TIPTREE United were back in league action last Tuesday evening against league leaders Wivenhoe Town, but before a ball was kicked were dealt a blow with the news that striker Tommy Noble would be retiring from the game.

Then Saturday’s trip to Dereham saw a number of faces missing but manager Colin Wallington was able to call upon another new signing Dave Kreyling from Canvey Island Captain Neil Shade returned to the back four against Wivenhoe, but the home side were without new signing Efe Echanomi who was injured in the FA Cup tie at Bedfont.

Being a goal down at half time through Lee Underwood, the Jam-makers came out more determined.

The second half was only 20 seconds old when debutant Vinnie John on the edge of the box played in Tom English who fired a sweet shot past visiting keeper Rutherford into the corner of the net.

On 58 minutes Danny Rochester replaced Darren Mills and then as Wivenhoe began to run out of steam Tiptree took the lead on 73 minutes, a corner from Ben Cross was met by Danny Rochester who jumped the highest to head home at the near post.

Changes were made by both sides but Tiptree hung on and registered a precious three points.

On Saturday, Tiptree travelled to Aldiss Park to face Dereham Town and suffered their heaviest defeat under the leadership of Colin Wallington. The scoreline should have been much worse as the home side missed a first half penalty and missed many easy chances in the second half.

Although Tiptree were depleted with Coe, Manning and Shade unavailable, Echanomi, Gaisford and Owen on the injured list and Lewin Ward suspended, there could be no excuses for an embarrassing performance.

After 39 minutes Dereham took the lead when Watson tried to find debutant Dave Kreyling, but the Tiptree defender had his boot in his hand after losing it in an earlier challenge and as a result was out-paced by Beaumont to have a free run on goal.

Beaumont beat Benstead with ease from 12 yards.

On 57 minutes Arron Benstead had to be alert to make an excellent save from Terrington, but from the resulting corner, Terrington scored direct from his in-swinging effort. This gave the home-side a 2-0 lead. Dereham extended their lead further on 67 minutes when Sam Willis pumped a hopeful ball into the Tiptree penalty area and the ball went into the net at the far post.