Acle United returned from Mulberry Park pointless after losing 2-1 to Mulbarton, recent Norfolk Senior Cup conquerors of Gorleston.

It was a brave performance from the visitors, who felt the game was decided by two key decisions which went against them.

United were put under constant pressure by a confident Mulberries side that included Thompson and Self, who both had successful spells at Bridewell Lane.

Wanderers had a number of corners early on, but hardly troubled Foreman in the away goal as the first half ended goalless.

Playing down the slight slope after the break Acle began to have the lion’s share of possession. Stephen Drake worked himself some space in the six yard box and after being hauled down from behind referee Venables had no hesistation in awarding a penalty, despite lengthy protests from the home side.

Drake calmly put the spot-kick away and all looked good for the former champions as they went 1-0 up.

But then came the first of two controversial incidents as the referee gave Mulbarton a corner after the ball had appeared to have been put over the line by a home forward, with the home side going on to equalise from the set-piece delivery.

The home side were looking dangerous from balls delivered into the Acle box but it was the A’s who looked the more incisive as Peacock had his shot parried by the goalkeeper.

But on 75 minutes the evergreen Thompson was first to react in the Acle box to crash the ball into an empty net to edge the home side in front.

Acle then created two good chances before the defining moment arrived as, following two clearances off the line in a period of intense pressure on the Wanderers goal, another goal bound shot saw a Mulbarton defender appear to palm the ball away.

But the referee turned away appeals for a penalty and in a match that Acle should have got all three points from they ended up with none.

Team: S Foreman, T Clark, S Garner, C Wiley, M Hoeppner, J Bibby, S Peacock, J Parry, H Tooley, S Drake, J Land. Subs both used: M Taylor, C Drewek.

Acle are on their travels again this Saturday to face promoted Hellesdon (2pm).