East Harling 6, Gressenhall 4

Harling took an early lead in this cup tie when good play by Ben Chase set up Chris Bray to score. However, Harling failed to clear a free-kick and it was 1-1.

Gressenhall went ahead when Matt Terry cleared a through ball which unluckily hit an oncoming forward and rolled into the net. Without doubt a typical cup goal.

Another good run by Ben Chase ended in him cutting inside and blasting home.

Bray restored Harling’s lead touching home a Craig Skipp corner. At the break 16-year-old Andy Collins-Reed made his debut, replacing injured centre-back Sam Dickens. Skipp finished well to make it 4-2. Gressenhall did not give up and punished Harling for complacency to get level, but then a great shot from the edge of the box from Calvin Gibson and a sharp turn and shot from Bray sealed the tie. Tom Smith was MoM and Chris Bray did really well as a lone front-runner as well as the hat-trick. Next up Aylsham at home.

Meanwhile, East Harling Reserves welcomed back James Dean, Jack Denniss and Nick Catchpole to the side and all were instrumental in the 3-0 victory. Dean grabbed a hat-trick, ably assisted by Darren Goodley. Rob Simms was unlucky to see his fine header come back off the bar. A good team effort with Rob Simms, George Chandler and Nick Catchpole (MoM) the pick of the side. Tony Carpenter had little to do in goal but was competent throughout.

Next up, Bradenham away.