Cromer 2, North Walsham 1

FOOTBALL: North Walsham Town made the short trip to face arch rivals Cromer Town and, despite a valiant performance, were beaten by the odd goal in three.

The Angels made two changes to the starting line-up that defeated The Shannocks the previous week with Sage coming in for the unavailable Cini and Jessup replacing Higgs in goal.

The squad included new signing Deledicq and he took his place on the bench alongside Davison and Broom. The other new signing, Allen, picked up a knock in the midweek training game against Yarmouth and was not risked.

The game began with the away supporting contingent in fine voice, but it was Cromer who started the brighter as The Angels adapted to the strategy change. They slowly worked their way into the game and were beginning to look dangerous on the break.

The first chance fell to Cromer, but Jessup palmed away Landamore's strike. At the other end, Reynolds capitalised on some indecision in the home defence and teed up Davies, but he could only find the side netting with only Osborne to beat.

Walsham took the lead. Further confusion saw Reynolds feed Davies but his snapshot was superbly blocked by Osborne, but the rebound fell to Will Abbs who showed great composure to loft the ball past the defenders. But The Crabs equalised when good play down the left exposed Sage and Bugdale's deep cross was headed back past Jessup by Terrington.

Cromer came close to taking the lead when Landamore's long-range volley crashed against an upright.

The second half saw The Angels come out all guns blazing and they were inches away from regaining the lead on 48 minutes. A deep free-kick dropped invitingly for Marsh, but his lobbed effort against his former side landed on the top of the net.

It was then Cromer's turn to threaten but Jessup made a fine save. Just as it appeared as though Walsham had weathered the storm, The Crabs struck when a wayward shot from Horton was connected with by Terrington and he diverted the ball home.

Walsham changed formation but came up against a resolute Cromer back line, marshalled well by captain Harwood. Jessup made three flying saves to keep Walsham in the game, while Wilton capitalised on Deledicq's error but fired wide.

Despite the defeat, The Angels can be proud of their efforts against the more illustrious opposition and, with a little bit more luck could have taken something from the game.

This weekend Walsham visit Sprowston Athletic in the Norfolk Senior Cup.

North Walsham Reserves lost 2-1 to high-flying Loddon and still sit precariously above the relegation zone of Division Three. The A team beat Corpusty 3-1 while the Sunday side lost 4-0 at Aslacton and Great Moulton.