Acle United 0, St Andrews 1

The Saints’ Lee Mason dramatically dashed Acle hopes of continuing their recent run of victories that sees them nicely situated in third spot in the Anglian Combination Premier Division.

A left-foot effort from Mason in the 72nd minute proved to be the difference between the sides, but it was the visitors who looked the most likely to score throughout the game as Acle seemed intent on giving the ball away at every opportunity.

Only Ben Morgan seemed able to find a team-mate with some clever reverse passes.

All these came to nothing as Acle’s midfield seemed inept and unable to capitalise on the excellent openings created.

Mason scored his first goal of the season, pouncing after seeing Acle’s keeper the busiest of the two, making several saves to keep his side in contention. A clean sheet should have been his reward before the goalmouth scramble that saw the visitors edge in front and take the three points they so richly deserved.

The top reads Cromer 22 points from 10 games, Blofield 19 from eight, Acle 16 from nine, Mattishall 16 from eight with another season-long close battle for the Stery Cup looming.

This week sees Acle at Cromer Town in the Norfolk Senior Cup third round.