Cup springs surprises

The first round of the Mummery Cup was on Saturday and there were several surprises.

Holders Hempnall lost 4-1 at home to new boys Corton, with goals from Glenn Fletcher (2), Jordan Buckenham, Quinn French and Steven Barnes for the home team.

Another newly promoted team Horsford United beat champions Wroxham Reserves 5-2, scorers Owen Vander-Hoeven (2), Scott McKinney, Stewart Barker, Alan Rudder and Ben Latimer got both Wroxham's goals.

Stalham Town travelled to Cromer Town and brought off another shock, held them to a goalless draw then winning 4-2 on penalties. Adam Poile got both Brandon Town's goals but they lost 7-2 to Sheringham with a Karl Fox hat-trick, other goals from Roy Bevis, Matt Banham, Oliver King and Chris Holmes. Holt United had a goal spree winning 7-0 at Sole Bay, scorers Allan Gravenor (2), Kevin Moore (2), Colm McGilway, Matthew Hudson and Matthew Sanders.

Acle United beat Scole United 4-0 with goals from Ben Morgan (2), Danny Crane and Lewis Holsworth. Loddon United also won 4-0 at Attleborough Town, scorers Alex Brown (2), Hadlee Wright and Chris Hancock. Ross Durrant got a hat-trick and Lee Knell got the other for Blofield United as they beat Wells Town 4-1, with Daniel Grocott replying. Cameron Copeland and Nelson Modeira got two each for Dersingham Rovers as they beat Bungay Town 4-3, other goals from Daniel Wilby, Alban McAleese and an own goal. Gayton United beat Mattishall 6-2, scorers Chris Maslin (2), Martyn Allen (2), Danny Rasberry, own goal and Aaron Banham, Jason Knight for the visitors. Lee Clarke and Darren Miller scored for North Walsham Town as they beat Hindringham 2-0. Carl Harwin scored for Long Stratton but they lost 2-1 to a strong Kirkley and Pakefield Reserves side, their scorers were Michael Tacon and Liam Harvey-Cooper. Ben Welham got two and Ben Read one for Sprowston Athletic as they beat Caister 3-2, both their goals came from Daniel Heller. St Andrews and Beccles Town had a closely fought game until Alan Remblance found the space to score a hat-trick, Matthew Pilgrim getting the goal for the Saints. Wymondham Town beat AFC Norwich 2-1, with goals from David Ramsbottom, Neal Stannard and Jonathan Barzey for the visitors.

In the Cyril Ballyn Trophy, Norwich St Johns were too strong for CNSOBU, winning 11-1. Harleston beat Fakenham Town Reserves 6-1. Easton lost 0-2 to Sprowston Athletic. Thetford Rovers beat Bradenham 1-0. Hellesdon beat Hemsby 1-0. Although Redgrave had plenty of possession at Thorpe Village, the home team won 4-2. Waveney beat Buxton 4-1.

The next round of the Knock-Out Cups is on November 1and the draws are available on the league website www.angliancombination.org.uk

t CROMER TOWN 0, STALHAM TOWN 0 (STALHAM WON 4-2 ON PENALTIES)

For the first round of the Mummery Cup, due to numerous absentees, Paul Spruce and Liam Walsh came into the starting line-up from the reserves, and there were several changes in the squad.

The game went into extra time and on to penalties.

Harwood, for Cromer, and Dockerty, for Stalham both scored, but then misses from both Horton and Eves for Cromer and successful kicks for Stalham from Reynolds and Ellis left the Division One side needing one more goal to win. Shipley scored the decisive kick.

The reserves progressed into the second round of the Morley Cup with a 2-1 win at home to Wymondham Reserves. Paul Winterbone scored both goals.

t ST ANDREWS 1, BECCLES TOWN 3

Beccles Town travelled to Thorpe Rec to take on Division One side St Andrews in the first round of the Mummery Cup (League Knock Out Trophy).

Beccles chose to play with the wind at their backs, down the pitch and soon found this a poor decision as they were completely outplayed for the majority of the first half by a side that kept the ball and passed well while Beccles were continually chasing the long ball into touch.

