Dereham Town FC lose to Chasetown in Northern Premier League

The Magpies started the game at Scholars Ground well, as Luke Johnson’s low cross was cleared, and his shot from 20 yards went narrowly wide.

Charlie Clarke, Finn Steele and Johnson combined well to win a corner as Dereham’s promising start continued. Steele and Kia Thurston were linking well in the centre of the park for the Magpies. 

Chasetown had chances of their own after a volley which bounced awkwardly was saved by Dereham keeper Ross Bilham. 

Dereham goalkeeper, Ross Bilham (Image: Dereham Town FC)

The Magpies continued pushing, as Steele flashed an effort past the post - but it was the home side which finished the half better. 

Dereham Skipper Dion Frary made a speedy interception to thwart the home side, and Bilham tipped a header behind, and a great block by Greenslade denied O’Callaghan at the far post to keep it scoreless at halftime. 

Dereham started the second half strongly, as Johnson nearly unlocked the home defence before Matt Blake had a shot charged down - and The Magpies won a free kick in an advanced position which was wasted. 

Chasetown took the lead just before the hour mark, as Bilham saved the initial shot, but Sam Wilding was on hand to bury the loose ball from close range. 

Dereham Town could not take their chances as they looked to get back in the game (Image: Dereham Town FC)

Dereham looked for a way back, as Johnson crossed to the near post where Swift’s first-time effort was saved. 

Chasetown doubled their lead after Ryan Wynter headed home a corner. 

O’Callaghan volleyed wide for Chasetown in the 89th minute. In added time, the same player grazed the visitor’s bar with a long-range effort - and it was a case that the home side took their chances and the points. 

You can read all of Dereham’s match reports here.