalmouth action during extra time.

In the penalty shoot-out Bradenham took an early advantage but then missed two to give Northwold the lead, who went on to lift the trophy.

Bradenham will no doubt feel this is a game they could have won.