Walsham push Dereham in cup

North Walsham Town 1, Dereham Town 2In a very entertaining match Dereham just came out on top despite an excellent team performance from North Walsham who belied their lower league ranking.

North Walsham Town 1, Dereham Town 2

In a very entertaining match Dereham just came out on top despite an excellent team performance from North Walsham who belied their lower league ranking.

Walsham's young side included five of last year's U18 team in their starting line-up.

Walsham played some good football and took the lead when a long throw from Andy Hanby into the six-yard box was headed in by Matthew Lown. Hanby's long throws created some panic in the Dereham box all afternoon.

Dereham equalised after some good pressure before half time with the dangerous Nicky Howell a constant menace to Walsham down the right hand side where he linked up well with full back Ollie Willis.

Unfortunately, Walsham were reduced to ten men early in the second half when Lown turned from hero to villain when he was sent off for a hand-ball on the line that led to a Dereham penalty. Danny Beaumont's spot kick was well saved by Jake Munday.

Walsham went to the other end and should have taken the lead when Ant Davies was one on one with keeper Higgs.

The extra quality of Dereham started to show later in the game when they forced the winner but the result was always in doubt until the final whistle.

For Walsham there were outstanding performances from youngsters Munday, Hanby and Fitzgerald who all showed that they are more than capable of playing at a higher standard. For Dereham the star man was Howell.

After the match the Dereham manager Matt Henman acknowledged his team had been pushed all the way by a spirited Walsham team. Walsham manager Ricky Chase was understandably proud of his team's performance.