After 10 minutes a deep cross from McMorran was headed back across goal by Hurren but no one had followed in and the ball was cleared behind, the corner from Woods went direct to the home keeper. St Andrews manufactured a good attack, but the final shot was easily gathered by Cable in the Beccles goal. Alan Remblance then broke through and rounded the home keeper but the ball ran away for a goal kick. A breakaway from St Andrews was netted with a fine finish only to be fairly ruled offside. The remainder of the half was scrappy with neither side creating any real chances apart from a fine cross field pass by St Andrews which was headed wide.

The Beccles team had obviously listened to the half-time talk as their performance was vastly improved playing up the slope and into the wind. However, it was St Andrews who made the first attack of the half with a 25-yard drive being tipped over by Cable, the ensuing corner being easily cleared. Beccles then clicked into gear and Hurren delivered a fine pass to McMorran who returned the favour but Hurren's final shot was blocked by the home keeper. In the 55th minute a good pass from midfield set Woods free who beat the fullback and crossed to the far post, for Alan Remblance to head in for the opening goal. Five minutes later Waterman's through ball found Remblance who took the ball past two defenders before slotting home into the bottom corner making it 0-2. In 65th minute Remblance was denied a third after being put through by Waterman, by a good save from the home keeper. Nick Day the came on for David Lees with Waterman moving to wide right. Craig Peters and Day took good control of the midfield and Beccles produced their best passing football for several minutes which ended when the third goal was scored. Once again it was that man Remblance who completed his hat-trick, heading in the rebound when his initial shot had been beaten away. McMorran was then replaced by Sean Payne who went into the centre of defence with Rob Payne moving to right back. This obviously upset Beccles normally tight defence as a good move from St Andrews was switched left to turn the defence and score a consolation goal. Beccles now play Horsford at home in the second round on Saturday November 1.

t BRANDON TOWN 2, SHERINGHAM 7

A severely depleted Brandon side lost heavily.

The visitors took the lead after two minutes when too many Sheringham players were offside for the linesman to pick one and the attack resulted in a goal by Fox, despite a tremendous save by Clements. Sheringham doubled the lead when Fox finished off good work by Bevis.

Brandon got themselves back in to the game after a fine move with Mallett crossing the ball to find Poile who headed past the keeper.

They levelled when Poile chased down a back pass and blocked the keeper's clearance into the empty net.

As half-time approached a curious free-kick for the visitors saw Fox complete his hat-trick. Two minutes later Sheringham's Banham scored a controversial goal after no offside flag was waved.

The second half inevitably saw a disheartened home side lose their desire in the face of insurmountable odds.

Two goals in as many minutes from Bevis and King ended any hopes of a comeback for the home team. Then Holmes completed the scoring for the visitors.

This week sees a return to league action as Town travel to Hempnall.

t WYMONDHAM TN 2, AFC NORWICH 1

Wymondham played Premier Division AFC Norwich in the Mummery Cup and progressed to the next round.

Town welcomed back Scadden to the fold and Rackham came in from the reserves, both started on the bench. The game started in hot conditions which made it difficult for both teams. The early exchanges were even, with chances at a premium.

An AFC player was allowed to turn in the box and shoot low. Hodges was just able to divert round a post for a corner. With the game being a midfield battle, the Town pair of Brighten and Priest was competing well. After 35 minutes Town scored their first goal of the season. Stanard chased down the right-back and forced him into a weak back-pass.

Stanard then expertly drew the keeper and slotted into the bottom corner. Wymondham ended the half on top. The second half continued in much the same vein, although Town struggled to force AFC keeper Bilham into a save. Town did eventually manage to extend their lead. McCloy, who was having a good game at left-back, slipped an excellent ball through to Ramsbottom. With the keeper about 15 yards out, Ramsbottom coolly chipped over his head. This was an excellent finish from a player who was having a fine match. Town conceded with 20 minutes to go. The ball was floated high into the Town box and it eventually fell to striker Brazey. He scuffed the ball in off a post. This made for a nervous last 20 but, in truth, the back four of McCloy, Cracknell, Hill and Mitchell did an excellent job of repelling any AFC attacks.

This was enough to see Town into round two where they will play Sprowston Athletic away.

MoM: Neil Stanard, worked hard up front with Catchpole and scored an excellent goal.

