Yaxham are hoping that a strong finish to the season will secure success in both league and cup competitions.

Jon Barnes' side are currently fourth in Central & South Norfolk League Division Two, with games in hand on the sides above them, and have booked their place in the Chequered Flag Primary League Cup final. Meanwhile the newly installed reserves team are challenging for honours in CSNL Division Four.

'Confidence and an all-round feel good factor is circling the club,' said Barnes. 'We have loyal support every week,whether it's home or away, and the club is looking positive, making strides to becoming successful once again.'

Like most fixtures at the weekend,Yaxham's league encounter against Sporle fell victim to the hard frost, but they are due to return to action this Saturday at Bridgham United in the fourth round of the Ben Smith Memorial Cup.

Barnes believes a new stronger squad is the key to Yaxham's success so far this season: 'We have brought in some real quality, the likes of Ryan Hardy, Jason Knight, Jason Hunt and Craig Clarke who boast Ridgeons League experience,' he said. 'Our captain Rory Clarke brings leadership and Joe Whitty, Billy Renton and Matt Barden have proved their worth by training and working hard to retain their places from last year's team.

'Other players who have come in this season are Mark Franks and Chrissy Broughton from Wells, Craig Howlett, Franky Hulme, Danny Rae and Davey Adams, who have all played a major role in the progress so far.

'In the past week, I have also added Craig Foster from Bradenham, who will bring pace and skill to the attack.'

Barnes is already planning to strengthen the squad again next season and he added: 'We are very much a footballing side. We reached the 100 goal mark in only 24 games, with some of the pass and move stuff a delight to watch.'

Yaxham train every week at Lyng during winter and at Jubilee Park, Yaxham during pre-season.

n The only Central & South Norfolk League match to survive the weather on Saturday was in Division Four, where Shropham United Reserves came from 3-1 down to beat Litcham 4-3.