Cromer Town's dreams of making it three successive Sterry Cup truimphs ended on Saturday afternoon when rivals Acle got the win they needed to secure the Anglian Combination Premier Division title.

The Crabs went into the weekend needing the leaders to slip up at relegation threatened North Walsham, while also taking maximum points from their home fixture against Blofield, to stand a chance of retaining their crown.

In the end both results went against Chris Wigger's side, with Acle winning 5-0 at Greens Road as Cromer were being held to a 2-2 draw at Cabbell Park thanks to a last-gasp Blofield equaliser.

With Spixworth thrashing Hempnall 7-1 Cromer dropped to third in the table and that's where they look they finishing after a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Loddon on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Crabs can reflect on a brave effort to catch the leaders after drainage problems at Cabbell Park forced them to squeeze half a season's worth of fixtures into a few months. In the end the gruelling schedule caught up with the team, but they have still only lost five league games all season with one more to play, at home to Wymondham Town on Friday evening (7.30pm).

At the other end of the table Walsham still have a chance of survival despite their heavy defeat at the hands of the new champions. They remained two points behind Sheringham, who are currently third from bottom, with a game in hand after the Shannocks lost 3-1 at home to Beccles Town on Saturday.

Sheringham went in at the break one up, thanks to a goal from James Cooper, but they couldn't hold on to their advantage, with goals from Damon Bensley, Shaun Wigley and Daniel Avery condeming them to defeat.

Walsham were due to play at Wroxham Reserves last night before rounding off their season with another tough game at second placed Spixworth on Friday evening (6.45pm). Cromer will be hoping the Angels spring a shock in that one as it would then give them the chance to clinch runners-up spot on the same evening.

Sheringham's final match is also a tricky one, at Reepham Town this evening (Thursday, 6.45pm).

In Division One Stalham Town missed out on promotion after losing their final two fixtures. They were beaten 1-0 at home by Horsford on Saturday before going down 3-2 at Harleston on Bank Holiday Monday.

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