Dereham Town will be at home to Sheringham in the semi-finals of the Norfolk Senior Cup, with the prospect of another Carrow Road clash with Wroxham in the final if results fall into place.

Dereham Town will be at home to Sheringham in the semi-finals of the Norfolk Senior Cup, with the prospect of another Carrow Road clash with Wroxham in the final if results fall into place.

The Magpies, chasing a third successive final victory, will need no reminding of how hard the Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination Premier Division Shannocks pushed them in last season's semi.

And before Friday night's live draw on Radio Norfolk, the Sheringham boss John Kowalyk was calling for a chance of revenge.

Wroxham, who were disappointed by their display in last season's showpiece final, are at home to a Norwich United well capable of causing an upset in the Yachtsmen's unpredictable season. The ties are set be played on February 2, but the Wroxham tie may be played on the Friday night.

On Saturday, the Magpies are back in Ridgeons Premier action with a tough call at Woodbridge, having suffered a home defeat by Norwich United at the weekend.

Dereham Reserves, leaders of the Anglian Combination Division One, did not play at the weekend but on Saturday entertain third-place Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves.

Dereham Town 1, Norwich United 2

Dereham dropped three points, failing to recover from a 2-0 half-time deficit in what might have been a Norfolk Senior Cup final rehearsal.

After the nine-goal cup thriller at Diss, Cedric Anselin and Adie Hayes returned to the Dereham side with Stuart Garner restored to the starting line up at Aldis Park. Adam Sivell, who was cup-tied the previous week, returned for the visitors, writes Rene Kendal.

The Magpies won a second-minute corner with keeper Hill unable to punch clear Terrington's in-swinger from the right. As Garner returned the ball to the danger area, Harris had a close-range effort blocked.

Garner then sent Harris away through the centre. He played a square pass to Terrington, with Barrett heading over the top following the wide man's teasing centre.

Norwich took the lead with their first strike on goal in the ninth minute. With the home side appealing for offside Martin Gulder received the ball from Sivell, and with only keeper Marshall to beat he coolly slotted home.

Dereham replied with Anselin floating a lovely ball towards Barrett deep in the visitors' half. With the midfielder miscontrolling, the loose ball fell to Howell, whose shot from 10 yards was deflected for a corner.

Bammant came close to increasing the Planters' lead when his 20-yard drive flew past the left hand post after Sivell's strong run forward.

However, from their next attack the visitors made it 2-0 when Nathan Page clinically finished from 18 yards in the 28th minute.

Within minutes Bammant was put clean through with Marshall again being badly exposed. However, the keeper held firm to make a crucial save with his feet.

Dereham regrouped from their dire 20-minute spell but Norwich were well on top at the break.

Dereham made a better start to the second half with Hayes driving the side forward, Atkins replaced Bammant for the visitors.

The Magpies immediately scored to get them back in the game, Harris gained possession on the right and floated the ball towards the far post where the in-rushing Craig Terrington headed home from six yards.

The goal lifted Dereham and from their next venture into the Norwich half Olly Willis blasted over the bar from 18 yards after Howell had teed him up. Dereham were applying the pressure and Harris delivered a low cross from the left which flashed across the six-yard box, just eluding Howell.

Kumbur was then put through with defender Foley being caught out of position, but after reaching the edge of the box the striker fired wide in the 70th minute.

Sam Willis replaced Anselin for the Magpies. Defender Ager conceded a corner as Howell sped into the box. Hill dropped Terrington's flag kick but no home player was on hand to finish.

Moody entered proceedings and with his first touch the striker steered Garner's long ball wide before heading Olly Willis's cross against team mate Howell when well placed.

With five minutes remaining Sivell dragged an 18-yard left-footer just off target after Kumbur had cushioned the ball into his path. Dereham won a corner which Norwich thumped clear as they looked to protect their lead, Beaumont then won another flag kick which resulted in a goalmouth melee.

A scuffle ended with Ferguson being dismissed and Foley booked.

Dereham won a further three corners which failed to produce the equaliser.

Dereham: S Marshall, O Willis, S Garner, A Gusterson, B Foley, A Hayes, N Howell, R Harris, C Anselin, G Barrett, C Terrington. Subs: S Willis, J Wilson, D Beaumont, B Boyce, A Moody.