Acle United went down narrowly at high-flying Norwich CEYMS in a match where both teams had plenty of chances.

The dismissal of George Brooks in the second half did not help the Acle cause as they remained second from bottom in the tabke.

Acle started the brighter as Drake fed Hudson but from inside the six-yard box couldn’t put his header away. Brooks fouled his marker and although the free-kick was put out for a corner the resultant flag kick was put into his own net by an Acle defender.

Waite sent in a stinging shot as Acle looked to equalise but a golden opportunity went begging as Hudson scuffed his shot when clear inside the box.

At the other end CEYMS should have doubled their lead but were guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net. Waite played in Hudson but his shot was well saved by Cook in the home goal before CEYMS broke swiftly from inside their own half to double their lead.

An Acle player was bundled into the barrier prior to the pass that lead to the goal but the referee gave nothing.

The teams turned around with CEYMS 2-0 up and but for Foreman in goal the A’s could have gone 3-0 down. Hoeppner was strong at the back for Acle but after a robust challenge the resultant free- kick was blasted over the bar.

Harrison was played in and managed to get the ball over the line but was correctly pulled up for offside by the assistant referee.

Drake then had his shot blocked before the referee dismissed Brooks for a second bookable offence.

Harrison then saw his shot kicked off the line before Hoeppner had his header brilliantly turned around the post by Cook. Acle were gifted a route back in the game when peferee Smith awarded a harsh penalty indicating a push and Drake tucked the spot kick away.

Forder had a chance to level but chose not to volley and a difficult chance went begging. This was another game against a top side that saw a defeat by a single goal, again leaving manager Robert Taylor with plenty to reflect on.

Acle United: S Foreman, C Wiley, S Garner, T Clark, M Hoeppner, J Bibby, C Hudson, G Brooks, S Drake, R Forder, S Waite. Subs: H Tooley, J Land, H Woodrow.

Acle are on the road again tomorrow with a trip up the A47 to Mattishall (2pm).