Cromer Town 1, Watton United 3THERE were again changes to the Cromer side as they looked to end their run of five straight defeats. With no usual goalkeeper available, Paul Winterbone had the gloves.

Cromer Town 1, Watton United 3

THERE were again changes to the Cromer side as they looked to end their run of five straight defeats.

With no usual goalkeeper available, Paul Winterbone had the gloves. Tom Davies returned partnering Terrington up front and new signing David Hinton made his debut on the left wing, writes Richard Cox.

Watton took an early lead when Callaghan's strike from 25 yards found the top corner. On 19 minutes Nicholls extended Watton's lead when he curled the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

From then on it was mainly Cromer on the front foot. Hinton turned then laid the ball to Eves, but he fired over. Bradshaw saw his header from Davies' corner headed back off the line. Hinton was off target with his effort before Cromer pulled a goal back.

On 38 minutes Cameron picked the ball up midway in the Watton half and moved towards goal before his strike went into the back of the net from outside the box. Matt Webster then made a good save to deny Hinton.

The Cromer keeper Winterbone was called into action to keep out Bloomfield.

At the start of the second half, miss-control from Harwood allowed Nichols through, but Winterbone came out and stopped Nicholls in his tracks.

Hinton linked up with Eves down the left before the latter fired wide. New man Hinton was again involved. This time he played the ball to Terrington, but his effort was straight at Webster. Cameron headed over and Bradshaw's shot was tipped over the bar.

Despite the pressure Cromer failed to draw level and with a few minutes left Watton secured the points. The ball was put through to Nicholls who looked well offside, and the assistants' flag was raised. But the referee ignored his colleague and play continued, allowing Nicholls to score his second of the game.

A sixth defeat in a row for the Crabs. They are by no means out of the title race yet as it is still tight at the top and there are a lot of games to play. But there is little room to slip up now if they are to remain contenders.

Cromer deserved at least a draw but just lack a bit of luck in front of goal and some good saves from Webster kept the Crabs at bay. This weekend Dersingham are the visitors to Cabbell Park (kick-off 2.30pm).

The reserves were without a game but travel to Thorpe Village on Saturday.