Haydn Davis popped up with an 89th minute winner to put Great Yarmouth Town in good heart for the Boxing Day derby.

The Bloaters travelled to Hadleigh without Perfect, Roots, Savage, Mitch Forbes and skipper Rob Andersen but were boosted by the return of Joel Glover, Adie Ager and Jack Whatmough.

The visitors’ first meaningful attack came when Sanders and Glover exchanged passes, giving Holmes the opportunity to get behind the defence, but goalkeeper Mansfield was quick to save at his feet. The Bloaters then carved out another opening as Davis played the ball into Holmes whose shot on the turn was saved at the second attempt.

The visitors were looking dangerous in attack as the play swung from end to end and took the lead in the 22nd minute. An excellent crossfield ball by Davis found Sanders who volleyed the ball back across goal and Holmes nipped in front of the defender to score from close range.

The lead could have been extended when Davis was crowded out after good work by Glover and Sanders and then Ben Lewis had an attempt scrambled clear.

The Brettsiders started the second half on the front foot as they went searching for an equaliser and it was no real surprise when they scored in the 65th minute. A good run and cross from the right was converted from close range to give the hosts a deserved equaliser.

Ager and Sanders then had good chances that were cleared off the line before Whatmough raced to clear a long through ball as the hosts threatened. Palmer came on for Sanders and immediately played a fine ball into Glover whose powerful shot was well saved by Mansfield.

Hagan was fouled on the edge of the area and Glover’s free-kick skimmed the bar before Palmer fired in a long range shot with the goalkeeper off his line.

The Bloaters were almost caught out at the other end when a striker racing through on goal was halted by a superbly-timed challenge by youngster Ray Urry, who continues to impress.

The winning goal game in the 89th minute. A throw in from Lewis bounced in the area and Davis’ mishit shot fooled the stranded goalkeeper as the ball spun over the line.

Great Yarmouth: Whatmough, Urry, Howell, Costandachi, Ager, Forbes J, Sanders, Lewis, Glover, Holmes, Davis. Subs (all used): Hagan, Ford, Palmer.