Wroxham Reserves 2, Cromer Town 0

CROMER still lead the Anglian Combination title race despite this defeat as nearest rivals Blofield were in cup action.

There was one change to last week's Cromer team with Horton replacing Honeyman, writes Richard Cox.

The Crabs got off to a very sloppy start and after just two minutes the Yachtsmenwon a free-kick on the right. Wines delivered a teasing cross which Osborne was unable to keep hold of and it went through to Cook who headed into the goal.

Cromer had a couple of chances to equalise immediately. Bugdale's free-kick took two deflections before being tipped onto a post by Pauling.

Then some good link-up play between Horton, Hinton and Wilton ended with the latter crossing to Terrington, whose header went straight into Pauling's hands.

Wroxham dominated again. King played the ball through to Winter who forced a good save from Osborne. King was then quickest to react to the loose ball but Osborne was again alert enough to deny King from close range.

Wroxham got their reward for their pressure and extended their lead on 35 minutes. King played a clever ball through to Winter, who timed his run well before lifting the ball over Osborne.

Wroxham deserved their two-goal advantage and the Crabs looked very lacklustre at times and needed a much better second half to have any chance of finding a way back into the game.

Cromer started much brighter in the second half. Bugdale crossed to Wilton, who was off target. Hinton and Fawkes then linked up but Hinton fired straight at Pauling. Terrington was also denied by Pauling.

Cromer seemed to be lacking the cutting edge in front of goal as chances went begging and time was running out.

Landamore released Hinton who spread the play wide to Wilton. He broke forward and crossed to Terrington, but Pauling again had an easy save.

The visitors' final effort saw Horton fire over from the edge of the box.

An awful first-half display proved costly as it was always going to be difficult to come back from two down.

If Cromer had started like they finished, it could have been different.

Cromer will be looking to return to winning ways this Saturday when they visit Dersingham.