Norwich City 4, Dereham 3

HOCKEY: Dereham were unable to extend their 100 per cent record at the weekend, but they still remained top of Premier B.

A lack-luster performance from Dereham meant that local bragging rights were City's for the time being.

It was City who drew first blood. As the ball ballooned up off the Dereham keeper's initial save, the City forward was the first to react, and slotted home into the open net.

Dereham's free-flowing hockey deserted them, and they struggled to build any meaningful momentum.

They drew level through a deflected short corner from Andy Lawrence. Lawrence ensured that Dereham finished the first half on top, when he followed up his own short-corner shot to bury the ball.

City started the second half strongly, and were soon level again following some good approach play from the right, leaving the back post free for City to slot home.

Dereham lost their usual discipline, and were reduced to 10 men following a rash challenge. This seemed to spur City on, as the started to build up some more pressure.

City took the lead following a long ball from the back, and the City forward was faced with a one-on-one with the Dereham keeper, and coolly finished. They made it 4-2 shortly after with a short corner.

Dereham were able to pull another back following a third short corner, Lawrence completing his hat-trick.

This set up a tense final 10 minutes for City, as Dereham pushed for an equalizer. They created a number of chances, enough to even win the game, but were unable to find the finishing touch.

City were able to hold on, and took advantage of a poor display from Dereham.

Dereham 1, St Albans 5

Dereham's search for their first points of the season continues after another heavy defeat at home.

Youngsters Jules Richardson and Ellie Boyce made their debuts at National League level and Boyce got on the scoresheet as Dereham trailed 2-1 after an even first half.

St Albans moved up a gear second half.

This weekend Dereham travel to Sevenoaks.