Acle United drew 3-3 with high-flying Norwich CEYMS to lift themselves out of the Anglian Combination Premier Division relegation places in a match sparked by controversy.

On a cold afternoon and with a strong wind blowing across the pitch, the match saw the teams share four goals in the first 20 minutes.

United went 1-0 up with just seven minutes on the clock when Colclough’s long throw was flicked on into the top corner by the impressive Roper-Smith.

CEYMS responded almost immediately when Adcock crossed for his striker to level but then came the first of two incidents that utlimately cost Acle all three points. From out on the right flank Forder’s shot appeared to cross the line by some distance but nothing was given.

Within two minutes there was further misery for the home side as a linesman failed to spot what looked like a clear offside as CEYMS went 2-1 up.

Acle equalised as a result of a flowing move when Forder found Bobby before passing to Roper-Smith who then squared for Hudson to tap in.

CEYMS went ahead early in the second half when ex Acle player Adcock crossed for Smith to nod home. Adcock was then booked for bringing down Colclough and as the free-kick was spilled Foreman shot over.

Colclough was everywhere as Acle upped the tempo. Ryan Mickleburgh saw his goal bound header cleared off the line but then Forder found Roper-Smith in the box and after being pulled back the referee awarded a penalty which Foreman crashed home for 3-3.

Acle then went in search of the winner they so richly deserved and Mickleburgh had the ball in the net from another corner but was denied for a push in the box.

Forder then had the chance to wrap matters up but his first shot was cleared off the line and his volleyed follow up was headed off the line when looking all over the winner.

A CEYMS substitute raced clear into injury time to blast over with just Bean to beat as the match finished all square.

Acle: A Bean, C Wiley, S Garner, R Mickleburgh, D Foreman, T Clark, R Forder, B Colclough, C Hudson, L Roper-Smith, S Bobby. Sub used: M Hoeppner.

Tomorrow, Acle travel to College Meadow to face Beccles Town hoping to continue their upturn in results (2.30pm).