Cromer Town's dreams of a third successive Sterry Cup triumph suffered a setback on Tuesday night when they suffered an unhappy homecoming.

Playing at Cabbell Park for the first since the end of November due on ongoing drainage problems, the Crabs slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of one of their rivals for the title, Spixworth.

A first half goal from Jason Armes proved decisive as the hosts turned in a below-par display to remain six points behind leaders Blofield with three games in hand.

The Crabs are now preparing for one of their most attractive home fixtures for many a year, with Norwich City's Under-21s due at Cabbell Park next Wednesday evening.

City's win against Birmingham in the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday night means the date has still to be officially confirmed – but Cromer officials are hopeful the Norfolk Senior Cup semi-final will go ahead as planned.

Cromer have beaten Stalham, Blofield and Diss Town, after a replay, to reach this stage while the young Canaries have seen off Dereham, at the second time of asking, and King's Lynn Town.

Chris Wigger's side will be up against Norwich City's best young talent next week and the club are hoping a good sized crowd will be present for a rare opportunity to see the Canaries in action in Cromer.

Star attractions are likely to be twins Jacob and Joshua Murphy, talented wingers who recently signed professional contracts with Chris Hughton's side.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 7.30pm, with extra-time if necessary, and admission is £6 for adults and £1 for children, with under-fives getting in free.

Cromer will be aiming to warm up for their big test on Saturday afternoon when they travel to bottom side Hempnall for their latest league fixture.

It's now almost certainly a three-way battle for survival at the foot of the Premier Division, with North Norfolk pair Sheringham and North Walsham cast adrift at the bottom along with Hempnall.

The Shannocks had a tough assignment on Saturday as they travelled to an in-form Dersingham outfit who have designs on the title and crashed to a painful 6-0 defeat after goals from Daniel Jezeph (2), Christopher Maslin (2), Paul English and Robert Palmer.

North Walsham had an easier game on paper, at home to a Loddon side who had eased their own relegation fears by beating the Angels 2-0 the previous week, but lost 4-1 (see report inside).

Sheringham now have nine points from 16 games, with the Angels just below them with seven from 17. Hempnall have picked up just three points from 16 but appear to remain competitive after only losing to Wroxham Reserves by the odd goal in five at the weekend.

Sheringham will be aiming to take a step in the right direction when they visit mid-table Wymondham Town on Saturday while Walsham, who are without a game on Saturday, play host to

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high-flying Spixworth next Tuesday evening.

Holt United's disappointing season continued when they were beaten 5-0 at mid-table Horsford.

Horsford's James Taylor was the star man, scoring a hat-trick, while Steven Middleton and Ross Pantry were also on target for the hosts. The Owls have now lost 14 of their 21 league games this season but, fortunately for them, have won the other seven and remain nine points clear of the Division One relegation zone.

They will be well aware though that second from bottom Hellesdon have three games in hand and will want to get back to winning ways as quickly as possible, starting on Saturday when bottom side Brandon are the visitors.