Mattishall 0, Acle United 1

United won this Anglian Combination Premier Division top-five clash thanks to Ben Morgan’s second-half header

United travelled with a side that showed changes after the excellent performance at Sheringham.

Due to work commitments, Acle were without Ben Manning, Ricci Butler and Joe Marsden, representing Norfolk in the County Youth Cup semi-finals at Birmingham.

Warren Nicholls and Morgan were added to the squad and both gave creditable performances.

On a pitch that didn’t lend itself to Acle’s silky skills, they nevertheless took the game to their hosts in the early stages.

Supporters were on their toes, expecting the side to score at every opportunity, especially when Daniel Foreman and Harry Maddison raided down Mattishall’s left flank.

Acle found the home goalkeeper, Pledger, in fine form and this performance between the sticks was equalled at the other end by Acle’s Scott Foreman, together with Hodds, James Foreman and Peter Nobbs, whose distribution improves with every game.

The game moved into a stalemate as both sides strived to win the game and heap pressure on Cromer at the top of the league.

Acle perhaps created the better half-chances, but the front men were unable to find the decisive killer touch, although they showed good understanding and a willingness to chase any opportunity.

Acle gradually forced themselves more consistently towards the Mattishall end and the hosts had a lot to thank keeper Pledger for.

Morgan was gradually winning his personal battle with Anema and Somerfield and creating some opportunities for Thompson and Maddison.

Acle’s brightness shone midway through the second period when they struck the woodwork and then a terrific shot from Thompson grazed the top of the bar.

Daniel Foreman was teasing the Mattishall defenders with some dead-ball wizardry by curling corners into the danger area just far enough away from the keeper, making them a nightmare to deal with.

And from one of these Morgan got to the ball and sent a flicked header into the far corner of Pledger’s net to give Acle the lead they just about deserved.

With Goreham displaying his full range of skills with passes from midfield, and Daniel Foreman gobbling up everything at the back, Mattishall couldn’t find a way back.