Keeper stars against Angels

North Walsham Town 1, AFC Norwich 0

THE Angels completed a quick-fire Anglian Combination Premier Division double.

This was a pleasing start to the Chase/Lown management regime, but they will hope that in future games they won't be faced with a keeper in such inspired form and that numerous chances will result in more goals.

Clifton and Wilton were welcomed back to the fold, though this was countered by the unavailability of Maxey and Marsh. Lown took his place on the substitutes' bench along with youngsters Dunlop and Ellis as the Angels adopted an attacking approach.

Town started well and were looking dangerous with Wilton soon back into the swing of things. He was denied by keeper Palmer who earned his spurs with some superb point-blank stops. In the first half as he denied Cullington, Miller, Clifton and Ramsbottom.

The Angels' back line looked secure and when keeper Kellett was called upon he made two fine stops. With minutes remaining Town lost Miller whose leg wound required a number of stitches.

Second half Dunlop replaced Miller and slotted in seamlessly at left back with Palmer shifting across to right back and Grand being deployed in Miller's midfield position.

AFC keeper Palmer saved well from Clifton after he raced clear. Then, after Wilton was upended, he flung himself to his left to keep out a Knowles penalty.

Finally Walsham broke the deadlock. Kellett's early ball released Ramsbottom and he crossed for Craig Knowles to make amends for his penalty miss by crashing the ball into the roof of the net.

Town had further chances as Ramsbottom was denied by Palmer and then Wilton shrugged off his marker before shooting straight at Palmer.

The Angels held firm and Kellett was rarely called upon. In the final moments Knowles blazed over from 12 yards.

The Reserves maintained their healthy league position with a very good 3-1 victory at Easton (Hanby 2, Reeves). This win against their fellow promotion challengers was achieved with 10 men following Lawrence's early dismissal and manager Alexander and his troops must be commended on their success.

A depleted A team travelled to Corpusty and despite taking an early lead, eventually lost 5-1.

The Sunday side suffered another blow to their title hopes as they travelled to Norwich CEYMS with the bare bones due to injury, work commitments and other late call-offs.

Despite a valiant effort went down by the odd goal in three, the goal being scored by Daniel Rebbeck.

They must claim maximum points from their remaining games and rely on others dropping points to achieve their aim.