PROMOTION-CHASING Dereham Town proved too strong for Witham Town in a match that will be remembered for an exceptional goalkeeping performance by Rhys Madden who kept the visitors in the game for a long period, writes JIM PURTILL.

Marc Benterman's side were beaten 3-1, in their latest Pitching In Isthmian League division north encounter.

Dereham are a tight unit and they play a high-tempo attacking game, using the whole width of the pitch with a lot of involvement from their wide men Rhys Logan and Adam Hipperson.

Witham were under pressure on both flanks from the start and had to defend deeply to deal with crosses.

This left space outside the Witham penalty area and enabled shots from distance, where they have men with real firepower.

Madden made a great save in the 18th minute to parry a fierce shot from Logan, who later shot just wide from a free-kick after he had been fouled.

Shaun Bammant headed wide twice from Hipperson crosses and Madden made two brilliant saves from Toby Hilliard and Hipperson.

In Witham breakaways Suaibo Balde made an impression with runs on the left.

A good run and pass by A’maree Robinson-Jones found him in space and he was fouled.

Adam Cheniti hit the free-kick fiercely but over the bar in Witham’s best attack of the first half.

Witham had some close, intricate passing moves when going forward but their attacks tended to break down too easily.

They rarely had enough bodies in attacking positions to sustain the threat.

Dereham were well in command and their pace, passing and movement created so many chances that it was only a matter of time before they took the lead.

The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when the ever-dangerous Hipperson scored with one of his typical pile-drivers from well outside the area.

There was no respite for the visitors after the break as Logan went close after an excellent passing move at high speed.

Cheniti almost claimed an equaliser when Dereham goalkeeper Elliot Pride dived at his feet to claim the ball.

After two more superlative saves from Madden, the home side went further ahead in the 53rd minute when Bammant forced the ball over the line from short range.

Balde reduced the arrears almost immediately as he scored for Witham with a well-taken finish.

The introduction of Jordi Papple added pace and commitment to the cause for Witham but there was no stopping the wave of attacks from Dereham.

Hilliard and Logan were again denied by Madden who made the best saves of the match when goals looked the only possible outcome.

Bammant somehow failed to score when he headed against the crossbar despite being almost under it.

Dereham finally scored again in the 79th minute.

Hilliard had been unstoppable and he added a third goal to wrap up a very demanding afternoon for the visitors.

Madden was unquestionably the man of the match and he deserves credit for an extraordinary performance that kept Witham in with a chance until a two-goal lead was restored.