Dereham Town, handed a home tie in the FA Vase third round draw, aim for progress in the Norfolk Senior Cup on Saturday when they entertain Diss in the fourth round (3pm).

Dereham Town, handed a home tie in the FA Vase third round draw, aim for progress in the Norfolk Senior Cup on Saturday when they entertain Diss in the fourth round (3pm).

The Magpies' 1-0 win at Kirkley & Pakefield on Saturday (report on page 55) earned them a home Vase tie against Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier side Molesey, from Surrey on December 6.

Tuesday night brought league disappointment, however, as the Magpies lost at Ely, conceding a late decider after equalising following half-time.

Ely City 2, Dereham Town 1

Dereham, now 12 points behind Ridgeons Premier leaders Lowestoft, could have been two up in the opening five minutes, writes Rene Kendal.

Beaumont had a clear run at goal, but a poor first touch allowed keeper Pacey to charge from his line and make a vital interception. Sam Willis and Beaumont quickly exchanged passes to send Smith free, but again Pacey made a fine block.

Dereham were soon threatening again, with Beaumont latching onto a direct ball over the top before hitting an early shot which produced another fine save.

The Robins weathered the early Dereham assault and Allsop's long throw won a corner. From the resultant flag kick, Archer fired a 25-yard drive into Higgs' arms.

Ely then took the lead when full-back Allsop sent a long ball down the line to Dan Archer, who sprinted forward and lobbed the ball over Higgs, who had raced from his area.

Dereham replied, with Beaumont striking a low drive into the side netting from an acute angle. The Magpies continued to struggle to play their way around the home side.

The Magpies soon equalised. In the 50th minute, as Allsop lay injured, Sam Willis crossed for keeper Pacey to punch the ball out to the edge of the area, where Craig Terrington skilfully headed it back into the unguarded net.

Allsop was then stretchered off, with Lawrence entering the action. The full-back caused panic in the Dereham defence in the 64th minute as he hurled a long throw across the six-yard box and out of play at the far post. Ely then won three corners, and from the third, Dereham launched a quick counter-attack, with Sam Willis' cross from the right being charged down as Barrett waited to be played in.

The Magpies were finding it tough going on the muddy surface. Higgs did well to save an 84th minute free-kick. But Ely's late pressure paid off, with Blackman heading home another Stone free-kick.

Garner cracked a 20-yard left-foot shot inches wide in the dying minutes.