Scole 1, Dereham Town Reserves 4DEREHAM were looking for a win to keep them in the Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination Division One promotion hunt, and by half-time they were well in control.

Scole 1, Dereham Town Reserves 4

DEREHAM were looking for a win to keep them in the Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination Division One promotion hunt, and by half-time they were well in control.

In the third minute the ball was played back to Mark Culyer 25 yards out, and the Magpies' skipper drilled a crisp drive inches over the bar. Minutes later Dereham took the lead when Culyer slipped the ball through to Scott Gray just outside the box, the young striker progressing before neatly slotting past the advancing keeper, writes Rene Kendal.

The strong wind was making playing conditions difficult with Dereham having the next strike on goal in the 18th minute, however Ferguson's low drive was comfortably saved by keeper King. Sam Willis created two more chances for the visitors both of which resulted in corners.

From the second flag-kick Sam Groves' centre was deflected in at the near post by a home defender to increase Dereham's lead in the 26th minute.

Three minutes later Nathan Ferguson made it 3-0 when he lifted a curling left foot effort over King and into the net from the edge of the area.

As Dereham continued to dominate, King made a fine save to deny Gray, with Sloggitt making a goalline clearance to prevent Nicky Howell netting from the rebound. On half-time Dereham made it 4-0 when Sam Willis scored with a low drive from the edge of the area.

Dereham won two corners at the start of the second half. From the second Scole keeper King made a great double save to keep out close-range efforts from West and Gray.

In the 55th minute Ferguson came within inches of registering Dereham's nap hand when his shot from the left of the area grazed the left hand post.

King made another good stop to turn Cullyer's 20-yard free-kick around his left hand post after the ball had bounced up wickedly in front of him.

Scole won a penalty in the 70th minute when defender Edwards handled in the box. Jamison Chambers made no mistake from the spot to reduce the deficit.

Lively striker Gray netted after the keeper King had palmed Moody's cross shot in his path but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Dereham took the points to keep them among the leading pack with a solid all-round display.

On Saturday they entertainholt United.

Dereham's Ridgeons League side were without a game, but return to action on Saturday with a trip to Stanway Rovers.