Cromer Town 0, Sheringham 4THE Shannocks feared Friday night's game was going to be a banana skin for them as Cromer had lost their previous six games, and with a local derby and pride at stake, form tends to go out the window.

Cromer Town 0, Sheringham 4

THE Shannocks feared Friday night's game was going to be a banana skin for them as Cromer had lost their previous six games, and with a local derby and pride at stake, form tends to go out the window.

The game was finally deemed playable just before kick-off after the torrential rain the area had endured over the previous week.

Sheringham were without Andy Gleave (suspended), Timm (holiday) and Fox (wife giving birth). Carver had dashed from Lincolnshire and arrived just in time and Jordan and Eastaugh, after extensive work on the physio's bench, made the starting

line-up.

Cromer started the stronger and dominated for the first 20 minutes, but Sheringham weathered the storm with some sterling defending.

Full-backs Carver, against the pacy Hinton who looks Yarmouth bound according to the rumours, and Amis - against a classy Eaves - contained Cromer's wide threat. The only balls Cromer's Terrington and Davies were supplied were cut out by Jordan and Banham.

Sheringham were breaking at speed and with Holmes, King and Gleave's pace caused a static Bradshaw and an impressive Harwood troubles.

From one such break a serious of free-kicks were won, and from a King cross big Jordan rose and headed in for his third goal in as many games on the 36th minute. It silenced a section of the home supporters directing some light-hearted banter at the Shannocks skipper.

This spurred on the Shannocks and they looked to increase the lead and were rewarded when an Eastaugh shot hit Harwood's arm and the referee awarded a penalty. King converted with ease just before half-time.

A 2-0 lead at half-time saw the Shannocks in no mood to roll over, and with three points in sight they gave an awesome display of defensive and controlled play second half.

Cromer came out and looked for an opening goal, but under instructions from manager Kowalyk the team sucked up Cromer's attack and broke on the break.

This seemed to have the desired effect as good interplay between Holmes and Edridge saw Bevis in the right spot at the right time to tap in Edge's final ball.

Sheringham had the ball in the net but Holmes was adjudged to be offside.

Cromer were still pumping the ball up to their forwards, who were having no joy against a resolute defence.

Cromer's Horton had to be replaced with Durrant, and with the final roll of the dice Wigger also sent on Hunton and Carrier - who in particular looked a threat with his pace.

Sheringham played out the final 15 minutes with Lacey replacing Edridge and Graver on for a tired Carver.

King had the final say from a Bevis final touch when King beat two defenders and shot. The ball rebounded off a post and bar, nicely falling for Bevis.

A convincing 4-0 win against a hard battling Cromer side who were in no mood themselves to lose their seventh game on the bounce.

The Shannocks looked good value and are now looking a real threat in all departments.

Jackson, in goal, never had a worthwhile shot that tested him, but his handling and distribution was excellent.

So back at the top of the table, albeit second on goal difference, but with Holt United away 2.30pm kick off this Saturday the winning mentality must be maintained for a serious challenge for the Sterry Cup.