Acle 2, North Walsham 1ACLE'S Chris Steele played hero and villain as they defeated a sporting Walsham team who played and displayed a wide range of skills and abilities and were perhaps a shade unlucky to leave Bridewell Lane pointless.

Acle 2, North Walsham 1

ACLE'S Chris Steele played hero and villain as they defeated a sporting Walsham team who played and displayed a wide range of skills and abilities and were perhaps a shade unlucky to leave Bridewell Lane pointless.

Acle took an early lead when Ben Read drove home after using his speed to leave Drake and Lythgoe struggling.

On an excellent surface prepared by groundsman Kevin Gilbert both sides were able to display a full range of good local football which made it easy for the officials to control the game, which made for a more enjoyable afternoon for the supporters.

Walsham equalised midway through the first half when central defender Matthew Lown was not picked up by the Acle defence and put a firm header past Carter.

The second half saw Acle get the upper hand but they could not find the finishing touch to some excellent play until Steele, having been the villain when the visitors equalised, turned hero by skinning Drand and Palmer and sending a ferocious left-footed drive into the roof of the net with only minutes remaining.

Highlight of the second period was when Lee Rathbone came off the bench to make his return to Acle's side after breaking his leg way back in August.

Acle's Reserve side went nap against a good Swaffham Town Reserves side.

Gary Bland hammered them ahead before further goals from Neil Read (2) Louis Robinson and a brilliant diving header from Kevin Yaxley sealed an emphatic win and keeps the pressure on the two teams above them as they strive for promotion they deserve.

On Tuesday, Acle visited Wroxham's Trafford Park but came away pointless after a 3-1 defeat by champions Wroxham Reserves.