Title-chasing Deopham have been winning friends as well as matches on their way to second place in the Evening News Copy IT Norwich Sunday League Divison 2a.

For the South Norfolk village side has picked up the league’s latest Sporting Award, based on marks awarded by opponents.

“We are pleased to win the award because it suggests we play our football the right way,” said player secretary Paul MacIsaac. The team, founded on the loyalty of stalwarts such as David Darkins, Phil Mercer and Gavin Etheridge, draws its players mainly from the Wymondham and Attleborough area. David, who has been playing for 23 years, is the third generation of the Darkins family to play for the club, established before the war, as his father and grandfather also turned out.

The club, whch has been based on its current village pitch since the 1950s, is keen to attract backers.

“A team of loyal players and without a massive squad have managed to stay competitive over the years,” said Paul. “My fear is that my generation will be the last to play under the name Deopham as there are no youth teams or schools below uss to come through and take over.

“We don’t really have any sponsorship. We have to pay our own way, each year the pitch fees go up along with everything else so it gets harder and harder,” he added.

He invited anyone able to help out to get in touch via the club website www.deophamfc.co.uk