Saturday 24th April  Halstead Town Home Score 3-1 Att 54

Town finished their season on a high with a 3-1 victory over Halstead Town. On a sunny afternoon it was Halstead who had an early chance just wide, and then Jones had an effort on 9 minutes which went over the bar. Town continued to press and a good cross from Scott just missed the outstretched legs of Dixon. Bruno then went on a run which resulted in a corner which saw Bailey head just wide. The game went end to end and Halstead had a good chance on 14 minutes which just missed the post. Town countered and Mann saw his effort rebound off the post and cleared, then another long ball from Scott saw Mann hit first time wide of the target. Bowden then brought off a good save to deny Halstead. Bruno once again caused Halstead problems down the left and just before halftime his pass found Mann whose cross was just headed wide by Dixon.

H/T 0-0

Town took the lead on 55minutes when a Bruno corner, Found Mann who headed across goal for Howard to slot home at the far post. Town mounted more pressure and a ball from Clayton found Nita who ran through but shot to high. Town increased their lead on 70 minutes when Dixon turned the defender and cut in to score from an acute angle. With this town switched off allowing Halstead to Gain some control and on 73miutes they pulled a goal back. Bowden saved soon after but then Town regained their composure and sealed the points on 89 minutes when Mann scored from close range.

Team - Bowden, Collins-Reed, Thompson, Bailey, Bruno, Howard, Clayton, Jones(Jensch), Scott(Nita), Dixon, Mann.

                                           Saturday 17th April FC Clacton Away sore 1-3 Att 131

Town travelled to FC Clacton who where looking to secure promotion with a win. They started strong and put the town defence under some early pressure, however town had an early chance when Dixon was put through by Howard but a good tackle denied Dixon the shot on goal. Clacton took the lead on 11 minutes when a long ball through the middle was well saved by Bowden but a Clacton forward followed up to score within 4 minutes Town were two down when the same sort of ball saw a shot well  parried by Bowden but could not stop it going in. Town settled down and started to play some good passing football but Clacton with the direct route were always a threat and on 35 minutes Bowden brought off a great save. Town kept playing the football and Mann and Dixon with Howard working hard still caused Clacton some problems

H/T 0-2

Town started well in the second half and a good run by Mann was blocked by Clacton. Town conceded a third when a long ball saw the pace of the forward shoot passed Bowden. Jones then had a free kick over the bar and then Clacton missed an open goal but town battled and Dean had an effort just wide on 68 minutes and then town got the goal they deserved when Dixon was brought down in the box and stepped up to convert the penalty. Clacton had one last chance to score but Thompson headed off the line. This was not a bad display by town against a promotion side who score goals for fun.

Team Bowden, Collins-Reed(C), Thompson, Bailey,West, Dean, Jones, Howard, Scott(Collins-Reed(A)), Dixon, Mann.

                                   Saturday 3rd April  Whitton United Away score 3-1 Att 56

Town travelled to Whitton United for this mid table battle and got off to a dream start with Matt Howard putting town in the lead after only 2 minutes. A corner went through everybody and Howard headed in at the far post. Bruno then had a chance wide soon after. Whitton were given a great chance to equalise on 15 minutes but Layne shot wide of an open goal. Whitton started to take control but on a difficult pitch it was not easy to move the ball around. Town should have increased their lead on 23 minutes when Howard broke through but his shot was well saved by Moyes. Whitton had their moments but Bowden did well in the town goal. Against the run of play town increased their lead on 33 minutes when good play by Jones saw his pass to Mann, who ran through and score past Moyes. Whitton finished the half strong and had two good chances with the last effort hitting the crossbar just before the half time whistle.

H/T 2-0

Whitton had a chance in the opening half but town’s defence did well to clear. Jones had a good run on goal but was cleared.  Town increased their lead on 60 minutes when good work by Dixon saw his effort cleared only for Clayton to follow up and score into the bottom right hand corner. Then Simon Mann had a good run which saw a good defensive tackle to clear the danger. Whitton pulled a goal back on 68 minutes when Thompson was adjudged to have fouled in the area and Kevin Inglis stepped up to give Bowden no chance. Whitton applied pressure and a lob saw a stranded Bowden sigh with relief as the ball came back off the bar. Whitton finished with a serious of Corners but the town defence well marshalled by Bowden stood firm to record a good victory.

Team Bowden, Joseph(Jensch), Collins-Reed, Thompson, Denniss, Bruno, Howard, Clayton, Jones(Mann.G), Dixon, Mann(Bailey).

                                          Saturday 27th March Swaffham Town Away Score 2-0 Att 37

Town made the short journey to Swaffham with both teams looking for points after recent defeats it was town that started well and should have taken the lead on 3 minutes when a cross from Scott found Mann whose header went straight to the keeper. Town had the better of the opening exchanges and on 13 minutes town took the lead when the ref saw an apparent pulling in the Swaffham box and Matt Dixon stepped up to convert the penalty.  Town should have increased the lead on 20 minutes when a series of efforts finally saw Clayton shoot wide. Swaffham had a good chance on 30 minutes but Plumb’s effort went straight to Bowden. Town increased their lead on 35 minutes when Scoots cross was not cleared and Dixon lobbed a header over the Swaffham defence.

