Dereham Mens 1stXI 2 Cambridge Uni 1

Dereham continue their impressive run of form on Saturday, defeating 2nd placed Cambridge University at home.

With next weeks game called off due to Havering’s indoor commitments, Dereham knew it would be important to finish the first half of the season on a high, which wasn't going to be easy with an in form team of students making the trip to Greenfields.

The game couldn't have got off to a worse start for the home side, when the students took an early lead inside the first 10 minutes with a tap in at the far post. This galvanised the Dereham side, whose team spirit has shone through in the last few weeks. They were able to stick to their game plan, soak up the pressure from Cambridge, and utilise the pace they possess from midfield through to the forwards.

Will Edwards was in incredible form in the centre of the park, pulling the strings, and breaking down the Cambridge defence, and truly deserved his vote as man of the match. Dereham showed their attacking flair on numerous occasions in the first half, and were unlucky to see their shots saved.

Half way through the first half, their persistence got the results it deserved, and Laurie Hill was able to convert a short corner with a low drag flick. It was Hill who added a second just before the break, having beaten a number of Cambridge defenders, he unleashed a tomahawk shot, which had enough power to squeeze itself under the Cambridge keeper.

As the half time whistle drew near, Cambridge launched an onslaught on the Dereham goal, which resulted in a succession of short corners. Eventually Richard Timm was able to deflect the rebound off the pitch to enable the half time whistle to be blown.

Cambridge came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, and looked determined to over turn the scoreline in their favour. Once again though, they were confronted with a stubborn Edwards and midfield partner Andy Lawrence who were able to halt the advances.

Dereham had their chances in the second half, with the pace of Michael Timm, Sam Plater and Callum Callahan causing problems, however the goal that would have provided breathing space eluded them.

Cambridge had a further prolonged period of pressure, and their main threat in the second half came from short corners, but they were unable to find the Dereham net.