Sports Update - W/E 7th & 8th March

Success for Caddis in first game in charge for Lynn and Magpies continue good run of form

It has been a turbulent few weeks at King’s Lynn Town FC with the Sprinklergate sage, Ian Culverhouse's reign at the helm coming to an end and Paul Caddis’ appointment as manager.

The club moved swiftly to appoint the ex Hereford FC manager. His remit, quite simple, avoid relegation and keep the Linnets up. 

The 37 year old Scot - who has played professionally for the likes of Celtic, Birmingham City and Swindon Town, before moving into management - knows the division well, credited with creating a competitive and well organised squad in difficult and similar circumstances at the Bulls.

Paul Caddis and Assistant Coach Adam Rooney

New blood often reaps immediate rewards, sometimes the opposite prevails. In this case, his tenure began perfectly well on Saturday with a crucial 1-0 home win against promotion hopefuls and FA Trophy semi finalists, Marine. No mean feat and fully deserved as well. 

Man of the Match, Jayden Davis with the all important goal early in the second half, although loanee Terry Bondo, who continues to impress, will rue a missed penalty. 

Davis' goal

Caddis specifically praised the performances of captain, Mike Clunan, and Martin Woods for their game management experience and being integral to seeing the result through. 

Lynn now face two tough games on the road as they travel to 5th placed Scarborough Tuesday evening (10th) and 2nd placed Fylde on Saturday.

Heacham FC gave there prospects of avoiding the drop from the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division no harm at all with a midweek win last Tuesday, coming from behind to triumph 3-2 at higher placed Walsham-le-Willows. A brace from Toby Hilliard and a goal from Jaden Poore securing all three points, although a knee injury to Hilliard means he is now out for a couple of weeks.

They followed this up with a well earned point in a 1-1 home draw with Dereham Town at the weekend, which has given them further breathing space from the drop zone with eight games left to play. In fact, Heacham will be disappointed they didn’t claim all three points after a dominant first half display. However, their slender 1-0 half time lead - courtesy of a goal by Jack Prentice - never seemed quite enough, allowing the visitors to play their way back into the game and equalise with a penalty mid way through the second half.

The match was marred with what appeared to be a serious knee injury to youngster, Jack Parker, towards the end of the game. He was taken to hospital, but is now recovering.

Sponsors, Heacham Manor, deservedly named the tireless Andy Willmott as their ‘Man of the Match’. Manager, Mark Hunter, says, “Getting three wins and a draw from five games is excellent for the group but we are always looking for more from everyone. Progress has been very pleasing for us but we are not resting on our laurels.” Next up for Heacham is a visit from promotion hopefuls Haverhill Rovers on Saturday.

In Division One of the Anglian Combination League, Dersingham Rovers kept their slim hopes of a top two finish alive with a hard earned 1-0 home win against Wells Town. Joe Collison with the goal. They are 4th, ten points adrift of 2nd place with 21 points left to play for, but have played more games than all the teams around them in the table.

In Division Three, Heacham Reserves will see it as two points dropped as they were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw at bottom side Easton Reserves. Sam Smith with the goal. Just nine points divide the top seven teams although 6th placed Heacham do have games in hand on the top three.

In Division Four, Ingoldisthorpe FC’s chances of promotion took another hit as they were beaten 4-0 at Watton United Reserves. They slip to 4th with six games to go. Dersingham Reserves were without a game and remain in 8th but, amazingly, could go 2nd if they were to win all their games in hand.

In Division One of the North West Norfolk League, Dersingham Rovers ‘A’ were humbled 4-0 at Watlington Reserves. They remain in 4th although they still have work to do if they are to avoid relegation with most of the teams below them having games in hand.

In Division Two, Ingoldisthorpe Reserves are up to 3rd with five games to go as they followed up last weekend’s cup win over FC Aburi by trouncing the same side 11-0 in the league. Hat-tricks from Kai Mayes and Alfie Muffett, braces from Chesley Mayes and John Sapsford and a goal from Kieran Brasted securing the win.

In Division Three of the Norfolk Women’s & Girls’ Football League, Dersingham Women made light work of bottom side Long Stratton Women Reserves dispatching them with ease in a routine 7-1 win. Braces for Crystal Hart and Emma Leech and a goal apiece for Emma Corbyn, Eliza McDonald and, captain, Anne-Marie Harris meaning Derse have closed the gap on leaders Waveney to just two points with two games in hand.

In the Thurlow Nunn Youth League, Heacham FC U18’s are now winless in five after losing an entertaining game 3-2 at Ely City U18’s last week. They remain in 8th and travel to the team immediately above them in the table on Thursday evening, Wisbech Town U18’s.

All images Ian Burt