On a bitterly cold morning made for hardy souls, the top three of the Norwich & District Premier Division kept their title hopes alive by recording victories, writes Ben Casey.

Leaders Schoolhouse scored nine (goalscorers Chris Hall 4, Luke Winter 3, Connor Delaney and own goal) of the 13 goals at home to Bungay Town, whilst Acle Rangers, second, scored won 8-0 at Aslacton. Riverside Rovers, in third with games in hand, were 4-1 (Shaun Wones, Jamie Atkins, Jordan Rocastle and Stephen Edridge) winners at home to Farmhouse and have still to play the teams above them twice.

The POW raced into a four-goal lead in just 25 minutes at home to Poringland Wanderers, who managed to pull two goals back before half-time, but three further second-half strikes put the game beyond doubt.

Chris Holmes, Liam Moriarty, Joe Woodcock, Ashley Mitchell (2), Connor Howett and an own goal were the home side's scorers, whilst Tom Pitchell and Dan Manganaro replied.

Dale Simpson and Reece Ashman hit hat-tricks as Bell Inn thumped bottom side Norman Wanderers 6-0.

In 1A, a John Bell goal was enough for Dilham Cross Keys to move into second as they overcame Windmill Wanderers. Dancing Farmers put a troubled couple of weeks behind them to beat Sporting Longdale 2-1 and Callum Lund scored the only goal in a victory for Anglian Rovers at Vale Longo. Costessey West End moved off the foot of the table after beating Bungay Town Reserves 4-2 with Ryan Thompson (2), Rick Ward and Neil McGreavy the men on target.

With two league games left, DEF are 13 points clear in 1B after a 4-1 (Paul Suggitt 2, Mark Woods and Sam Apeh) win over Acle Rangers Reserves. Second-placed William Wanderers, inactive on Sunday, have four games in hand, and the pair still have to face each other. The other game played in the division saw Salhouse Rovers and Taverham United share eight goals.

Lee Askew, Ed Myers and Luca Elia all found the net as Mischief stayed eight points clear in 2A with a narrow 3-2 win over Micawbers Tavern. Second-placed Mad Moose, who have five games in hand, scored four (Michael Adcock 2, Jon Soderberg and Gianni Gherardi) without reply at Brooke Reserves, whilst Constable Crusaders scored five in their home win over Mettingham. DCS Rapid were also amongst the goals as they scored four times (Leo Dudley, Darragh Walsh, Pete Healy and Nick Hannington) in beating Norman Wanderers Reserves.

Silver Fox returned to the top of 2B, coming from behind to beat fellow title hopefuls Trimingham Pilgrims 2-1. Reece Buxton and Ash Wilson were the men on target for the home side in a game well refereed by Tom Harvey. Hethersett Athletic recorded a welcome victory, Blair Luther-Veitch (3), George Bunn, Ryan Hayward and Jack Flynn scoring as they beat fellow strugglers Costessey Sports 6-1 and the derby between Binham Village and Briston Wanderers ended 1-1.

The big game in 3A saw SNS United leapfrog morning leaders Winfarthing after beating them 2-0.

The nine (Joshua O'Donoughoe 3, Connor Charlesworth 2, Mac Gee, Lewis Bilham, Kane Moore and Kegan Charlesworth) goals scored by 3B leaders Hellesdon against Barracks ensured they remain two points clear of Norwich Ceyms who were 5-2 winners over Blofield United.

Sprowston Athletic are third after winning by the odd goal in seven at Harleston Town and East Tuddenham scored three times as they won at North Elmham. There were goals for Tim Gardiner, his first for the club, and Lee Coby plus an own goal as Sporting Iceni came from behind to beat Gressenhall 3-1.

Anwar hits fine treble for Wanderers

Callum Boulter, Nathan Doe and Nathan Banks all scored for Scole United as they went back down the A140 with a point taken from Long Stratton in the Norwich & District Sunday League Under-19s Development League A Division.

In the B Division, Norman Wanderers Youth were 4-1 (Goalscorers Zakaria Anwar 3, Reece May) winners over Old Catton. There were good wins for Easton, 6-2 at Blofield United, and Hellesdon, who were 5-2 winners at St Andrews. In the C Division, Drayton got back to winning ways – and to the top of the table – after a 2-1 win at Swanton Morley.

North Walsham hit nine goals without reply at Sprowston Athletic and Dereham Town scored five of the eight goals in their game at Aylsham.

Special mention must go to Happisburgh Hammers, who, after suffering many heavy defeats this season, finally gained their first point in adult football after a 2-2 draw with Horsford Youth.

Robbie Williams and Luke Hindle were the men on target for the Hammers.