Ely City 1, Dereham Tn 1

DEREHAM boss Matty Henman believes his developing squad is well-placed to push for honours in the future.

The Magpies' mid-season stutter saw them fall behind Wroxham in the title race, but their form has improved steadily in recent weeks and on Saturday they battled to a 1-1 draw at third-placed Ely.

Henman insists the 14-point gap between Dereham and Wroxham is not a major concern: 'It's not in my thinking,' he said. 'I'm thinking more about getting our performances right and seeing where that takes us and putting a squad together which can finish higher again next season.

'It's no coincidence that we have improved since we added a few new faces and the squad is in a lot healthier state now than at the start of the season. The difference is like chalk and cheese.'

Dereham took the lead in the 11th minute on Saturday as Alex Fitzgerald was fouled in the area and Gary Starling scored from the spot.

Ely drew level in the 30th minute when a cross from the left struck Richard Chadwick and found the net.

The hosts piled on the pressure in the second half but Dereham held on resiliently.

n Dereham's League Cup quarter-final at Kirkley & Pakefield on Tuesday was postponed due to the weather and will now be played this Tuesday at Walmer Road.