Saturday’s fixture saw Coggeshall hoping to get back to winning ways following a frustrating 2 – 1 loss to Bracknell in the FA trophy. The game was set to be a challenging one after last season’s contests finishing 4 – 2 to Dereham and 0 – 0.

With the game kicking off just after 3, Dereham got off to a flying start, as a series of promising attacks sealed their first goal in the 11th minute, with a great run from Toby Hilliard. Just minutes later hope started building for the Town as a succession of attempts came, with chances from the attack flying just shy of the post.

Back and forth football began as both sides bombarded each other with continuous scoring opportunities, but with no luck, as both shotstoppers were clearly on their toes. The most notable chance coming from a powerful strike from Conor Hubble, with the ball just skimming the crossbar.

It wasn’t short after that Dereham came on the break, only to place the ball to left of the goalframe. Towards the end of the half, both sides had more chances, but Coggeshall were still unable to capitalise, with promising runs from Tyler Brampton and a 1 on 1 opportunity from Aryton Coley ending in favour of Dereham.

HALF TIME: Coggeshall 0 – 1 Dereham

With the second half kicking off, the Town looked eager to pull back a goal or two. Conor Hubble continued his fantastic attacking form, with a wonderful strike being placed inches wide of the post. With a serious change of tempo, the Seedgrowers seemed destined to equalise, with one particular strike hitting the woodwork.

With Dereham looking to solidify their lead, a 62nd minute substitution looked to refresh attacking chances, with Eoin McQuaid replacing Robbie Linford. It was not long after that a fast-paced run from Michael Gyasi ended up with the striker on the floor inside the 18 yard box, but shouts for a penalty were waved away by the referee.

Following this, a tactical substitution saw Jack Simmons come on for Aryton Coley, with the forward taking immediate affect, as he broke through onto goal, only to be denied by a quick rush from the trailing Dereham defenders. Just a few minutes later a brilliant chance was cleared off the line, as a beautifully placed header from Ross Wall failed to bring the teams level.

With Tom Blackwell coming on for Michael Gyasi, Smith looked to bring a fresh pair of legs on, with a fantastic chance coming straight away, but the substitute didn’t have the time to react, with the goalkeeper making a split second decision to collect the ball.

It wasn’t short before hand that the game was put to bed, as Ryan Hawkins fired the ball home, just shortly after a devastated Ash Jones had made a magnificent save. A few bookings followed as both sides seemed frustrated as a result of the contest. With two final substitutions coming from Dereham, the game came to a close as the Norfolk side saw their two – nil lead out until the 90 minutes was over.

FULL TIME: Coggeshall 0 – 2 Dereham

Coggeshall Town: Ashlee Jones, Tyler Brampton, Joshua Pollard, Dexter Peter, George Cocklin, Conor Hubble, Chris Regis, Michael Gyasi, Ross Wall, Aryton Coley.

Subs: Tom Blackwell, Jack Simmons, David Agboola.

Dereham Town: Elliot Pride, Dion Frary, Charlie Dickerson, Shaun Wones, Thomas Matthews, Matthew Castellan, Ryan Hawkins, Robbie Linford, Toby Hilliard, David Hinton, Adam Hipperson.

Subs: Ryan Crisp, Rhys Logan, Eoin McQuaid.

Attendance: 118