Ryman North: Norwich United hope to shake off derby defeat, as Dereham travel to Ware

Norwich United have an early start today as they kick-off at 1pm and they will be looking to bounce back from their local derby Boxing Day defeat at Wroxham, writes Norman Bygrave,

That 1-0 loss, courtesy of loanee Jack Newman's 57th-minute strike, saw today's opponents Witham Town go above the Planters and into the top half of the Ryman League Division One North table, with a 4-1 home win over strugglers Brentwood Town.

The Planters had obtained 12th position with back-to-back victories before Christmas, but they will hope for an improved performance today as they disappointed, albeit on a poor pitch, at Trafford Park.

Christy Finch, recently signed from Leiston, is in line for his first appearance at Plantation Park against a Greens side who registered their first win in seven on Boxing Day.

However, in their previous game they held leaders Maldon & Tiptree to a draw and when the sides met at Spa Road earlier in the season it was the Essex side who came out on top with a 2-1 victory, so a good contest is anticipated in today's mid-table clash.

• Dereham Town travel to struggling Ware (2pm kick-off) looking to build on a 3-2 home win over Brightlingsea Regent on Monday, when Harley Black scored a hat-trick.