With the first round of the County Cup competitions taking place this weekend, it was a reduced league programme that took place. In the Premier Division’s only game, Norwich Busmen missed the chance to go top of the league as they were held to a 1-1 draw at The Grove. Matty Sewell was the Busmen scorer after two minutes but they were left to rue missing a penalty before the home side equalised through Simon Cullabine.

Sprowston Sunday played host to a Horsford United side that started the game well and were unlucky not to take the lead when a fifth minute free kick from Danny Read, crashed off the underside of the crossbar before being cleared. The home side though got into their stride and hit Horsford with three goals in ten minutes. Liam Doyle played a part in the first two as he put Will Abbs and the Matty Eves thorough to score before Abbs added his second. Midway through the second period Abbs completed his hat trick with a 25-yard drive and player manager Darren Maxey scored with a simple tap in from close range. Abbs then scored a fortunate fourth for himself and the home side’s sixth. Horsford did grab a consolation goal through Shaun Plant and on the whole can feel the score was a little harsh on their efforts in a game well refereed by Paul Ray.

Aslacton continued their decent start to the season, their 2-1 home win over Hockering seeing them move up to third spot in 1A.

In 1B, Acle Rangers Reserves missed the chance to go top as they were beaten 4-2 at Heartsease FC. Alex Ashmore (2), Lee Robins and Tom Whitmore scored for the home side. Michael Robinson of Rose Tavern scored the only goal of the game at St Faiths, whilst there was a first win of the season for Spixworth Sunday as they beat Moles Rest 3-2.

In 2A, the bottom v top clash saw Riverside Rovers run out 5-2 winners at The Stores. Norman Wanderers dropped their first points as they drew 2-2 at Constable Crusaders, whilst Mad Moose bounced back from last weeks defeat by beating Green Man 4-1, Tom Swabey grabbing a hat trick. After five years and 89 games, Phil Firman finally scored his first goal as New Buckenham moved up to fourth spot beating The Cottage 5-2. Hobley (2), Lynn and Durrant completed the scoring.

In 2B, Adam Brown scored twice as Bell Inn made it four from four when they won 6-1 at SDC United, further goals came from Simon Freemantle, the Farrow brothers Josh and Will, and Dale Simpson. Jonny Causton hit four in the first half as Poringland Wanderers put ten passed Hillside OB. Further goals came from Ryan Drake (2), Andy Skipper, Scott Casey, Matt Nichols and an own goal. Musna Gomes (3), Abdoulie Darbo (2), and Jose Da Silva Junior all scored as One Love Utd beat DEF FC 6-1. It is nice to report praise for the referee Phil Gilmore who was taking charge of his first game since moving to Norfolk. Salhouse Rovers now have points on the board as they won 3-1 (Ben Potts 2, Jamie Weavers) at Sloughbottom Revolution.

Bungay Town moved to the top of 3A after a 5-3 home win over River Garden, Martin Kemp, Greg Crawford and an own goal the River Garden scorers, whilst Brooke moved up to second as goals by Tom Miller (2), Nick Piggen and Tom Griffiths gave them a 4-1 win over Temple Bar. Eaton Young Boys grabbed their first win of the season, 4-0 at Norman Wanderers A and there was a 4-1 victory for Phoenix Felthorpe against Temples Property. Manor Park earned their first point of the season courtesy of a 2-2 draw at Newsman Celtic.

Hainford Howitzers have taken over at the top of 3B. goals by Parsley, Ault, Mace and Waterman (2), gave them a 5-0 home win over Windmill Elite. Chapelfield Rovers won 4-2 at Salhouse Reserves to go third whilst Earlham Colney and Costessey Sports shared the points and eight goals. William Wanderers were 3-0 up (Daniel Childerhouse 2, Aaron Nixon) at Hethersett before the home side hit back to level the scores. William then had two players sent off as Hethersett went on to win 7-3, thanks to a hat-trick by Dominic Doggett and further goals by Dan Burrett,Matt Steward and Brad Nelson.

Sporting Longdale Reserves continue to top 4A. They took a 2-0 lead with goals from Stewart Halton and Sam Huetson but midway through the second half Micawbers Tavern had deservedly levelled the scoring. However Brad Warr scored the winner for Sporting Longdale with fifteen minutes to play. A good game which was well officiated by Raymond Skeet. Costessey West End are a point behind as they won 6-0 at home to CNSOBU Sunday. Goals by Paul Grothier and Michael Powley helped Dilham Cross keys to a 2-1 home win over Brooke Reserves.

There were some high scoring games in 4B. Leaders Freemasons scored ten without reply against Locksley Athletic whilst Adam Bell scored five for AFC Oak as they won 9-4 at Bunwell FC. Karl Pitkin and Daryl Wickham were also amongst the scorers. Hethersett Reserves won 6-2 at Mettingham whilst a late goal by captain Dan Jones gave Shipdham Rangers a 3-2 win over Spixworth Reserves. Josh Price and Joe Gaston also scored.

In the County Cups, there were wins for DCS Rapid, Sprowston Rovers, Dog House, Marlborough Earlham United and Aylsham Sunday in the Senior Cup, and Schoolhouse in the Intermediate Cup.