Walsham-le-Willows 1, Dereham Town 1The Magpies, having fired blanks in recent games, got back on the goal standard with an encouraging display against consistent hosts.

Dereham Town 0, CRC 0

THE Magpies held the Ridgeons League leaders Tuesday night, who at the weekend had lost to fellow high-flyers Leiston. It followed Dereham's impressive performance in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Walsham-le-Willows (see manager Matt Henman's article on page 63).

Tuesday night's game started at a fast pace with CRC pressing for a goal, although Dereham had the best chances when good crosses from the right by Danny Beaumont and Nickie Howell forced last-ditch interceptions by defenders.

A Beaumont free-kick curled inches wide of the right-hand post as Dereham went close to breaking the deadlock.

Defences were generally on top, and again in the second there were few chances.

Beaumont drew an excellent save from the CRC keeper with a 20-yard effort.

Stuart King had an excellent game midfield for the Magpies.

The result leaves Dereham tenth in the table with 36 points from 29 games and manager Henman looking for a good end to the season.

Walsham-le-Willows 1, Dereham Town 1

The Magpies, having fired blanks in recent games, got back on the goal standard with an encouraging display against consistent hosts who had won their previous five games.

Dereham were without three regular players, Ollie Willis and Adam Smith suspended and Craig Terrington unavailable.

They had the better of the first 25 minutes but failed to trouble keeper Duncan MacAnally although Danny Beaumont and Ben Latimer saw 25-yard efforts fly well wide.

In a repeat of the pattern of recent weeks, Dereham fell behind to Walsham's first effort on goal, Steve Holden heading home Liam Boulton's 43rd minute corner.

The Magpies equalised in the 63rd minute when defender Jay Eastoe-Smith forced home Beaumont's corner.

MacAnally made a fine save to keep out Beaumont's 25-yard free-kick in the 85th minute as Dereham pressed for the winner.

Dereham have no game Saturday and return to league action Tuesday night at home to Norwich United, 7.45pm, their manager confident a top-six final place is possible.