HINDRINGHAM's gallant late bid to stay in the top flight of Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination ended in disappointment on Saturday when Brandon Town gained the point which meant they stayed up and the village side went down.

HINDRINGHAM's gallant late bid to stay in the top flight of Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination ended in disappointment on Saturday when Brandon Town gained the point which meant they stayed up and the village side went down.

Hindringham had travelled to Lowestoft Town Reserves in their last game a week earlier knowing nothing other than a victory would give them a chance of staying up, and they pulled off a magnificent 3-2 win.

Club chairman, Ian Gibson, said afterwards: “That was amazing today, the way the players have performed over the past two months to end up unbeaten for the past six games is a great achievement.

“But I must stress special praise for manager Marcus Oliver, not only for his performance today, but he travelled four hours to get to the game and in my opinion we have the best manager ever in him. He is, and was today, a true leader. I must also thank our supporters, who have travelled home and away all season, and we have quite often out-numbered the home support. They have been great all season.”

Oliver recalled himself to the starting line-up to add experience, with Nick Tagg moving into the midfield holding role, giving Coslett and Belton the licence to get forward and support the front two.

In front of just under 100 supporters, many making the long journey from Hindringham, the north Norfolk side started off at a fast rate and pinned a young Lowestoft side back on a large playing surface. Hindringham won every early battle and looked dangerous on the attack. And it was not long before they took a deserved lead. From a Chilvers corner, skipper West rose highest to send a bullet header past the keeper for his 12th goal of the season.

Hindringham continued to create chances, and after great work from Clipston he laid Belton in and his shot was palmed out to the on coming Chilvers who scored from close range. Just before half-time Hindringham withstood some Lowestoft pressure and held out to go in 2-0 up.

The Blues came out in the second half and pinned Hindringham back as they allowed nerves to come into their game. Hindringham failed to do what manager Oliver asked for at half-time, hit the corners for 10 minutes and get Lowestoft on the back foot.

The ball was given away cheaply and Hindringham did not stop a midfielder from running at the defence and they opened up, allowing him the chance to score.

Hindringham then sat deeper and let Lowestoft onto them to score again, this time from 30 yards.

Hindirngham then knew they needed something special to win the game. They changed their formation to stop Lowestoft getting at them and came back into the game.

It could go either way, with both teams looking tired out. Hindringham broke and Coslett led the charge. With options either side he laid in Clipston who hit a rocket inside the keeper's near post to send player, management and the large support into scenes of relief and happiness.

Hindringham held out and recorded a fine 3-2 victory, but it was to no avail.

Hindringham FC have wished Andrew Williams a speedy recovery from his illness, the players cannot wait to have him back on the touchline and in the clubhouse.