Dereham 5, Colchester 1Holly Allen's double strike wrapped up a comfortable East Women's League Premier Division victory for Dereham against Colchester as they remained on course for promotion to the National League.

Dereham 5, Colchester 1

Holly Allen's double strike wrapped up a comfortable East Women's League Premier Division victory for Dereham against Colchester as they remained on course for promotion to the National League.

In addition to the 5-1 win on Saturday, Dereham were handed a walkover win against Thurrock on Sunday, moving them to within a point of leaders Canterbury II, with a game in hand. If Dereham can win their final three games, they will be promoted as champions.

Evie Gardner started the ball rolling against Colchester, who were beaten 15-0 by Dereham earlier in the season.

Hannah Palmer touched in a short corner for the second and Gemma Nicholls slotted in a rebound as Dereham went in to the break 3-1 ahead.

Dereham failed to convert several chances in the second half, but Allen converted from a Palmer cross and then flicked in Gardner's strike to complete the scoring.

Wisbech 0, Dereham 4

Despite a below-par display in East Men's League Division A, Dereham managed to grind out a result which has enhanced their chances of survival.

Dereham keeper Tom Vaughan kept Wisbech at bay early on and the visitors went ahead through Andy Lawrence's penalty flick, following a strong run on the right flank from Ed Turner.

Shortly before the break, Lawrence doubled the advantage with a sharp strike from a penalty corner.

Laurie Hill added a third as Dereham dominated the second half and their defence was rarely troubled by Wisbech. Just before the final whistle, Lawrence completed his hat-trick with another well-struck short corner.

Dereham were unable to build on that result when they hosted Havering on Sunday, as the hosts were beaten 3-2.

The home side took the lead through centre forward Mike Timm, following a superb run and cross from Sam Plater.

Havering won a short corner from which Mark Timm deflected a shot into his own net, leaving the sides level at half-time.

The visitors started the second half in positive fashion and went ahead following another short corner, but Lawrence continued his good scoring form to bring Dereham back on level terms.

Another deflected short corner gave Havering victory, leaving Dereham with three games to ensure their survival.