EAST WOMEN'S LEAGUE: Holly Allen's double strike wrapped up a comfortable victory for Dereham against Colchester as they remained on course for promotion to the National League.

Holly Allen's double strike wrapped up a comfortable victory for Dereham against Colchester as they remained on course for promotion to the National League.

In addition to the 5-1 win on Saturday, Dereham were handed a walkover win against Thurrock on Sunday, moving them to within a point of leaders Canterbury II, with a game in hand. If Dereham can win their final three games, they will be promoted as champions.

Evie Gardner started the ball rolling against Colchester, who were beaten 15-0 by Dereham earlier in the season. Hannah Palmer touched in a short corner for the second and Gemma Nicholls slotted in a rebound as Dereham went in to the break 3-1 ahead.

Dereham failed to convert several chances in the second half, but Allen converted from a Palmer cross and then flicked in Gardner's strike to complete the scoring.

In Division 2N, Norwich City slumped to a 5-2 defeat in their crucial match against fellow strugglers Long Sutton.

City had the best of the first half but allowed Long Sutton to sneak ahead from a short corner. Fongy Chung notched an equaliser following a blistering drive forward by Robyn Holden.

Long Sutton went ahead again, but Debbie Bryant converted a penalty stroke to level matters.

After Long Sutton had taken the lead for a third time, City were unable to fight back and conceded twice more.

Sprowston and Norwich Dragons II battled out a 1-1 mid-table draw in Division 2NE.

Amy Butler forced the ball in to give Sprowston an early lead, but an injury to Becky Cox upset their flow and Dragons broke quickly to draw level.

Dragons' first team beat morning leaders Watton 1-0 to claim top spot in the division.

A scrappy game featured few chances, but with 10 minutes remaining Natalie Beal lobbed the keeper to seal the points.