King's Lynn Reserves 1, Dereham Town 3: THE Magpies cemented claims for a top-three Ridgeons Premier finish with Wednesday night's win.King's Lynn included experienced strikers Julian Joachim and Jack Defty in their starting line-up with Stuart Garner returning for the Magpies, writes Rene Kendal.

King's Lynn Reserves 1, Dereham Town 3

THE Magpies cemented claims for a top-three Ridgeons Premier finish with Wednesday night's win.

King's Lynn included experienced strikers Julian Joachim and Jack Defty in their starting line-up with Stuart Garner returning for the Magpies, writes Rene Kendal.

The Linnets soon carved out a chance with Fisk volleying Joachim's cross over the top in the third minute. After a competitive opening Dereham took the lead in the 15th minute. Eastoe-Smith thumped a long ball forward from inside his own half towards Simon Mowbray who progressed before beating home keeper Murray with a rasping drive from 15 yards.

Beaumont then found Howell with a neat reverse pass but the midfielder failed to make a clean contact and the keeper was able to save.

As the pressure continued Beaumont was put through with only Murray to beat who did well to push his attempted lob to safety. Lynn's Nicholls tested Higgs with a well-struck 30-yarder and Kelly fired inches over the bar as the home side began to liven. In the 35th minute the Magpies were denied a second when home keeper Murray made a brilliant save from Mowbray's close-range effort following superb wide play by Howell.

However from their next attack Dereham increased their advantage, with Smith the creator. He delivered a deep cross into the box setting up Danny Beaumont to head home in the 37th minute.

Shortly before half-time Jack Defty left the field injured as the Magpies had the better of the first 45 minutes.

Half-time King's Lynn Reserves 0, Dereham 2.

Jack Joachim diverted an effort from deep inside the Dereham half inches wide at the start of the second half as King's Lynn looked to quickly restore the deficit. Beaumont won a battle with full-back Bush but the ball lacked enough pace to enter the net with the defender able to clear off the line.

In the 65th minute Mowbray headed Terrington's deep free-kick over Murray's bar. Minutes later Beaumont shot narrowly wide of the left hand post after Terrington had delivered from the left flank.

As Dereham continued to press Howell was upended by keeper Murray as he attempted to round him with the referee awarding a penalty, from the spot skipper Barrett saw his low drive well saved by the keeper.

However, from the resultant corner Simon Mowbray headed home Terrington's near post delivery to seal the game.

Howell and Ollie Willis both went close as Dereham were in complete control and dominating play. The Linnets did manage a late consolation when Martin Rudd nodded home from close range after Fisk had guided Kelly's corner towards him