Norwich Dragons became only the second team to take points off East League Premier Division leaders Bedford, recording a highly creditable 1-1 draw at The Den.

The teams were evenly matched throughout the first half and it was only when a mix-up led to a Bedford penalty corner that the Dragons started to feel the pressure.

A corner straight off the training ground resulted in Bedford taking the lead 20 minutes in but Dragons fought back hard though and were soon back on level terms. Marie James found some space in the centre and passed to Hannah Phillips who drove to the top of the D and found Stacey Lee. She turned and ran at the keeper before slotting the ball neatly into the back of the net.

Half-time gave the opposition time to regroup and they came out on the front foot but some excellent defence kept them at bay, with Holly Reding looking unbeatable.

Siobhan Cleeve was in full voice, controlling proceedings and dominating her area, and several outstanding saves kept the scores level.

Norwich City's hopes of avoiding the drop receded still further when they lost 3-1 at home to Holcombe A (Katie Taubman) to slip six points adrift at the foot of the table.

Dereham's promotion hopes in Division One North also suffered a setback when they were beaten 3-0 at Lowestoft. Resolute defence and outstanding goalkeeping proved too much for the visitors, despite positive play throughout the game. Player-of-the-match was awarded to youngster Livie Boyce whose distribution from the back was excellent.

Elsewhere in this section Harleston Magpies II went down 2-1 at Bedford II while Dragons II maintained their recent improved form with a hard-fought goalless draw at Cambridge University II.

The defensive line of Sarah Borrett, Rowie York-Smith, Ally Windsor Waite and Karen O'Neill Simpson all did a solid job, protected by the ever dominant Donna Vaughan, who was deservedly named player-of-the-match.

In Division 2NE Watton beat North Norfolk 5-3 to keep the pressure on leaders UEA, won won 3-0 at Bury St Edmunds II. Yarmouth are now third after a 7-1 thumping of Ipswich III.