TWO home defeats in the first four days of the Ridgeons League season was not on Dereham Town's agenda as they kicked off on Saturday looking to better last season's fourth-place finish in the Premier Division.

TWO home defeats in the first four days of the Ridgeons League season was not on Dereham Town's agenda as they kicked off on Saturday looking to better last season's fourth-place finish in the Premier Division.

But Saturday's 3-0 reverse by Leiston at Aldiss Park (see page 55) was followed by a 4-1 defeat by Wisbech Town on Tuesday.

The Magpies face an FA Cup extra preliminary round trip to Division One outfit Debenham LC on Saturday followed by a home league game with Norwich United on Tuesday.

Dereham Town 1, Wisbech Town 4

Dereham were looking to recover from their opening day defeat with an improved performance against the Fenmen, writes Rene Kendal.

Wisbech's Setchell was yellow carded in the fifth minute. Barrett then had to be alert to thump the ball off the line following Day's close-range effort.

A Dereham corner was cleared before a mix-up in the home defence from Cobb's cross allowed Billy Smith to net from close range to give Wisbech the lead in the 17th minute.

Cobb came within inches of extending that lead in the next attack when his 20-yard snap shot whistled past a post. Defender Miller had to clear another effort off the line from Impey after keeper Higgs had unsuccessfully strayed from his area.

As Dereham began to brighten they twice went close. Howell released Wood only for his low drive to be deflected wide then Howell drilled inches wide after some fine forward movement.

Dereham pressed forward with Smith releasing Beaumont down the left, his cross winning a corner from which Cousins had a close-range effort blocked following a scramble.

In the 42nd minute, with little time to react, Impey failed to convert when well placed before another defensive error nearly allowed Cobb the opportunity to score at the far post for the visitors.

After an even start to the second period Wisbech increased their lead in the 57th minute. The Fenmen won a throw on the right and dreadful defending by Dereham enabled Cook's throw to travel deep in the box where Impey easily turned his man before firing home.

The Magpies responded with a quick break down the right which ended with Setchell slicing Howell's cross over the bar. Dereham introduced Mowbray and Terrington but things got worse when ex-Wisbech player Cousins overzealous tackle upended Impey in the box and Setchell converted the resultant penalty in the 67th minute.

The Magpies gave themselves some hope of recovery when Furlong's run deep into the box forced a 77th minute penalty. Wood's spot kick was well saved by Horton but Mowbray reacted first to knock home the rebound.

Barrett then struck a fierce 30 yarder inches over but any chance of a home revival ended when Cobb's deep ball picked out Scott Cobberley who turned and shot home from 16 yards to restore Wisbech's three-goal cushion in the 82nd minute.