Dereham 3, Tiptree 0The Magpies produced an outstanding second-half performance to record their third successive league win ahead of Saturday's Ridgeons Premier visit to Wisbech for the last league match at Fenland Park before the Fenmen move, first to a temporary ground, then to a new one.

Dereham 3, Tiptree 0

The Magpies produced an outstanding second-half performance to record their third successive league win ahead of Saturday's Ridgeons Premier visit to Wisbech for the last league match at Fenland Park before the Fenmen move, first to a temporary ground, then to a new one.

Jason Hunt replaced the unavailable Adam Smith for the Magpies, writes Rene Kendal.

On a blustery afternoon both sides struggled to play constructive football in the opening half-hour. After the Essex side won a corner in the ninth minute the ball was quickly cleared up to Howell, who crossed towards Barrett at the far post.

The home skipper was needlessly bundled over after entering the box by Townron with the referee immediately pointing to the spot. However, Terrington fired wide of the target from 12 yards.

Tiptree nearly made them pay minutes later when Watson blazed over the target from 16 yards.

Olly Willis suffered a reoccurrence of his midweek injury and was replaced by youth team player James Hadley. In the 20th minute Tiptree keeper Benstead charged from his line to clear from Howell. Tiptree then created a good chance with Townron failing to connect with Watson's low cross.

Howell was clearly obstructed by White when en route to goal. The same player then had a close-range effort well saved by Benstead. However, the loose ball was picked up by Sam Willis who slotted through to Danny Beaumont who made no mistake from 10 yards to open the scoring in the 38th minute and give Dereham an interval lead.

Tiptree won a free-kick on the edge of the area with Cross's low drive rounding the wall before being comfortably saved by Higgs in the 50th minute.

The visitors then won a corner but Dereham eventually cleared.

Benstead made a fine save to turn Terrington's fierce left-footer behind for a corner. From the resultant flag-kick Terrington's in-swinging curler deceived keeper Benstead and crept inside his near post to increase Dereham's lead in the 59th minute.

Minutes later full-back Murfet deflected Howell's shot inches over. Dereham were beginning to get on top and from their next attack Howell found Hunt just outside the box with the midfielder's right-foot drive whistling over the top.

Sam Willis picked up the ball on the left of the Tiptree area and curled a shot goal-ward. Incredibly full-back Cross ducked under the ball which headed inside Benstead's right-hand post to add to Dereham's tally on 68 minutes.

Howell had a powerful drive well saved before defender Cousins just failed to stab home Terrington's corner at the far post with Tiptree pinned in their own half.

Dereham defenders Cousins and Eastoe-Smith were in commanding form but Higgs was forced to make a great save from John. Minutes later Garner cleared Mills' low drive off the line with Higgs beaten.

Benstead needed to tip Beaumont's teasing free kick behind for a corner as Dereham continued their goal chase. On time Beaumont made a mazy run before firing wide.

Dereham: J Higgs, O Willis, S Garner, P Cousins, J Eastoe-Smith, D Beaumont, N Howell, S Willis, J Hunt, G Barrett, C Terrington. Subs: B Furlong, G Watts, J Brien, J Hadleigh.