Acle 2 Loddon 1

Sterry Cup-chasing Acle warmed up for Saturday’s visit of reigning champions Cromer (2) with a hard-earned victory over Loddon – never an easy team to get anything from.

Missing a host of players through work or injury, Acle’s managers were glad to be able to call on Ian Morgan, and Joe Marsden, both returning to the club, writes ROBIN TUNGATE.

Acle failed to capitalise on the chances they created early on and would have been one up within two minutes if someone had been there to meet Adam Hipperson’s cross after he had been put through by Peter Nobbs.

On 10 minutes Nathan Thompson was unlucky when he latched on to a long ball but saw his effort go agonisingly the wrong side of the post. Seconds later Oldham headed home but the goal was ruled out for pushing.

Loddon were on the lookout for a breakaway goal and were rewarded when an Acle player handled the ball giving Baylis the opportunity to put his side ahead from the penalty spot.

After 24 minutes Hipperson played a neat one-two with Thompson who returned the ball for Hipperson to head an equaliser for the hosts.

Acle joint-managers Martyn Sinclair and Tony Ward played a masterstroke by bringing on Joe Marsden to add some fire up front and he delivered the goods when a neat move down Acle’s left side saw Hipperson play Marsden and he neatly chipped Robinson.