KEITH PEEL Manager Robert Taylor has issued a challenge to Dereham Town's young goal-getters. Taylor is seeking a replacement for 21-year-old former King's Lynn striker Chris Bacon, who has been given another Southern League Premier Division chance by Grantham Town.

KEITH PEEL

Manager Robert Taylor has issued a challenge to Dereham Town's young goal-getters.

Taylor is seeking a replacement for 21-year-old former King's Lynn striker Chris Bacon, who has been given another Southern League Premier Division chance by Grantham Town.

“We're looking to bring someone in, but it does provide an opportunity for lads already at the club to push through and take his spot,” said Taylor.

Bacon had formed a prolific partnership with star prospect Danny Wright, who has himself had trials at Gillingham and Grimsby.

“Chris came to us to looking to regain his confidence and the scoring touch he had two years ago, when he helped Lynn to the Southern League Eastern Division title,” said Taylor.

“I think he's getting there, but it's a shame he's gone at this time and I feel he should have waited until the close season.

“But he wants to prove to everybody he can do it at Southern League level, and good luck to him.”

With regard to Wright, he said: “He's a very talented young player and we'll do everything we can to keep hold of him, but I won't stand in his way if a club from a higher division comes in for him.”

Andy Moody took Bacon's place on Saturday - and scored twice in a 7-0 spree against relegation battlers Harwich. Andy Gleave (2), Nicky Howell (2) and Graham Challen were also on target for Dereham, who are now 10th in the Ridgeons League Premier Division table.

Lowestoft Town beat Diss Town 1-0 (Jamie Godbold, 58th minute) at Crown Meadow and are fourth, 10 points behind leaders AFC Sudbury with three games in hand.

Sudbury drew 1-1 at Woodbridge and, from two matches more, are now only three points ahead of Needham Market, who won 3-1 against 12th-placed King's Lynn Reserves.

Bury Town are third, six points behind Sudbury with three games in hand, after beating Wroxham 5-0.

Steve McGavin (2), Ian Miller, Craig Parker and Michael Steward were their scorers.

Wisbech Town beat pointless basement side Clacton 4-2 (Liam Nimmo 2, Scott Cubberley and Liam Harrold penalty) at Fenland Park and are seventh, just ahead of Wroxham and Diss.

“I was disappointed without our performance,” reflected Wisbech manager Dick Creasey.

“We should have had a hatful of goals, but at least it's three points.”

Kirkley are sixth from bottom after losing 6-0 to Soham at Walmer Road, with Norwich United still second from bottom after a 1-1 (Ollie King, 62nd minute) draw with Histon Reserves.

Swaffham Town moved up a place to second in Division One with a 2-0 defeat of Debenham LC, their goals coming from Robbie Howling and Tim Kavanagh.

Fakenham Town are 10th after drawing 2-2 with Haverhill Rovers at Clipbush Park.

Ben Darby scored an injury-time equaliser after the Ghosts had taken a 52-minute lead via a Russell Palmer penalty, only to go 2-1 down within three minutes.

Gorleston are 14th after beating March 3-0 at Emerald Park, with Downham Town 18th after a 5-3 (Carl Weeds 2 and Jason Cook) defeat at Stowmarket.

Thetford Town lost 4-1 (Kamren Senior) at Felixstowe and are 19th, just above Yarmouth Town, whose game at Whitton was postponed because of an unfit pitch.