In a Tuesday night game Wymondham lost to a late strike from St Andrews. MoM: Simon Cracknell, who played some lovely football and defended well.

w Wymondham Reserves travelled to Cromer on Friday night to play Cromer Reserves in the CS Morley Cup and lost 2-1, with Mark Briggs' header coming after good work from Jamie Butler.

t GAYTON UNITED 6, MATTISHALL 2

GAYTON UNITED progressed to the next round of this competition, almost at a canter. Although Gayton also made changes, they were able to settle quicker and produced some good early chances. However, the visiting back four worked hard and it took a tactical switch to find the opening goal. Mattishall equalised within minutes when a defensive header fell into the path of a delighted forward and he scored with ease. Gayton then played some very good attacking football and added two more goals before the break to lead 3-1.

Almost from the restart, the visitors added a second and the game looked like it could go either way. However, as Gayton stepped up the pace, the visitors began to flag and the home side scored three more without reply. Gayton scorers, Martyn Allen(2), Chris Maslin(2), Danny Rasberry and an opponent.

A mention to Max Rust, who worked himself into the ground up front and was unlucky not to grab a goal himself. Thanks to those Gayton players who came in at short notice and full credit to those lads from Mattishall who made up the numbers and will hopefully be getting a run-out in their Reserves this week, at least.

t HELLESDON 1, HEMSBY 0

An 86th minute goal by skipper Lewis Woods secured Hellesdon's passage into the next round of the Cyril Ballyn Trophy. With injury enforced changes in midfield, Hellesdon created more chances than the visitors in a goalless first half, but their failure to make a breakthrough gave heart to a very determined Hemsby side who went close to taking the lead themselves.

The second half was a test of patience as once again Hellesdon were frustrated by a resolute Hemsby who again came close when the post came to the home side's rescue. But Hemsby's cause was not helped out when a player was dismissed 15 minutes from time for a reckless challenge on L Woods and with extra time looming it was another foul that proved the visitors' undoing when Ollie Dodds was brought down just outside the box as he homed in on goal. It was a situation tailor made for set piece specialist Woods, and he fired home an unstoppable free kick to secure victory.

It was very hard work on a hot afternoon for underperforming Hellesdon, and result apart, the main positive was another clean sheet with Mark Gosling again looking assure in goal.

t HORSFORD 5, WROXHAM RESERVES 2

After getting what looked like the toughest draw of all we welcomed the Sterry Cup holders to our ground in confident mood after three good wins in our opening games. With the squad now starting to take shape manager Meldrew gave Dom and Leon a well earned rest, bringing himself in at centre half and the tireless Steve Tidy in on the right side of midfield, whilst on paper Wroxham also looked strong, first team defenders Gleave and Self supporting the usual band of talented youngsters. We felt our pace going forward could cause Wroxham problems and so it proved from the start with the direct running of Tidy, Owen, Scotty and Rodders pushing our opponents defence deeper and deeper into their own half. On 20 minutes Nico hit the bar with an excellent far post header but we weren't to be denied the lead and midway through the half Owen pounced on a loose ball and swept neatly past the keeper with his rarely used right foot. Moments later we extended our advantage when Rodders chased down a short back-pass and squared for Scotty to slot home through the keepers legs. Up to this point Wroxham had posed little threat, Latimer left isolated up front, but on the half hour the otherwise excellent Nico got caught dwelling on the ball and the young striker nipped in to shoot across Andy into the far corner. Their tails were up now and Taylor in particular started to offer more threat down the left, but Irish Pete was equal to it and in fact started the move which lead to us re-establishing our two goal lead just before the break, the Dutch flyer Van der Hooven heading in from Scotty's looped cross. For the fourth game running we'd scored three before half time, but wary of our previous game versus Stalham where we did our best to throw away the lead this time we came out for the restart determined to finish the job. The opening 15 minutes were scrappy, but we got our fourth on the hour when Nico nodded Bailes' corner to the edge of the six yard box and Tidy volleyed home via Stu Barker's back! Wroxham took advantage of a mix up on the edge of our box to score their second, a well taken lob over Andy who had advanced to close the angle. Sensing an unlikely comeback they now pressed for a third, but taking the lead from Bucky's all action display we held them off and actually grabbed a fifth when Rodders broke free and crashed the ball across our opponent's young keeper to confirm the upset. Bucky deservedly won man of the match for putting in an excellent shift.

t WAVENEY 4, BUXTON 1

Waveney FC, starting out in the Anglian Combination Division 6 for the first time, had a disappointing beginning to the season, losing their opening two league matches to Hemsby (3-1) and Corton Reserves (4-0) at home.

