Poringland Wanderers 4, Cromer Town 2

Cromer travelled to Division One side Poringland in the Mummery Cup, and after a fine run of form the Crabs were firm favourites going into the game.

But the game certainly didn't go with the form book. The Premier Division side were forced to make a few changes with Wenham, Bugdale, Landamore and Durrant all missing from last week. The squad's resources were stretched but Cromer still fielded a side which should have been more than capable of winning the game, writes Richard Cox.

Cromer made an awful start and the home side were on the front foot from the first whistle. A long clearance bounced over the Cromer defence, Osborne came out but was beaten to it by Cogman, who rounded the keeper only for his effort came back off a post.

Against the run of play the visitors had a chance when Honeyman played the ball through to McCabe, who controlled well and was one-on-one with Roberts – but the keeper saved with his feet.

The home side then got back on top. The ball was played through the middle of the Cromer defence to Cogman, who was denied by a good tackle from McCabe. But Poringland took the lead in the eighth minute. A ball into the box was defended poorly and it ran to Ault, who gave his side a deserved lead.

After a busy start to the game it quietened down but it was still Poringland who were in control. They made the most of their dominance and got a second on the half-hour mark.

Ault eased his way down the left wing and then squared the ball across to Cogman, who had a simple tap-in.

The home side deserved to be 2-0 ahead at half-time. All over the pitch Cromer had been below par and defensively at times they were non-existent and needed to improve greatly.

Cromer started the second half much better and pulled a goal back on the hour. Fawkes chased down what seemed a lost cause and then muscled past his defender. He squared to Terrington, who slotted home.

Substitute Fawkes was again involved, this time spreading play to Wilton who closed on goal but slid the ball narrowly wide.

With just over 10 minutes remaining Cromer levelled. Harwood's corner was flicked on by Terrington and fell to Bradshaw, who scored from close range.

Both teams were then fighting for possession, and with 84 minutes on the clock Wanderers regained the lead with a very fortunate goal when Ault's mis-hit cross looped over an unsuspecting Osborne. As Cromer looked to equalise again they left gaps at the back and this allowed the hosts to break away quickly and Bland scored a fourth with a header to secure an upset for the Division One side.

Poringland battled for 90 minutes and thoroughly deserved their victory, but Cromer's first-half display was disappointing to say the least.

The Crabs return to league action on Saturday with a trip to Mattishall, and their performance will need to be much better.