North Elmham's promotion challenge in Central & South Norfolk League Division Two suffered a setback with defeat to leaders Castle Acre.

In their last meeting in the cup Elmham were beaten 6-1 so they were hoping for better things in the league.

It looked good for Elmham when they took the lead through a Daniel Fuller header. But Castle Acre equalised, and then scored twice more to take a 3-1 lead.

When Matty Giles scored another long range, well placed shot into the top corner to make it 3-2 the game looked all set for an exciting second half.

Unfortunately neither team could add to their score.

The good news for Elmham was that the other top two teams also dropped points which made the defeat a bit more palatable.

If the results go Elmham's way in the next two important games against second-placed Sporle (away) and then at home it would put Elmham back in serious contention for promotion to Division One.

North Elmham Res 0, Methwold Rovers Res 5

North Elmham Reserves picked the wrong game to produce their worst performance of the season against a more experienced Methwold United Reserves side with a quick striker.

Despite having plenty of possession, Elmham just could not string together more than two passes and created few chances. Time and again Methwold caught Elmham on the break which caused Ben Lyles and Wayne Pearson, the Elmham centre-backs, real problems.

This defeat probably ended any realistic chance the reserves had of winning promotion from Central & South Norfolk league Division Four, but with two of the other top teams dropping points, there may still be a glimmer of hope.

This weekend Elmham Reserves have another difficult fixture against Yaxham Reserves.