Acle United 1, Hempnall 2

Welcoming their old adversaries to Bridewell Lane, Acle went on the attack from the first whistle.

But a weakened line-up for the fourth week in succession meant that the management duo of Ward and Sinclair had to shuffle the pack again and supporters witnessed a disjointed side that failed to exert any force on the game for any considerable period.

With 11 minutes on the clock it was Acle who took the lead when an astute pass down the line saw Harry Maddison fasten onto the ball and go past Downes and Hunter before unleashing a venomous drive that went across keeper Cudden into the far corner to give United the start they required.

Hempnall fought back and drew level when, from a disputed corner, Player – unmarked at the far – post was given the easiest opportunity to equalise.

After 33 minutes the visitors were presented with a goal that was to be the winner. Brown was allowed to run unchallenged the length of the pitch before picking out the unmarked Downes, who put his header into an empty net with Foreman unprotected between the sticks.

Acle could hardly believe their frustration after going one up and having two good opportunities to add to their score, but Hempnall had that 10-minute spell before half-time which seemed to spell the end for Acle

Tomorrow, Acle, now seventh, entertain an on-form Wroxham Reserves who are fourth in the Anglian Combination Premier Division.