Norwich United are two wins away from retaining the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division title and have already started planning for life at Step Four of the non-league pyramid.

The Planters announced new deals for three key players after their 4-2 win at FC Clacton – their 18th victory in 19 games in all competitions.

Club captain Andrew Eastaugh, midfielder Lee Mason and centre-back Steve Shipley have all signed on for next season, as the Blofield club gear up for promotion.

United have applied for promotion and already passed their ground grading, as they continue towards another league and cup double, with the Norfolk Senior Cup final against Dereham to also look forward to.

Manager John Edridge said: 'These men are the spine of our team, their commitment, enthusiasm and desire to win have been catalysts for our success as a team.

'We are delighted they see their futures with the club, as we certainly see them as integral part of achieving our targets next season.'

Matt Blake put the Planters 2-0 up at the interval at Clacton – taking his tally to the season to 43 – and although the hosts pulled one back from the penalty spot, Tim Henery soon made it 3-1. Adam Hipperson scored his 20th of the season before Clacton added their second.

It leaves United eight points ahead of Stanway, who have played two more games, and 13 ahead of Godmanchester Rovers, who have played one less.

United are away to Kirkley & Pakefield tomorrow and could be popping the champagne corks after the home game against Felixstowe & Walton United next Saturday.

Kirkley were 3-1 winners at Brantham at the weekend, while struggling Fakenham's survival hopes will have been boosted by a 2-1 win at Ipswich Wanderers.

Swaffham are one place above, third from bottom, but were beaten 4-2 at home by Felixstowe.

In the First Division, second-placed Great Yarmouth boosted their promotion hopes with a 6-2 win at Needham Market Reserves.

March Town won 7-0 at AFC Sudbury Reserves, while Dereham Reserves lost by the same score at Stowmarket. Diss drew 1-1 at home to Leiston Reserves while Downham were beaten 1-0 at Woodbridge.

• Dick Creasey is yet to see his Wisbech side win a game as they crashed to a 3-1 defeat at Sileby Rangers in the United Counties League Premier Division, despite Billy Smith firing the Fenmen into an early lead.

For the latest tables, see page 49