Dereham Town face a difficult Saturday FA Cup trip to St Neotts, who Magpies' boss Matt Henman described as the United Counties League's big spenders.'The FA Cup revenue is something that really helps, as well as the interest that a good cup run can generate.

Dereham Town face a difficult Saturday FA Cup trip to St Neotts, who Magpies' boss Matt Henman described as the United Counties League's big spenders.

'The FA Cup revenue is something that really helps, as well as the interest that a good cup run can generate. We'll prepare properly and have watched them and know what to expect. The facilities over there are top notch, so hopefully we can take a support over there to enjoy the day and the start of a good run.'

Of the opening Ridgeons League Premier Division 6-1 home victory over Histon Reserves, Henman said: 'It was very important to get a winning start on Saturday and I thought some of our passing was particularly encouraging. The new lads seem to be settling in well with good performances from Ryan Foster, Gary Starling and Kyle Downes, and Danny (Beaumont) got off to a flyer with a hat-trick that will give him plenty of confidence.

'We all know that we will have more challenging games but I thought we set good standards, particularly in the second half when we upped the pace of our play and showed plenty to suggest we can have a good season. All in all, it was a fairly satisfactory afternoon.'

He continued: 'Picking the squad and team has been quite challenging with several players being unlucky not to have started on Saturday and a few more returning from injuries and holidays meaning competition for places is fierce.

'This will bode well for the season and players must be patient to wait for their chance and do their utmost when they get one to stay in the team.

Dereham Town 6, Histon Reserves 1

Dereham thrashed their youthful visitors Histon Reserves 6-1 with Danny Beaumont netting a hat-trick in Saturday's opening Ridgeons League Premier Division game.

The Magpies opened the scoring when Ryan Foster fed Scott Roberts, who directed a deep cross to the far post where Beaumont headed home via the underside of the bar.

A superb flowing five-man move ended with Gary Starling's powerful 20-yarder being turned for a corner before Histon equalised - but then were reduced to 10 men when Jake Twinn was red carded for stamping on

Ollie Willis.

In the second half Beaumont curled a free-kick into the bottom left-hand corner. Dereham increased their lead with Adam Smith netting from close range and the impressive Scott Roberts made it four for Dereham in the 64th minute with a well-taken individual effort.

New signing Steve Harley headed number five following Sam Willis' ball from the far post. Beaumont hit his third late on, firing home from close range following Harley's delicate chipped pass.