Mattishall skipper Jimmy Lovell experienced the agony of the Norfolk Senior Cup before enjoying the ectasy of victory.He was receiving hospital treatment for a dislocated shoulder as his Anglian Combination team mates earned a Carrow Road final spot against Norwich United on April 13 with a shock win over Ridgeons Premier neighbours Dereham 1-0.

Mattishall skipper Jimmy Lovell experienced the agony of the Norfolk Senior Cup before enjoying the ectasy of victory.

He was receiving hospital treatment for a dislocated shoulder as his Anglian Combination team mates earned a Carrow Road final spot against Norwich United on April 13 with a shock win over Ridgeons Premier neighbours Dereham 1-0.

Yesterday, Mattishall club secretary Mel Harbour said Lovell should be fit for the final. 'He will be out for three or four weeks, so hopefully he will be back for the final.'

The injury happened 24 minutes into the semi-final at Dereham's Aldiss Park and play was held up for half an hour for medical attention.

Dereham got on top a little when play resumed but seldom looked strong enough as they failed to take any of a few half-chances.

Mattishall struck in the 60th minute when Chris Hall's low cross from the right picked out Jason Cole, who converted from close

The Magpies produced a rare chance in the 67th minute when Mattishall keeper George Pledger made a good save from Adam Smith's low drive.

'We always believed we had a chance, but you have got to be realistic. The longer the game went on the better we got and the more frustrated they got,' said Harbour.

'It was a game of few chances and we took the one that was on offer. We cut the supply off to their wide guys. Our two fullbacks were outstanding, along with the back four who were magnificent.

'It's good for football. It proves what can be done. When I walked into the dressing room I thought most of the players thought it was not possible, but manager Gavin Tipple got them right up for the game.'

Tipple described it as: ' A great result. A great day for Mattishall Football Club. They have worked hard all season, they did when we got promotion last year.'

He dedicated the win to his injured skipper and club chairman Kenny Winn.

Norwich United manager Paul Chick was delighted with the Planters' 3-0 victory over Cromer at Cabell Park as this Ridgeons-Anglian Combination clash went to form.

He said yesterday: 'This season has had some troubling times for us, bad luck with bad injuries to key players, it was good to see Matty Robinson and Warren Preston supporting the boys.

'We knew that Cromer would be up for the game, it was their cup final after all. We knew we had to show them respect, in fact we showed them as much respect as we showed to Wroxham (in the previous round).

'But I knew if we turned up we had enough individual and collective ability on the pitch to win through and that's exactly what we did.'

'Our concentration and application in the early stages was very good and it was very important to how the game progressed. Cromer worked hard but our big players were tremendous and I felt we were the better side in every area of the pitch.'

'We now have two months before the final, we won't take Mattishall lightly and we will have a look at them. Our players have several league games to play for their final place. We now need to put the Senior Cup on the back burner for a while and start picking up points and moving up the league table.'

The Planters looked in control from the 11th minute when James Wilson netted from close range. Andrew Claydon doubled the lead before the break, and despite Lee Hunter's penalty being saved, he turned provider to see Steve Shipley seal the victory in the 86th minute.