Diss Town 2, Dereham Town 0

Dereham were unable to complete the double over Diss this season as Matt Henman's side slipped to a disappointing defeat at Brewers Green Lane.

Following the Magpies' 2-0 win at home in December, this match saw the roles reversed as the Tangerines picked up their first league win since Boxing Day.

Dereham posed an early threat when, in the fourth minute, a Gary Starling free-kick dipped narrowly over the Diss crossbar.

Alex Fitzgerald then won the ball in a challenge with home keeper Matthew Webster and saw his left foot effort drift inches past the left hand post.

As Dereham's early pressure continued, Nicky Howell came close at the far post before minutes later having a close range effort well saved by Webster.

In the 22nd minute Adam Gusterson headed a deep Starling cross into Webster's arms.

Diss responded with Joel Brien blazing a 25-yarder wide of the target.

The home side then opened the scoring when new signing Stuart Jopling – in his second spell with the club – firmly headed a centre from the left into the net in the 26th minute.

Former Dereham player Stuart Garner nearly increased Diss' lead minutes later when his free-kick from the right struck Shaun Marshall's crossbar.

Home keeper Webster dealt well with three Dereham crosses before Jopling headed just wide as Diss enjoyed a half-time lead.

Jay Eastoe-Smith replaced Michael Somerfield at the heart of the Dereham defence at the break.

In the 51st minute Sam Borrer fired a superb 25-yard volley inches over the top. Billy Smith then drilled a low drive from just outside the box forcing Webster into a fine save.

Gusterson flicked a Starling corner over the bar at the near post just after the hour mark.

Diss increased their lead in the 73rd minute when James Pipe latched onto a through ball and beat Marshall with a superb left footed shot.

n Dereham Town's Under-16s won through to the final of the John Savage Cup with a 3-2 win at Great Yarmouth on Sunday.

The Magpies youngsters will play Clenchwarton in the final at Fakenham Town on Friday, March 30.