The old clich� “it’s a funny old game” was very apt on Sunday as the Premier Division’s bottom side Unicorns put a massive dent in the title ambitions of league leaders The Grove by beating them 3-1.

Despite a goal for Michael Freeman on his Grove debut, the visitors responded with three of their own through Ross Brannigan (2) and Louis Brown. Unicorns manager Paul Skiggs was very proud of his players who gave him everything, and couldn’t praise them highly enough. That result enabled AFC Wanderers to close the gap at the top to four points as goals by Craig Bussens (2), Matty Elwin, Liam Blofeld, Daniel Barrowclough and Luke Tuttle them a 6-1 win over Hellesdon Athletic, whilst Marlborough also scored six whilst winning at Norwich Busmen. Acle Rangers moved up to fifth spot after scoring five without reply at Aylsham Sunday.

Things are hotting up in 1A as the top two won again. Dussindale were 4-0 winners at home to The Otter, whilst second placed Fiveways played with only ten men but still overcame Aslacton 4-1. Norman Wanderers won by the odd goal of seven at North Walsham and Horsford SC bounced back from last week’s heavy defeat by taking a point off Eaton FC in a 2-2 draw.

The withdrawal this week of Catton FC from 1B has made things interesting at the top of the table. Sprowston Rovers took a step nearer the title with a 1-0 win at Bayer, who now drop to third spot behind Norfolk CCSC who were 5-2 winners at Rose Tavern.

In 2A, Hockering now know that after beating second place DCS Rapid 3-1, they need only four points from their final three games to take the title. The Stores went down 3-1 at home to Acle Wanderers, who put in a really good team performance scoring three well taken goals by Ryan Flint and James Cator. Intermediate Cup finalists Sprowston Sunday were held to a 1-1 draw by The Griffen. Deopham travelled to Norman Wanderers Reserves and came away with a 3-2 win.

Despite losing 3-2 in a cracking game to second placed PL Rangers, Moles Rest still top 2B by two points. Jordan Rocastle (2) and Jack Ainsley scored for Rangers. Acle Rangers Reserves are third after a 2-1 win over Heartsease FC, whilst Maid Marian put last week’s blip behind them as they won 4-3 at Hingham. Sporting Farmhouse won 5-2 at Hethersett and there was an amazing game at Ribs Rovers where the home side scored seven of the thirteen goals scored against Hillside OB.

Riverside Rovers top 3A, but were made to work hard for their narrow 2-1 home win over Sporting Longdale, and after scoring ten last week, Constable Crusaders kept their shooting boots on this week, scoring eight against The Reindeer. Congratulations to One Love United who have won the Division 3B title with five games to spare. Ronaldo Balde grabbed a hat trick with Bonito Gil and Nash Makuve getting one each as they won 5-1 at AFC Oak. Well done to all players and officials of the club. Bell Inn were 4-0 winners over Freethorpe and are in second spot, whilst there was a great game at Sloughbottom where Revolution went down 4-3 to Salhouse Rovers. DEF FC and Unicorns Reserves took a point each in a 1-1 draw.

The top two in 4A, Brooke and Bungay Town, clashed with the visitors taking a somewhat fortunate lead in the seventh minute when a cross from Kevin Riches was pushed into his own net by Brooke keeper Phil Coult. The game was pretty even throughout before Matt Davidson put Bungay 2-0 up from close range in the second half. Brooke continued to work hard and reduced the arrears with a fine solo goal from Sam Page but Bungay held on to take the points.

Temple Bar join Brooke on 32 points after beating Hockering Reserves 4-1 and it’s been a bad couple of weeks for Temples Property who were thumped 6-0 at Manor Park for whom Lee Smith grabbed a hat trick. Whiterose United were 4-0 winners at Eaton Young Boys and there was a 2-1 win for Phoenix Felthorpe at Earlham Colney. The battle of the basement sides saw a three goal victory for William Rovers at Sporting Longdale Reserves.

In 4B, leaders William Wanderers kept the pressure on their rivals after a narrow 3-2 win at home to Hethersett Reserves. Windmill Elite moved up to third after winning 3-0 at home to Wendene Wanderers and Salhouse Reserves were 2-0 victors over Spixworth Reserves. Chapelfield Rovers returned to winning ways after they thumped Dilham Cross keys 7-1 with the inform Will Smart grabbing a hat trick and club secretary Jamal Sealey scoring with his first touch after coming on as substitute.