Norfolk's biggest non-league clubs proved there's plenty to get excited about ahead of the new season tonight.

King's Lynn Town, who play at Step Three of the part-time game's pyramid, and Dereham Town showed why they were the county's top ranked sides in 2013/14. And it was the latter, a Step Four outfit, who really dazzled on their own turf when both locked horns in the friendly.

The Magpies finished higher than Wroxham in Ryman Division One North last term and while their rivals have strengthened hugely this summer, Matt Henman's men displayed enough talent against Lynn to suggest they could finish above the Yachtsmen once more when competitive action returns.

Former Torquay midfielder Matt Hockley, Swaffham Town arrival Toby Hilliard and Sam Borrer really impressed as Dereham raced into a 3-0 lead inside 30 minutes. However, despite their defensive lapses, Gary Setchell's understrength Linnets certainly looked promising going forward with George Thomson and new frontman Michael Frew in particular shining.

Scott Roberts bagged a brace, both from rebounds, before Hilliard – who played a part in the opening two goals – pounced on Jason Lee's mistake to get in down the right again and find the net with a clever finish. Sam Mulready pulled a goal back just after the half-hour mark with a cracking poacher's finish after Thomson's free-kick had broken through the wall.

Evo-Stik Premier Division Lynn looked better after the break, while Dereham remained dangerous, but a reasonable crowd were treated to no further goals despite a host of players trying their luck.

Dereham (starting XI): Wilton, Burt, Hawkins, Hockley, Sommerfield, Eastoe-Smith, Roberts, Smith, Tuttle, Borrer, Hilliard. Goals: Roberts (3, 24), Hilliard (28).

Lynn: Street, Watson, R. Fryatt, Lee, Stewart, Yong, Quigley, Thomson, Bell, Mulready, Frew. Goal: Mulready (32)

- A Lowestoft Town side, packed full with reserve and youth team players, lost 4-0 at a strong Bury Town last night.