Acle United 1, Hempnall 1HAVING shared the points with one team of Anglian Combination championship hopefuls, United tomorrow face more Sterry Cup challengers at Brandon Town.

Acle United 1, Hempnall 1

HAVING shared the points with one team of Anglian Combination championship hopefuls, United tomorrow face more Sterry Cup challengers at Brandon Town.

Sheringham are setting the pace at the top of the Premier Division on goal difference from Brandon, both teams on 34 points although Sheringham have four games in hand over Brandon.

Next come Acle, a point behind, having played one game more than Sheringham.

Hempnall are fourth with two points fewer than Sheringham, having played four games more.

Behind come five other teams with statistical chances of the title.

On a day when many games were lost to the weather Acle and Hempnall produced a good encounter after which both sides congratulated the Acle groundsman for the preparation of the pitch.

It is widely accepted as among the best in the Anglian Combination and better than several surfaces in more senior leagues.

The game was so equal chances were at a premium, and much of the action was played out in the area between the two penalty areas.

Acle had reserve keeper Shaun Roberts replacing suspended Scott Foreman and he gave a competent performance with good support from Harrison, Fruin and the excellent Daniel Foreman, whose defensive play was second to none.

The game was tough and the visitors were well organised.

Acle did everything possible but couldn't find the final ball into the area and they know that every game now is going to be a challenge and they cannot afford to take their

foot off the pedal until it is mathematically impossible to achieve their dream.

The first half is as well as Acle have played. Considering the long lay-off the side had since Christmas they acquitted themselves against one of the strongest sides in the division and continued to play football the way it is supposed to be enjoyed.

A well-balanced side, they are a match for anyone.

Acle took the lead on 44 minutes when Bennett picked out his skipper Nicholls on the edge of the penalty area with a free-kick and Nicholls out-jumped the tall defenders and planted his header into the top-left corner with Hempnall's Cudden well beaten.

The second half brought only more of the same with both sides battling for the next, important goal which went to the visitors after 90 minutes.

A goalmouth scramble saw Hempnall's Jackson head against the bar and in the mel�e the ball was forced over the line and a deserved point was rescued at the death by the visitors.