Reepham Town 1, Horsford United 3SHANE Lutkin, the Robin's manager, admitted: 'Horsford deserved to win. They took their chances and defended better than we did.

Reepham Town 1, Horsford United 3

SHANE Lutkin, the Robin's manager, admitted: 'Horsford deserved to win. They took their chances and defended better than we did. We had far more possession, but possession alone doesn't win football matches.

'It's been an interesting afternoon and has given me plenty to contemplate. I expected all of the players to be a bit rusty after such a long break, but some players were way off the pace, whilst others - such as Matty Huckle, Shaun Belton and James Page -gave the quality, effort and enthusiasm I expect.

'One or two players have let their fitness levels slip during the lay-off and there is absolutely no excuse for that. This year is a transitional year for the football club and I am looking for an improvement in individuals, the squad and the results.

'As a progressive club we must move forward, and the pressure is on everyone. The chairman (Marcus Wilkinson) has told me if we are not in the Anglian Combination Premier Division for the 2011/2012 season he'll replace me as manager of the football club!'

Neither team had played since December 12 and it felt a little like the first game of the season or even a pre-season friendly.

Despite the Robins playing some good football and dominating the first quarter of an hour, Horsford scored with their first attack on six minutes as the evergreen Darren Nichols beat Beau Howard for pace and cut back for Scott McKinney to finish neatly.

Reepham looked great going forward, but sloppy in defence, and after 20 minutes both James Page and Martin Bramble decided not to head, or even attempt to head, the ball and it dropped to Nichols who drove into the corner from 20 yards.

The last ten minutes of the first period saw Reepham again control the game and Shaun Belton finished a slick move by ramming the ball home from close range.

In the second half Reepham improved but spurned several chances. In the 98th minute Howard left Horsford two-on-one and Nichols scored his second for a scoreline which may have flattered Horsford.

Meloncollie Rose of Reepham MoM: Matty Huckle who was industrious, disciplined and highly effective.

On Saturday Reepham travel to Poringland, the Reserves host Mulbarton Wanderers and the A team are also at Stimpson's Piece, playing Horsford.