Dereham Town are back to third in the Ridgeons Premier table after Tuesday night's comfortable home win over Histon Reserves ahead of Saturday's visit to mid-table Wivenhoe.

Dereham Town are back to third in the Ridgeons Premier table after Tuesday night's comfortable home win over Histon Reserves ahead of Saturday's visit to mid-table Wivenhoe.

Dereham Town 3, Histon Reserves 0

Magpies' boss Matty Henman handed Adam Gusterson his first start following his return from serious injury, writes Rene Kendal.

Both sides moved the ball well in the opening 15 minutes, but neither keeper was forced into action.

Dereham then created a scoring chance for Barrett after Smith and Howell had combined well, but the home skipper's low drive was superbly blocked by defender Upcott.

Garner's cross from the left then caused more trouble for the Stutes as the ball sped to safety at the far post.

The quality football continued at a lively pace as both sides looked to find an end-product to their good approach work.

Histon had their first shot on goal in the 33rd minute, with Campbell's low drive being comfortably saved by Higgs.

After an even half, Dereham took the lead in the 43rd minute. Howell robbed Stevenson and found Smith, who chipped a great ball forward to Sam Willis, allowing the midfielder to turn inside the advancing keeper before skilfully lobbing the ball home.

Minutes later, the Magpies increased their lead when Williams' header came back out to him and from his second header keeper Howard palmed the ball out to Paul Atkins, who slammed the ball home from close range.

At the interval defender Jay Eastoe-Smith was forced to replace keeper John Higgs in goal, who had picked up a thigh strain.

Dereham threatened first when Mowbray made a strong forward burst before seeing his shot deflected behind.

Histon keeper Howard made a fine save from Ollie Willis' superb 30-yard drive, tipping the ball behind for a corner.

From Garner's flag-kick Smith flicked the ball on to Atkins, who headed home his second goal of the night from close range in the 55th minute.

The Magpies were now playing some fine football and keeper Howard made another great stop in the 69th minute to keep out Mowbray's goal-bound header.

Manager Henman took the opportunity to rest a couple of players and his side nearly made it four when Howell lifted the ball inches wide after a quick break from the halfway line involving Brien and Atkins.

Dereham dominated the second half as they outplayed their talented young opponents.