Sheringham manager Ben Price has decided to stand down after a testing start to the new season – but he won't be turning his back on the Shannocks.

Previous boss John Kowalyk is now back in charge – and his new reign got off to an encouraging start on Saturday with a 2-2 home draw against Hempnall in the second round of the Norfolk Senior Cup.

Sheringham had lost their previous six matches following the exit a number of players during the summer but Price insisted his decision to call it a day had nothing to do with the poor results.

'It was a personal decision to stand aside,' he said. 'Being manager at Sheringham has been a real eye-opener because it has shown me just how much hard work goes on behind the scenes to get a match on.

'It has taken up an awful lot of my time and now we've got another child on the way my family has got to come first. My work is also keeping me very busy and something had to give.

'I enjoyed my year as manager and I have learned a lot. The good thing from my point of view is that I have left the club in very capable hands – and I want to stress that I won't be walking away.

'I have taken a short break but I would like to carry on playing for Sheringham, hopefully starting in the replay at Hempnall at the weekend.'

The Shannocks went into Saturday's second round tie with a dreadful run of form behind them. But the margins of defeat have gradually been getting smaller and the progress continued in the county's top knock-out competition as they lived to fight another day.

The score was 1-1 after 90 minutes, with both sides then scoring again in extra-time to force a replay at Hempnall on Saturday.

Philip Durham opened the scoring for Sheringham from the penalty spot, only for Hempnall to equalise before the break.

The visitors went ahead in extra- time but, with less than a minute to go, under-18 player Shane Cox got on the end of a Durham corner to secure a replay.

Ryan MacFadden and Ryan Haynes scored for the visitors.

Stalham pulled off the result of the day in the Senior Cup with a 5-0 thumping of derby rivals North Walsham.

Darren Patterson hit a hat-trick for the Anglian Combination Division One side against their Premier Division opponents, with Lawrence Cheese and Rupert Marsh also on target.

The Angels, who have now lost five of their six matches this season, will be attempting to get back on track on Saturday when they welcome Kirkley and Pakefield Reserves to Greens Road.

Reepham Town proved too strong for Division One side Aylsham as the Premier Division hosts triumphed 4-1. Leon Huckle, Ashley Dearing, Kevin Winkworth and Joseph Wright scored for the home side.

Having made a decent start to the new season following a second successive promotion Aylsham have struggled in recent weeks, with the cup defeat at Reepham being a third straight reverse.

Martin Meek's side would appear to have a good opportunity to start moving in the right direction on Saturday when they resume their League campaign at Hellesdon, who have lost all five of their league matches so far.

Division One rivals Holt United are only behind their north Norfolk rivals on goal difference after claiming their second big win in succession at the weekend.

The Owls kicked off with two defeats in the league but won 4-1 at Brandon in their next game and, after a two-week break, followed that up with a convincing 4-0 home success against near neighbours Hindringham, who were unbeaten going into the game.

With Liam Davies suffering with an injury Holt signed young keeper Liam Craig from Wells on Friday evening. He started the match well with a sprawling save on a Hindringham break.

Central midfielders Sam Morgan and Zachary Daniels broke up play well and started attacks while Dan Fuller worked hard, putting the wingers through who had numerous chances. Holt duly opened their account in the 35th minute as Matt Sanders struck home a left-footed free-kick from 35 yards.

The Owls started the second half on the front foot as Chris Fuller

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broke through on the left and took the ball to the top of the box only to be taken down by a Hindringham centre half. He maintained control of the ball, picked himself up and slotted the ball past the keeper.

Shortly after a deflected shot from Chris Fuller came to James Wright and he headed it in. Late in the second half Fuller got on the end of a Matt Warnes cross to complete the scoring.

This was the first match that Holt played up to their potential for the entire 90 minutes. Man of the match was Zac Daniels after another mature performance while theback four worked tirelessly to help our new keeper keep a clean sheet. Luke Williamson and skipper Gavin Neale have played especially well in the past two games.

Holt will now be attempting to make it three wins on the trot when they play host to Harleston Town on Saturday.

Back in the top flight, Cromer Town were without a game at the weekend but return to action on Saturday with a mouthwatering home fixture against early pace-setters Acle United.

The Crabs go into the match six points adrift of the leaders, who surrendered their 100pc record on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 at home by Blofield, now in second place.

The good news for Cromer is that they have a game in hand on the top two – but a slide down to sixth place will still be of some concern.