Ware’s return to Wodson Park after the win at Hertford was not what was expected. The team, with several changes, never really got going and failed to consistently display any rhythm in its play.

Coming in to the side was Liam Dulson (pictured) on return from Potters Bar. Last season’s top scorer was not required to wait his turn on the bench meaning Reece Monsanya had to make way. Dan Rumens also made a start as Paul Halsey sought to rotate his squad members whilst the other changes saw Freddy Moncur back in a starting position as was Joel Jacobs, the first time this season following an injury. Louis Rose, David Sota and Declan Nche all sat the game out.

How much these changes affected Ware is hard to say though it’s worth pointing out that Halsey is concerned about Theo Ofori having played too much football, his ham string problem at Hertford having emphasized the point. Certainly the number ten had a quieter game than usual and was eventually substituted in the second half.

That said, it was still his skill and persistence at the by-line that broke the stalemate when he pulled the ball back on 28 minutes for Jack Dreyer to head home from an awkward angle.

At the time the goal was something of a surprise. Ware had had their moments including a miss when Ofori had skied a chance from Darion Furlong high over the bar. But Dereham had weathered that period and now seemed to have the game in their hands whenever they broke up field, drawing a good save out Fred Burbidge on one occasion and clipping the crossbar on another.

Six minutes after going behind they were level. Ofori was robbed of the ball in midfield, Mitch Hahn’s attempt to win it back wasn’t strong enough and Robbie Sweeney was suddenly able to waltz past the Ware defence to crack the ball home.

Ware looked better as the second half began, more aggressive and confident, yet their two goals still seemed to come out of nothing. Good football fed the ball out to Jacobs on the left but his cross could have been dealt with better by Coombe in the visitors’ goal. He shovelled the ball out to where Joe Dearman was waiting on the six yard line and the wide-man hit it back into the roof of the net without hesitation.

It was 3-1 just a couple of minutes later. More good work on the left ended with Dulson’s cross into the box. Two Dereham defenders made a mess of dealing with it and the ball broke free initially to Dearman but he stood back for the better placed Moncur who, with time to line up a good position, shot home.

There are days when that kind of break through would be just the beginning of Ware taking control and further extending their lead. It was not one of those days and Dereham started to pull themselves back into contention making the last ten minutes of normal time a little too tense for home supporters. Jordan Buttle started to exploit his ball skills on the left whilst balls out from the Dereham defence were directed to the right where Ben Lewis was too often in too much space.

Chances came and went as the minutes ticked away but the visitors eventually had their reward when Jamie North struck his free kick into the top right corner of Fred Burbidge’s goal five minutes into added time. Another four minutes were played as nails were bitten to the quick but Ware held out.

Ware: Fred Burbidge, Jordan Spearman, Joel Jacobs, Mitch Hahn, Darion Furlong, Dan Rumens, Jack Dreyer, Freddy Moncur, Liam Dulson (Matt Walsh 77mins), Theo Ofori (Richard Ennin 71mins), Joe Dearman. Unused subs: David Sota, Louis Rose, Declan Nche.