Norwich City beat neighbours and title rivals Norwich Dragons 3-2 in a thrilling encounter to move to the top of the East League Division 2NE table.

City entered the game knowing how critical it was to their promotion chances. Victory would mean hopes of a potential title triumph while defeat would leave them playing catch-up.

City started brightly, winning a short corner from which Emily Anthony's shot was ruled out for being too high.

While City had the better of the general play, Dragons were threatening on the break and a couple of excellent saves from Gina Hunt and some crucial interceptions from Molly Grange prevented them taking the lead.

The deadlock was broken when Anthony's cross found Georgie Kidner on the post to convert. The lead was shortlived as Dragons struck back almost straightaway with another breakaway converted by Laura Shreeve.

With just seconds to go before half-time, Kidner turned provider as a strong run on the back line was threaded back to Anna Horsley to convert.

The next goal would be crucial and it fell to City when Anthony created space in the circle and fired home to make it 3-1.

A nervy final 10 minutes followed, which intensified when Dragons converted a short corner through Emily Rolls, but with City holding posession well, the points were secured.

City are now two points clear at the top while Yarmouth, 3-0 winners over Ipswich and East Suffolk, are level with Dragons, who have a game in hand on both their rivals

Norwich Dragons II ensured a victory for the club when they beat Broadland 2-0. Dragons finally made their pressure count when Lucy Hopgood found some great space on the right and played a perfect ball across to Sarah Radley, who coolly dispatched past the strong Broadland goalkeeper Lauren Halliwell,.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Dragons creating a number of chances and forcing a series of short corners which were well defended by a resolute defence.

The match was finally settled when a Broadland player slipped on the turn, the Dragons forward line pounced and the three points were sealed with a goal by Hannah Hardy.

With key players unavailable Broadland welcomed the experienced Kelly Duthie back to their defence lafter a year's maternity absence. They suffered a blow during the game when Laura Parker went off injured with a facial injury which led to a visit to the A&E.

Dani Parke went closest to scoring for the visitors but her lob hit the face of the crossbar.

Norwich City II beat Watton II 2-1 to move 10 points clear at the top of the Premier Division of the Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women's League.

City dominated and finally took the lead when the ball was driven to the top of the circle to the waiting Annabelle Phoenix, who slipped it past the keeper.

Watton equalised just before the break but City got their winner when Emily Francis pulled the ball back for Sarah Shelley to convert.

In Division One Broadland II beat UEA III 3-1 thanks to goals from Izzie London (2) and Jade Bolton. In the same section Norwich City V beat Yarmouth II 3-0 (Sabina Illing, Carol McNarry, own goal).

Sprowston III were 3-2 winners at Old Buckenham II in Division Two. Liz Hollis Lisa Trussell and Sharon Weeks scored their goals.