THE Ridgeons Premier champions Wroxham came to Cromer's Cabbell Park on a Friday night in the quarter-finals of the Norfolk Senior Cup.In front of approximately 350 people Wroxham put on a fine display, winning 4-0.

THE Ridgeons Premier champions Wroxham came to Cromer's Cabbell Park on a Friday night in the quarter-finals of the Norfolk Senior Cup.

In front of approximately 350 people Wroxham put on a fine display, winning 4-0.

The Crabs' manager Chris Wigger had a selection headache with Dale Cooper, Simon Durrant, Darren Terrington and Neil Bugdale all unavailable. But it was still a side full of experience, writes Richard Cox.

Cromer's first aim was to prevent Wroxham from getting an early goal, but in the opening minutes the visitors were a goal up. An indirect free kick was awarded inside the Cromer penalty area for a pass back. Gavin Lemmon put the ball into the six-yard box where Andy Key slid in and knocked the ball away from goal but to his strike partner Steve Harley, who had a simple tap-in.

The Yachtsmen were then in control for the most part, with the Cromer players chasing from side to side to win the ball. On 25 minutes the Ridgeons side showed their class. Some slick passing play cut through the Cromer defence. Harley dropped off to get the ball from Gavin Pauling and Harley then played the ball through to the run of Danny White, who finished well.

Just before half-time Cromer tried to pull a goal back. A corner was played to the edge of the area where Karl Horton volleyed superbly, but the ball was blocked in the goalmouth.

After the first-half Wroxham display it was always going to be an uphill challenge for Cromer to get back in the game. A third goal at the beginning of the second half more vitually booked Wroxham's place in the semi-finals. A tame cross from the left seemed an easy catch for Stuart Parsons, but he let the ball through his grasp and Gary Gilmore had a simple finish.

Paul Bradshaw headed over from a corner but Cromer opportunities were few, and in the 75th minute Wroxham got a fourth. Paul Cook got onto a through ball and rounded Parsons. He squared the ball inside to Ben Latimer who scored with the help of his knee.

David Harwood had a chance to grab a consolation for Cromer but he chipped wide, and before the final whistle White fired onto the Cromer bar.

A full-strength Cromer side may have run Wroxham closer, but there are times when you have to say a side was too good, and Wroxham were that on the night. White and Gilmore at times made it almost impossible to defend against them. On that display it would take a brave person to bet against Wroxham lifting the cup at Carrow Road.

It is by no means season over for Cromer who have a lot of big games ahead as they look for league and cup success.

Thanks to Sue Cox of the Fishing Boat pub, East Runton for supplying the after-match refreshments.

Cromer Reserves made it 12 games unbeaten with a 2-0 victory away at St Andrews Reserves. Ryan Walsh and Paul Spruce scored the goals.