However, they were deserved winners against Buxton in this Cyril Ballyn Trophy Round One match.

After a slow start, a long ball from centre back J Field found A Ballard as he burst into the box but was upended for a penalty.

S Scarff despatched the kick into the top corner for 1-0. In the second half Waveney failed to clear the ball properly and were punished when a Buxton player hit a fine shot from the edge of the box into the roof of the net for 1-1.

Waveney then settled down to play some good football, Beecher & Field looked strong at the back while Scarff and Ballard controlled the midfield.

T Aldis was causing all sorts of problems down the right flank and it always looked like a matter of time before Waveney regained the lead. Striker J Jarvis then got into the Buxton area and fired the ball in at the near post to put his team back in front.

Aldis delivered a fine corner to the back post and Waveney's Jarvis got up well to plant a header back across goal and into the net for 3-1.

Jarvis then played a neat one-two with winger Aldis and the latter made no mistake firing the ball into the top corner from 12 yards.

MOM Jarvis

Waveney travel to Easton on Saturday as they return to league action.

t BUNGAY TOWN 3, DERSINGHAM 4

THE Black Dogs put in impressive display against Anglian Combination Premier Division Dersingham in a seven-goal Mummery Cup thriller.

Twice they came from behind, and had it not been for a missed penalty they would have taken the game into extra time at least, having matched their opponents in most areas.

Bungay were the first to threaten from a free-kick on the edge of the area, but that was cleared and the visitors took a fifth-minute lead with a move down the right that ended with Nelson Moreira scoring with a fierce drive from an acute angle.

Bungay were giving as good as they got, and were unlucky when an effort from the returning Danny Wilby struck the bar.

Jimmy Bligh did well to block an effort when Dersingham broke though, but Bungay equalised on 35 minute, Joe MacFarlane's low cross coolly converted by Wilby.

Three minutes later Cameron Copeland robbed a hesitant Hunting on the byline as he tried to shepherd the ball out and lashed a drive past Bligh from a narrow angle.

But as the action came thick and fast. Bungay deservedly equalised right on half-time as they made ground down the right and Joe MacFarlane's cross was deflected high over the stranded keeper's head by Gary English.

Bungay started the second half in determined fashion and went close following a fine move involving Paul Hunter and Wilby which saw Amis get in an effort which the keeper only partially saved, only for a defender to clear as Amis moved in for the kill.

Dersingham regained the lead soon after as Copeland converted a penalty after Mark Harvey had brought down a forward.

Still Bungay came back and MacFarlane went on a solo run through the middle but was thwarted on the edge of the area by the keeper.

The Black Dogs should have equalised in their next attack. A defender climbed over Amis in the penalty area, and then used blatant gamesmanship to delay the penalty kick by arguing with the referee. When Amis was finally able to take it, he put it wide.

Albon McAleese replaced Luke Field in the 67th minute and immediately broke through onto a great ball from Hunter and took the ball round the keeper before his low cross was blocked for a corner, from which Amis fired wide through a crowded goalmouth.

Dersingham got a fourth five minutes from time when Moreira's free-kick on the edge of the area deflected off the wall, leaving Bligh stranded.

The Black Dogs' McAleese chased a long ball and forced English to score his second own goal of the afternoon with a lob over his keeper's head.

Bungay have no game tomorrow by entertain St Andrews on Tuesday evening (7.30pm).

t HARLESTON TOWN 6, FAKENHAM RES 1

FAKENHAM were seriously short of players for this Cyril Ballyn Trophy tie against the Division Four leaders. S Saunders, Symonds, Cooper, Bacon were away and Critten and Fenwick were on first team duty, leaving only 12 players available and manager Asa Saunders had to start up front with Frary.

Halford also made his first start of the season at left back, Day was available and Matt Youngs from the U18s started at left midfield.

Fakenham showed no enthusiasm or motivation and Harleston soon took control. Stokes scored the consolidation goal. The management team expect more determination and motivation this week at home to Anglian Windows (3pm).

t BRADENHAM 0, THETFORD ROVERS 1

BRADENHAM saw their Cyril Ballyn Cup hopes dashed in the first round as Rovers returned to Hale Road after their opening day league defeat.

