Bradenham Wanderers 2, Sprowston Wanderers 1BRADENHAM just managed to come out on top in the first of two encounters between these two sides - they meet again on Saturday at Bradenham in the Norfolk Junior Cup round three, ko 1.

Bradenham Wanderers 2, Sprowston Wanderers 1

BRADENHAM just managed to come out on top in the first of two encounters between these two sides - they meet again on Saturday at Bradenham in the Norfolk Junior Cup round three, ko 1.45pm.

Sprowston started strongly but a cross from the right was easily collected by Luke Findlay, who replaced the injured Nathan Baker in goal.

A Bradenham free-kick was then played short by Bush to Woodcock, who hit his left-foot shot wide.

Then a Sprowston free-kick just cleared the Bradenham bar. On the half-hour Mmark Forder found himself in a good position, only to scuff his shot wide.

A penalty was then awarded to Wanderers and Bush calmly placed the spot-kick inside the left-hand post.

A good Bradenham move ended with a Palin shot being deflected for a corner, which was eventually headed over the bar. Just before half-time Sprowston had a couple of efforts which both ended up wide.

Within a couple of minutes of the second half starting Sprowston were level. Their No 11 went on a strong run from midfield and hit a fine shot inside the left-hand post.

On 57 minutes Bradenham were awarded a free-kick just outside the box which Bush beautifully curved inside the right-hand post.

Then a well-struck Woodcock free-kick was fumbled by the keeper and saved at the second attempt.

Sprowston were still very much in the game and Findlay had to be alert to make a smart save down by his right-hand post from a header.

Then with just five minutes remaining a Sprowston move ended with a right-foot shot brushing the outside of a post. With just a couple of minutes left a good Bradenham move ended with a shot that cleared the bar.

This was never a vintage Bradenham performance, but credit must be given to Sprowston for some resolute defending. The game degenerated somewhat in the later stages with some niggly fouls and far too much arguing with the referee's decisions, but let's hope things improve on that front when the teams meet again on Saturday.

Bradenham's reserve side visited the previously unbeaten Castle Acre Swifts and came away with a fine 4-2 victory. This puts them top of Crown Fire Division Three.