Acle United continued their recent run of good form when beating near neighbours Caister 3-1 to help move them another place up the table.

For the second week running the A’s were in front within the first two minutes. Colclough threw a long throw into the box and there was Ryan Mickleburgh to plant his header into the back of the net.

Colclough then delivered another of his impressive throws and this time Simon Peacock saw his header cleared off the line. At the other end Barnden found himself in space and after turning in the box brought the best out of Purton-Turner in the home goal.

Caister were pressing forward at every opportunity and when Acle failed to prevent a cross it was Barnden who won the ball before planting the ball past the keeper for 1-1.

Bobby was looking strong in midfield for Acle and provided a wonderful through ball to Roper-Smith who was inches over with his shot.

Caister were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box but Woodcock shot wide of the post. Colclough was having another fine game for United and his pass played in Roper-Smith whose shot flashed narrowly wide.

United upped their game in the second half and Peacock tucked away a telling delivery into the box from a Colclough free-kick to make it 2-1.

Acle then produced the best move of the match when Foreman found Wiley who pulled the ball back for Forder stretch their lead.

United were dominating proceedings and full value for their lead, but it still needed Purton-Turner to deny Woodcock with a fantastic save. Mickleburgh was man-of-the-match for this ever improving Acle side and almost scored a second but his shot was cleared off the line. Ward went close for Caister but for another great save by the home keeper.

Peacock almost extended the Acle lead as time began to run out. It was a deserved wide for the hosts while Caister contributed to an excellent match enjoyed by supporters of both teams.

Acle: C Purton-Turner, C Wiley, S Garner, R Mickleburgh, D Foreman, M Hoeppner, R Forder, B Colclough, L Roper-Smith, S Peacock, S Bobby. Subs used: M Taylor, J Bibby. Unused: T Clark.

Tomorrow Acle travel to Thorpe Recreation Ground to face St Andrews while Caister are at home to Hellesdon (both 2.30pm kick-offs).