Thetford came with a game plan, and coupled with the home side's late call-offs certainly deserved their victory. Archie Harding was at his best pulling off three breathtaking saves.

On Saturday Bradenham visit Aylsham (2.30pm), meet Fire Station 12.45pm.

t HINDRINGHAM 0, NORTH WALSHAM 2

Hindringham entertained North Walsham in the Mummery Cup first round with a depleted squad. Manager Oliver had to get his boots out and produced a performance which the younger players should look up to.

Hindringham set out in a 4-4-2 formation and on a very hot day, worked hard to close down their opponents, but more often than not gave the ball away or passed poorly when well placed.

Osler in goal produced two quality saves to keep out Walsham, who looked dangerous on the break.

Hindringham came more into the game with West and Gray combining well, and had North Wlasham's back four under pressure, causing them to make mistakes.

East drove two good shots at goal, which the keeper saved well. He also saved well from Yotti.

In the second half the heat took its toll and it looked likely that the first goal would decide the contest as all the players looked drained.

Hindringham had a good spell of pressure, which they were unable to convert into a goal. Chilvers and Coslett combined well down the left, but the crosses into the box went begging. North Walsham then scored two quick goals, both from poor defending, to win the tie.

Manager Oliver said afterwards: “We matched them for 60 mninutes, and for the side we had out, I was proud of the boys.

“We are short of a few bodies this year, but with the injuries we keep picking up, the boys are battling well for each other.” Next match, Beccles home, 2.30 ko. Meet The Elms 1.30.

t GAYTON 6, MATTISHALL 2

ON Saturday a very inexperienced side with only two regular first team players visited Gayton in the Mummery Cup in warm, trying conditions.

Following a flowing move the ball broke to Aron Banham who scored his first senior goal. Mattishall's lead lasted about 10 minutes as Gayton's pressure led to an equaliser then their second when a crisp shot squirmed under keeper's Bottomley's dive.

Deep into first half stoppage time Gayton increased their lead to 3-1 - a scoreline that Mattishall's efforts did not deserve.

The second half saw Jason Knights pounce onto a bobbling ball to smash a shot into the roof of the net to bring Mattishall back into the game at 3-2. A excellent run and cross by Knights saw a superb header from Christian Harbour kept out by keeper Cook as Mattishall attempted to get level. However the conditions took their toll on the patched up Mattishall side and three goals in the space of 10 minutes gave the scoreline a flattening look.

t Mattishall Reserves entertained Foulsham on Wednesday evening in their first home league fixture in a bruising encounter which they lost 2-0. The visitors took the lead on 20 minutes as the home keeper was beaten at the near post

Chances went begging at both ends, and as the second half began the visitors created several chances although the second goal came from a mix-up to leave the easiest of chances. In fading light the game was abandoned after 73 minutes as a result of a Mattishall player needing an ambulance. Full marks to the visitors' linesman for stopping the game so promptly.

t HOLT United Reserves found themselves on the road for their first two league matches of the season. In the first they were at Dersingham Reserves. After a bright start they went in front with a 20-yard shot from Bryce Pegg. They held the lead until just before the interval when the home team drew level.

They went in front straight after the break, but Holt continued to press and equalised on 70 minutes from a free-kick taken by Richard Hooker. Looking for a winning goal, they left themselves open at the back and allowed Dersingham two late goals to go down 4.2.

Last Tuesday they travelled to Norwich to play Easton Reserves. They put the home team under a great deal of pressure right from the start and soon hit the front when Daniel Rouse opened his account for the season. Continued pressure saw them score three more times before the interval, with Matthew Hudson scoring all three. Early in the second half Easton pulled a goal back but with Holt playing some nice football two more goals came their way, both scored by Luke Williamson.

t STALHAM Town Reserves welcomed a decent North Walsham side to a warm Rivers Park in the League Cup. Stalham named an almost unchanged side to the team that got a superb away win at Aylsham 3-1 on Wednesday night.

The first half was quite an even affair with both sides having their share of play. Stalham then lost keeper Jim Wright through injury, centre half Danny Osborne going in goal. Stalham drop behind when a Walsham player wasn't closed down fast enough, the player firing home. Stalham went further behind before the break, some poor marking leading to Walsham heading home from close range, at the break 2-0 down.

