Dereham managed to snatch a draw from Saturday's game at Greenfields, but both teams felt disappointed not to have taken all 3 points.

It was Dereham who drew first blood. Captain Mark Timm picked up the ball on his own 25 yard line, and set off on a mazy run, riding some hefty challenges along the way. As he neared the Bedford D, he laid the ball off to Rob Turner who delicately lifted the ball of the outcoming keeper into the back of the net.

Then for the second time in as many weeks, the opposition keeper was sent to the sin bin. Unfortunately for Dereham, they were unable to take advantage of the extra man, and Bedford held firm, keeping the score at 1-0. When the keeper was brought back on to the pitch, Bedford were only back to 11 for a few minutes before their forward was sent to the sin bin, and was fortunate that no further action was taken following what looked like a head but on a Dereham defender

Having already had 2 goals disallowed, Bedford were fighting back, and showing signs of danger when just before the half time break they won a short corner. This was slotted home into the bottom corner to level as the half time whistle blew.

Bedford started the second half strongly, and within 5 minutes had turned the deficit around and were 2-1 ahead as a long ball came over the top of the Dereham defence, and the ball was slotted home through the outcoming keepers legs.

This spurred Dereham on who went on to dominate the remainder of the second half, and create numerous chances. Unfortunately they were unable to take advantage of the chances, and the end of the game drew nearer, Dereham nerves began to fray. Bedford cam close on a couple of occasions, but were unable to add to their tally. With 10 minutes to go, Dereham eventually found a way through the Bedford defences, and the equaliser came from an unexpected source. Will Edwards slotted home the equaliser, his last goal coming almost two seasons ago.

Dereham pushed further forward to try and get a winner, and man of the match Mark Hunter came close when following up a short corner, but it was not to be, and the teams shared the honours.

Dereham HC have again secured the services of Simon Mason, the former England and GB goalkeeper to run the ever popular goalkeeper coaching day on Sunday 5 September.

The day is aimed at ALL levels - junior & senior, female & male.Simon is supported by a number of coaches so that participants receive coaching in small groups led by Simon.

Club coaches that want to improve their goalkeeper coaching skills can also attend.

Prices and  timings will be available in due course.