Winning ambition

Overwhelming ambition to lift league titles, to gain promotion to higher grades and not least winning county cups is concentrating the minds of players, club officials and the fans at all levels in the Anglian Combination.

And the big confrontation that could be one of the defining fixtures in the run in to Sterry Cup glory is Saturday's mouth-watering meeting between Cromer Town and Wroxham Reserves at Cabbell Park.

Last Saturday the young Yachtsmen chalked up an overwhelming 6-0 victory over Halvergate on soggy Trafford Park, a win that lifted the league leaders 12 points clear of Blofield, who have one game in hand.

However, waiting to pounce on any careless move are Cromer Town who chalked up a solid 2-0 triumph at difficult Dersingham.

Wroxham's table-toppers contained seven teenagers, and the squad simply ran riot with goals from Paul Cook (2), Luke Winter, Damian Hilton, Kane Taylor and Shaun Wones against a weakened team who arrived with just 11 men, eventually reduced to 10 with an injury in the second period.

“It was a great result for us and boosted our goal difference,” agreed Wroxham manager Mark Wilkins. “I accept the big test comes on Saturday at Cromer, and I would love to win all three points there.

“In our home game we came back from two goals down to level the scoreline, and to be honest I would be more than happy to gain a point from the return game.”

However, a draw would not satisfy Cromer's team boss Chris Wigger, who watched his men produce their best passing game at Dersingham to clinch the points with goals from Paul Bradshaw and Jamie Hunton.

“We have four games in hand over our opponents but trail by 14 points. Those numbers illustrate why we need to win on Saturday,” declared Wigger.

On the Norfolk Senior Cup draw, Sheringham manager John Kowalyk had his wish granted for the semi-finals. The Shannocks, for the third season running, play Dereham Town in the last-four confrontation.

Still delighted over Sheringham's 3-2 league victory over Brandon Town with his scorers Ollie King (2) and Roy Bevis, the Shannocks' team boss declared his cup hopefuls could cause a major semi-final upset at Aldiss Park on February 2.

“We turned in an excellent, determined effort at Brandon on Saturday, and if we reproduce that at Aldiss Park, and the Magpies have an off day, we may be able to turn the tables on the team that has put us out of the county tournament in the past two seasons,” he concluded.

At present Sheringham are seventh in the table but only two points off second-placed Blofield who have played one game more.

North Walsham's home game against Hempnall was postponed and on Saturday they visit Acle, who are considered to be one of the tile contenders.

In Division One, Holt's promotion hopes were damaged again, this time from a 5-2 away defeat at Long Stratton, their two goals from Blowers and Dixon merely consolations after weak defending allowed home striker Willemott the freedom to slot home four goals.

After losing 4-0 to Yarmouth Reserves, Aylsham Wanderers face another 14 games this season hoping to avoid relegation.

By contrast Stalham are mid-table after Barnard and Reynolds netted in the 2-1 victory over Fakenham Reserves who, with only one point to their name, appear to be headed for junior football.

On Saturday Holt visit St Andrews and Stalham are at Wells Town.

In the Norfolk Junior Cup there were celebrations for Hoveton Wherrymen who are into the semi-finals of the Junior Cup following an odd goal of five triumph over Hellesdon, who play three leagues above them. Reepham earned a replay at home to Swaffham Reserves after an extra time 1-1 draw.

On Saturday, Hoveton will continue their promotion drive with a visit to Holt Reserves.