A constructive half-time team talk by Gary Holmes and Chris Evans, seemed to get the right, positive response. Stalham started to push Walsham back and just edge the position and soon pulled one back when skipper Carl Bailey hit a unbelievable volley in of the bar from 25-yards.

t HEMPNALL 0, CORTON 4

HEMPNALL were knocked out of the Mummery Cup by Corton. Hempnall were again without key defenders Downs, Brown and Addison plus influential midfielders Player and Lydka. The long-term absentees Way, Allard and Mironczvk are still on the road to recovery so the squad was fully tested.

However, this was no excuse for what followed as a well-organised, strong and determined Corton side took full advantage of a lacklustre performance to take a well-deserved victory and progress to the next round. The rot started when the normally reliable Cudden rushed off his line to meet an incoming striker just inside the penalty area. The resulting spot kick was dispatched.

With 15 minutes until half-time Hempnall had their best period of co-ordinated play which culminated in an equaliser when a Dave Norman free-kick was met by a soaring Steve Barnes.

Despite the half-time talk Hempnall continued to splutter with no real pattern of play.

Subs Flint, Cawston and the returning Cussons were all introduced but it couldn't stop the promotion-chasing Corton securing a thoroughly deserved victory as they added three more goals. The only promising aspect of the day was the return of fitness to joint manager Franklin who secured Hempnall's man of the match.

t BLOFIELD UNITED 4, WELLS TOWN 1

THE Seasiders played this senior Knock Out Cup match with six first team regulars missing from the squad.

Blofield forced two corners from the start, which Wells cleared,while at the other end Grocott collected a pin-point pass from Wick and slipped the ball under Stone to give Wells the advantage.

Within minutes Blofield were level with Durrant slotting home past Armiger. Brown headed straight into Armiger's arms when well placed.

Blofield went ahead on 31 minutes when Durrant's free-kick flew past Armiger.

Cawston saw a good header go wide of Stone's goal as Wells tried to get back on terms. Grocott hit Stone's upright following good play from the flanks.

Blofield killed off the contest on 74 minutes when Knell forced his way into the box to score. Durrent added his third on 80 minutes.

t SCOLE UNITED 0, ACLE UNITED 4

In the Anglian Combination's top flight knock-out competition the Mummery Cup, Acle ran out easy victors without stepping on the gas. Had they shown any amount of urgency they would have been out of sight well before the 90 minutes were up.

The first half finished with the scores level, and despite Acle missing influential players through holidays and injuries, they still showed enough to keep their faithful following expecting some goals on the sheet during the second half.

The visitors went ahead after 57 minutes when the off-colour Danny Crane rose to send his header into the far corner of the net despite an excellent effort by Simon Nicholls to scoop the effort out after the ball had clearly crossed the line.

The hosts failed to raise their game and the rampant visitors doubled their lead when the enthusiastic Ben Morgan worked a chance and created space for himself to clinically put the ball past King.

The keeper was fighting a lone battle as his defenders gave him no protection against the rampant Acle forwards.

Acle's Lee Bennett had two excellent opportunities saved by King before captain Warren Nicholls centred to find leading scorer Lewis Holdsworth out-jumping Ellis, Philpot and Hancock to send his header past a bewildered King in Scole's goal after 66 minutes.

Acle completed their scoring on 84 minutes when Ben Morgan worked a chance on the edge of the penalty area and drove the ball home to put Acle into the next round where they will entertain Loddon United on a date to be arranged.

t CROMER RES 2, WYMONDHAM RES 1

WYMONDHAM RESERVES travelled to Cromer on Friday night to play Cromer Reserves in the CS Morley Cup under what are widely regarded as the brightest floodlights in the whole of the Anglian Combination. Cromer started well and scored two quick goals as Wymondham failed to keep up. Stand-in keeper Lee Brown had to be on-form as Cromer looked to put the game out of reach.

As the first half drew to a close Town started to come back with chances from Spink and Freemantle. After a poor start, the second half began much more brightly with chances for James Wells and the hard working Mark Briggs. Town managed to pull back a goal midway through the second half - a Mark Briggs' header coming after good work from Jamie Butler. Despite creating plenty of chances Town were denied by some inspired goalkeeping and brave defending. Town applied pressure but could not force the equaliser.