Cromer Town 5, Holt United 1THE first of back-to-back fixtures between the two sides was played at Cabbell Park. Again the Crabs produced a nap hand, this and recent performances suggesting they are returning to some- thing close to their old ways.

Cromer Town 5, Holt United 1

THE first of back-to-back fixtures between the two sides was played at Cabbell Park. Again the Crabs produced a nap hand, this and recent performances suggesting they are returning to some- thing close to their old ways.

Cromer were forced to make two changes with Dale Cooper and Danny Broom starting in place of the absent Aaron Nixon and John Carrier, writes Richard Cox.

Cromer had the first chance when Ryan Honeyman played the ball into the box to Matthew Eves, whose first-time shot was saved by Matthew Raven.

Holt took the lead midway through the first half. Kevin Moore flicked the ball on and it was chased down by Toby Blowers.

The young forward chipped over Parsons but the ball came back off the bar and Luke Williamson finished into the open goal.

Moments later Cromer were reduced to 10 men after Liam Davies received his second yellow card.

As a result Cromer went three at the back, and despite being a man down they started to dominate.

Paul Bradshaw played the ball to Darren Terrington, whose volley was cleared off the line. David Harwood's free-kick was pushed round a post and from the corner Bradshaw headed over.

A couple of minutes before half-time the Crabs got reward for all the pressure. Raven could only palm Harwood's well-struck free-kick out to the six-yard box, leaving Terrington with a simple header to equalise for Cromer.

A driving run forward from Eves gave him the room to cross to Terrington, who headed into the goal - but the flag was up for offside. Very positive play from the Crabs to end the half and more goals looked inevitable second half.

Cromer took the lead minutes after the restart when Terrington crossed for Broom at the back post to head home. It was then 3-1 when Bradshaw's header hit the back of the net from a Harwood corner.

The Crabs were in complete control and continued to bombard the Owls' goal. Cromer grabbed a fourth on 70 minutes.

Bradshaw tackled well to prevent a quick breakaway. The ball went wide to Harwood who crossed into the box, and after a touch off Hunton, Eves had an easy finish.

The visitors' Kevin Moore was then given his marching orders after a tackle on Chris Carey.

In the final moments Hunton rounded the keeper but was tackled at the last second.

Terrington then fired straight at Raven before he grabbed his second and Cromer's fifth in time added on. Eves crossed to the near post and the Crabs' No 9 finished first time.

On a wet, heavy pitch Cromer still managed to play some attractive football and fully deserved the victory.

The Reserves picked up an excellent win away at Loddon Reserves.

A Paul Winterbone brace, one for Shaun Cameron and an own goal guided them to a 4-1 victory.

There is a quick return derby on Saturday, Cromer travelling to Holt (2.30pm kick-off).