Diss battle but suffer cup KO

Diss Town visit fourth-placed Godmanchester in Ridgeons League Division One on Saturday.

Then, on Tuesday, Diss host Long Melford in the League Cup quarter-final.

Diss failed to pull off a Norfolk Senior Cup upset at Aldiss Park, losing 4-2 to Dereham, who are second in the Ridgeons Premier table.

Dereham looked to be heading for a comfortable win at 3-0 after 38 minutes. However, Diss battled back superbly and had chances to level before a late goal made the game safe for Magpies.

Injuries, illness and suspensions meant a number of outfield changes, but manager Rob Taylor elected to play Ashley Smith in goal for the return to his former team. He did well to deny Danny Beaumont with his legs early on, but was beaten by Paul Atkins for the first goal in the 13th minute.

Dereham then took control of the match. Ben Soanes tried to find Steve Best but his pass fell well short and Beaumont moved forward to hit a shot into the roof of the net off the body of Smith. Nicky Howell found Atkins in the 38th minute, offside appeals were waved away, and he rounded Smith to make it 3-0.

Diss pulled a goal back in the 43rd minute. A corner from Ed Cussons was not fully cleared and James Wilson scored his first goal for Diss.

In first-half added time, Diss set up an interesting second half with another goal. Robbie Lawrence passed to Danny Partridge, who went into the penalty area and had his shot pushed out by John Higgs, and Danny McKail netted.

It was a confident display from the Tangerines in the second half.

Best headed against the bar at a corner by Lawrence, Steve Wright had a goal disallowed for offside and McKail beat Higgs but saw his shot fly inches wide.

During this period Sam Willis had a shot cleared off the Diss line.

The Magpies made the game safe in the 84th minute when Olly Willis crossed for Joel Brien to shoot in.

There was still time for both keepers to make fine saves.