Record taken to new level

Lowestoft Ladies 0, Dereham Ladies 4

DEREHAM took all three points in a potential tricky clash away at second-placed Lowestoft.

Both teams had already ensured promotion to the East Premiership for next season so it was Dereham who were the only side with anything to lose - their awesome unbeaten season which spanned 22 league games and four friendly matches.

The first half got off to a rapid start with both sides playing a high-tempo passing game.

Dereham maintained good possession and had the edge over their opposition, but found it difficult to put anything past Lowestoft's spectacular goalkeeper.

The breakthrough finally came 20 minutes in when a scramble in the goalmouth saw Hannah Palmer flick the ball over the line to give the visitors the lead. This was followed shortly by Dereham's second as a storming run from Evie Van Poortvliet ended with a beautiful pass into the D, where Palmer swept it into the goal.

During the second half Dereham were more settled and, with an historic record within their grasp, set out to kill off the game and round off a breath-taking season.

After five minutes of play, Van Poortvliet went on a solo run, dodging three players and rounding the fully-extended keeper before making it three.

Lowestoft had defended their short corners excellently during the game, so it was going to take something a little different to get past them.

Dereham's fourth and final goal came from just that. Sam Skelton poised at the top of the D and struck the ball with a slower pace than usual. This caught the home defence off-guard and they watched helplessly as the ball went through the keeper's legs to round off the game.

Dereham's stunning season ended on a high: 21 wins, only one draw, 103 goals scored and only nine conceded.

They eagerly anticipate the rewarding challenge that next season offers and would like to thank their sponsors for their continuing support.