Boosted by their Norfolk Senior Cup progress at Gorleston, Dereham Town have games either side of Christmas which will greatly influence their league championship campaign.

On Saturday they are at Leiston and on December 27 they entertain Wroxham.

Ridgeons Premier pace-setters the Magpies, with 54 points from 22 games, are 15 points ahead of third-place Leiston, who have six games in hand. Wroxham, in second spot, have 47 points but have played the same number of matches as Dereham.

In the Norfolk Senior Cup, the win at Emerald Park set up a quarter-finals visit to Anglian Combination champions Blofield.

The Magpies scored twice in the second period after an even first half, Nicky Howell with a left-foot shot from outside the area and sub Kenny Reeves netting after rounding the keeper.

Dereham manager Matt Henman said: 'The first half was a little bit scrappy but fairly even. I was quite impressed with the way Gorleston passed the ball and they were difficult to break down.

'In the second half Gorleston had two good chances before we scored, but once we scored we took control.

'We were just pleased to get through – it has been three weeks since we played because of the weather. The important thing was the result. There was a bit of rustiness and a few players needed a game after the lay-off.'