Great Yarmouth Town Football Club is in a far happier position now than at this time last year.Then, Yarmouth were in 13th place in Ridgeons One, today they lie fifth.

Great Yarmouth Town Football Club is in a far happier position now than at this time last year.

Then, Yarmouth were in 13th place in Ridgeons One, today they lie fifth. Then, they had just lost the Boxing Day derby 4-2, this time they have won it 5-2. Then, they had won six out of 19 games, now they have won 11 out of 17.

On the flip side, then they had just secured the re-signing of Stewart Roach while now they have lost the services of Nicky Crawley (working away) and Darren Lamb (injured and out for the rest of the season), writes Gerry Brown.

A tough month is in prospect, by the end of which fans will have a better idea whether the Bloaters retain a realistic interest in the promotion race.

Tomorrow (Saturday), sixth-placed Diss Town visit the Wellesley (3pm), undoubtedly keen to avenge the September 13 defeat at Brewers Green Lane when Roach notched all four Yarmouth goals. Yarmouth showed great “comebackability” that day, having been 3-1 down with less than 30 minutes left.

Tomorrow's game is sponsored by HW Chartered Accountants, a pleasing development in these difficult times for business with the sponsorship secured as a double deal involving the Thetford game in October. HW Chartered Accountants have offices in both towns and recently opened up in Yarmouth's Regent Street.

Any other businesses wanting to get involved in cost-effective match sponsorship can telephone Lynda on 07776301665 for details.

As for the rest of January, next week fourth-placed Halstead come calling, and on the 17th the Bloaters are off to current leaders Hadleigh (where they won 1-0 in the FA Cup). This is followed by a visit from currently second team Newmarket on the 24th, and the month ends with the long trip to Godmanchester (who won at Newmarket on Boxing Day).

After the Emerald Park triumph, joint manager Kevin Cruickshank had a message for the supporters: “Paul (Tong) and I are overjoyed for all you loyal supporters of GYTFC and we have received lots of congratulatory texts and messages saying that the team had made their Christmas! The only pity is that our sadly departed supporters Jimmy Stubbs and Chris Musk were not there to witness this second half performance.

“We would also like to thank the 'Yarmy Barmy Army' for their exceptional vocal support throughout the game, it is greatly appreciated by all the players, club management and officials.”

The win, which may be considered ample revenge for last Christmas' 4-2 defeat at the Wellesley, was only Yarmouth's third over the Greens in the last 25 meetings, and all have come at Emerald Park. Yarmouth, remarkably, have fared a lot better on the other side of the river with three wins and five draws in the last 13 games while at home only five draws have been achieved in the most recent 13 matches.

The Reserves, who drew 3-3 with Anglian Windows in their last match of 2008, tomorrow visit Reepham Town (ko 2pm), leaders of Division Two. The last Saturday of the month sees them in the quarter-finals of the Junior Knockout Cup when their opponents will again be Reepham Town (ko 1.30 at the Wellesley).

The Bloaters Youth U18, who have not completed a match since November 26, play Norwich United, away, next Thursday (ko 7.45pm). They have won all 10 of their games so far.