Dereham progressed up the Ryman North league table with a win and draw from their last two games, writes Rene Kendal.

A superb late strike from Luke Tuttle earned all three points on Saturday against Waltham Abbey in a game that neither side really deserved to win at Aldiss Park.

On Tuesday evening the Magpies shared the points following a tight game against Witham Town.

Jake Anema's firm header following a corner put them in front at the break.

However, Witham's John Watson equalised with a stunning first time strike in the 50th minute.

As the topsy-turvy game continued Ryan Crisp put Dereham back in front in the 60th minute before Lewis Cocklin restored parity again for the visitors from the penalty spot in the 80th minute.

Dereham manager, Matt Henman, felt that on balance four points from the two games was a good outcome.

'I thought we played better tonight than Saturday, it's disappointing that we could not hold on for the win tonight,' he said. 'I thought we were sloppy in possession on Saturday but worked a lot harder tonight.'

The Dereham boss was happy with the performances of some of his new players.

'I thought that Jake Anema was excellent and deserved his goal,' added Henman. 'Rhys Logan was always a threat and Dion Frary worked hard in midfield.'

On Saturday Dereham travel to Tilbury with Dan Morphew returning to the squad. Henman will give fitness tests to Payton Swatman and Lewis Butcher.

Next Tuesday the Magpies visit local rivals Wroxham with a 7.45pm ko at Trafford Park.

In other news, defender Harry Barker has left the club after his loan move to higher-level Lowestoft Town became a permanent one at the weekend.