Dereham Town manager Matt Henman was left delighted after his side leapfrogged rivals Wroxham in the Ryman North table and strengthened their push for a play-off place, writes Ed Colman.

The Magpies' 4-1 victory over Tilbury on Tuesday means the Aldiss Park outfit have won four out of their last five matches – a run which has lifted them up to fourth in the standings.

Henman said: 'Tilbury travelled to us with a really impressive record.

'They had won five out of their last six matches without conceding a lot of goals and although we were a little bit disappointed with the first half we were really pleased with the way we stuck at it and put them to the sword.

'We had said it was important to start well and having got the first goal it was disappointing to concede so quickly but obviously it was a great goal and it took a great goal to beat Andy (Wilton) who has been superb for us this season.

'The second half was all about being patient, keeping our discipline and keeping our shape as what we didn't want to do was over commit and get hit on the break.

'But I thought we stuck to our plan really well and having got our noses in front we went to command the game, which was really pleasing.'

Liam Wales' hat-trick and Ross Bailey's strike ensured the victory against Tilbury who ended up with nine men. The win was an added boost following Saturday's frustrating 0-0 stalemate at home to Ware.

Next up for Henman's troops is a trip to Great Wakering Rovers on Saturday which is followed by a home match against Barkingside on Tuesday night.

The Dereham boss added: 'Especially after Saturday's draw with Ware, it was important to get three points on Tuesday and we have kept a very good sequence of results going, which we look to add to on Saturday.

'We are now in the play–off positions, which has been the aim all along. I don't necessarily think there is a points target that we are aiming for, instead we are looking at the fixtures on a game-by-game basis and trying to pick the best side we can, out of a very good squad, to get the best results we can.

'We have got some games in the near future, which we are expecting to take full points from and then we have got some crucial games coming up in March.'

The club are also currently advertising for a reserve team secretary and are asking interested parties to contact Aldiss Park manager Ginny Barnes, by calling 01362 690460 or emailing aldisspark@aol.com.