Dereham Town Reserves 1, Wymondham Town 1THE morning's league leaders the Magpies swept into a fourth-minute lead when George Watts' 35-yard free-kick from near the left touchline made its way through a crowded penalty area and was side-footed home by defender Danny Gallagher, writes René Kendal.

Dereham Town Reserves 1, Wymondham Town 1

THE morning's league leaders the Magpies swept into a fourth-minute lead when George Watts' 35-yard free-kick from near the left touchline made its way through a crowded penalty area and was side-footed home by defender Danny Gallagher, writes René Kendal.

But an equaliser in time added on meant Dereham dropped to fourth in Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination Division One. In the run-in to the end of the season they play most of their games at home, several against promotion contenders. On Saturday, they visit fourth-from-bottom Scole.

League leaders Loddon have 46 points from 19 games, Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves 46 from 24, Watton 46 from 21, Dereham 45 from 23 and Holt 42 from 21.

Edwards had a fierce 20-yard drive blocked following Hook's corner and Watt's powerful shot flew just over the top as the Magpies started confidently.

Dereham came close to increasing their lead when Moody fired over from close range after West's initial effort had fallen at his feet. Watts and Wilson were passing the ball neatly in midfield as the play was moving at a high tempo. Wymondham created an opportunity following a quick break that finished with Steward's left foot effort flushing across goal and narrowly wide.

In the 30th minute defender Easto-Smith popped up on the right flank and delivered a teasing low cross that Moody just failed to reach at the near post.

Wymondham continued to look dangerous with Pipe being fouled by Gallagher just outside the box. However Priest's free-kick was easily saved by Camidge. From the next attack the visitors nearly equalised when Hardy hit the foot of the post from 12 yards.

Wymondham pressed forward without troubling Camidge in the home goal before the Magpies won a free-kick 30 yards out. Then Hook's curling left-footer nearly caught out Pitcher before the keeper palmed his effort behind.

The Magpies created a chance with Wright squaring the ball from near the left by-line to Bryant, who looked to be caught from behind as he was about to net, but a corner was given.

At 1-0 Wymondham were still firmly in the game and Hill delivered a fine cross from the right, but Catchpole could not divert his header goalward. Watts found Moody with a superb defence-splitting pass, but the striker was unable to finish.

In injury time the visitors won a free-kick 30 yards out. Priest's low drive was deflected goalwards by a defender, and with keeper Camidge stranded the ball entered the net in the opposite corner for the equaliser.