Norwich City has today announced pre-season friendlies for the 2009-10 campaign with Dereham's Magpies and Fakenham's Ghosts. An XI team of the Canaries will play Fakenham Town at their ground on July 10, kick-off to be confirmed, on July 10.

Norwich City have today announced pre-season friendlies for the 2009-10 campaign with Dereham's Magpies and Fakenham's Ghosts.

An XI team of the Canaries will play Fakenham Town at their ground on July 10, kick-off to be confirmed, on July 10.

Dereham's Magpies will then host Norwich City at home at Aldiss Park on Wednesday, July 22, kick-off 7.45pm.

Thetford Town will be the next host on July 29.

It will be the icing on the cake for a top season for Dereham Town FC, said chairman Simon Barnes.

It will also be a great year for all the home teams as all three are celebrating their 125th anniversaries.

Further admission and kick-off information about the games will be announced in due course.

Further friendlies are still to be confirmed and are likely to include two fixtures at Carrow Road.

“We are delighted to announce that Norwich City will be visiting Aldiss Park again on July 22,” said Mr Barnes.

“The confirmation of this fixture is the icing on the cake for this season, having been our most successful ever, and the club is in good shape both on and off the pitch.”

The club is still challenging for runners-up place in the Ridgeon's League Premier Division, and currently looks like it will achieve its highest-ever finish. It reached the last 16 in the FA Vase for the first time in our history.

And, it has had good runs in the Norfolk Senior Cup and Ridgeons League Cup.

“The most pleasing aspect this season is the atmosphere in and around the club,” said Ginny Barnes, Aldiss Park manager.

“The players have a fantastic relationship with the supporters and this has shown in some of the football this season. Much of this is due to our manager, Matt Henman, who has taken the club up a level.”

Mr Barnes added: “We wish Norwich all the best for the last few games of this season and all at Dereham Town FC have our fingers crossed that they can gain the necessary points to stay in the Championship.”

The club will be holding its annual presentation night on May 2, tickets �7.50, all welcome. Supporters will get a chance to vote for their player of the season on Tuesday at the home match against Woodbridge Town, from 7.45pm, and the trophy will be presented before their last home match of the season on April 28, when they entertain Felixstowe and Walton United.

“It would be good if the people of Dereham could come and support their local club for our last three home matches of the season, as we push for a top-two finish,” added Mrs Barnes. “And as a goodwill gesture children under the age of 14 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult for our final home match of the season against Felixstowe and Walton United, on April 28.”

t Further details regarding the fixture, teams and prices for the Canaries vs Magpies match will be released nearer the time.