H/T 2-0

Town had an early effort from Bruno just wide, but the game became scrappy with both teams guilty, but town still looked the more likely to score and Dixon should have completed his hat trick but when getting control of the ball off a Swaffham defender his effort rebounded off the bar. Swaffham finished the game with a couple of corners but Town saw out the remainder of the game for three welcome points

Team Bowden, Joseph, Collins-Reed, Thompson, Haynes, Scott, Clayton, Howard, Bruno(Jones), Mann(West),Dixon                                                                                                                                              

                                      Saturday 13th March Fakenham Town Home Score 1-1 Att 52

Town looking to bounce back after the 1-0 defeat at Godmanchester Rovers entertained a Fakenham Town whose recent form has shown that the bottom club was not going to be a push over. Both teams started well with Bruno having a chance just over after 5 minutes. Fakenham had a good chance to take the lead but the shot was blocked by Terry and cleared. A good run by Haynes on 15 minutes saw his pass to Dixon, whose effort was just wide. The game began to become a midfield battle with no real efforts on goal. Town had a chance on 30 minutes which was cleared for a corner.

H/T 0-0

Town started the second half with a Bruno effort over the bar, but the game became similar to the first half. Fakenham nearly took the lead when a shot was deflected by Thompson towards his own goal which brought a good save from Terry. Fakenham took the lead on 60 minutes when from a corner a player was left unmarked to head home at the near post.  Town brought on Jones and the substitution worked with time running out his run and shot came off the inside of the post to give town the chance of victory, but it was Fakenham who  had one last chance to take the points before the  referee blow for time.

Team Terry, Joseph, Collins-Reed,Thompson, Haynes(Jones), Clayton, Howard,Bruno,Scott(Old), Dixon, Mann.

                      Saturday 27th February Cornard United Home Score 3-0 Att 50

(Report by Richard Burlry)

Thetford claimed a deserved three points from their fixture with Cornard United this weekend. Two goals from Matt Dixon and one for Simon Mann gave Thetford a comfortable victory. Dixon claimed his first with just fifteen minutes on the clock. Good work from Clayton in midfield put Dixon through, but his progress was clumsily blocked by the covering defender and the referee pointed to the spot. Dixon’s spot kick was well placed to beat the keeper who had guessed the right way.  Thetford were clearly in the ascendancy and there were further chances for Dixon and Mann, however, neither were enough to add to the lead. Cornard threatened on occasions, but there was little direct intervention required by Matt Terry in the Thetford goal.

H/T 1-0

The second half started in the same vein with Thetford dominating possession although there was a paucity of clear cut chances. The threat from Cornard was dissipating as the half proceeded and there was a sense of inevitability when Mann doubled Thetford’s advantage just after the hour.  Scott and Howard combined well in the midfield to thread the ball through the Mann. Mann still had plenty of work to do but strode away from his marker and slid the ball wide of the goalkeeper and into the net off the base of the far post. Cornard were unable to muster anything resembling pressure on the Thetford goal and were limited to occasional forays into the attacking third with little significant end product to suggest that they were capable of getting themselves back into the game. With the game entering the last 10 minutes, Dixon netted his second. Mann and Dixon worked well on the edge of the area and Dixon drove a shot on goal. The Cornard keeper reacted quickly and parried the shot, however, was helpless to do anything about the quick thinking Dixon who nodded the loose ball into the back of the net.

With only minutes remaining on the clock, Thetford were able to relax. This gave Cornard the chance to have some possession in the attacking third, but when they looked likely to grab some form on consolation the defence had their opportunity to make their presence felt.

                       Tuesday 16th February Downham Town Home score 2-1 Att 50

More often than not, teams winning in the dying moments of a match will look to the scoring player as the hero. However, in Thetford’s match with Downham Town, the attention should be focused to the other end of the pitch to where keeper Bowden made a string of outstanding saves to frustrate the Downham attackers and to keep Thetford in the match.

In conditions that worsened as the game progressed, neither side was able to dominate the match. A midfield battle meant that any moves that threatened to create were ably snuffed out by both teams. When the ball did break to the front men Thetford’s finishing was awry, whilst Downham were receiving an early indication of the shot stopping intentions of Bowden. Both teams struck the frame of the goal and the Downham keeper had to react smartly to keep out Howard when the skipper closed into the rebound from Dixon’s shot.

H/T 0-0

Whilst the first half was a close run affair, the early exchanges in the second saw Downham create a number of chances.  On each occasion, anything on target was dealt with by Bowden. Thetford took full advantage of the situation they found themselves in and somewhat against the run of play took the lead. Scott threaded a through ball in-between the Downham defenders for the lively Dixon to run onto.

Despite the on-rushing keeper and the attention of a retreating defender, Dixon expertly slipped the ball into the back of the net. However, Thetford’s joy was short lived. Within 2 minutes, Downham had breached Bowden with a close range effort that was smashed into the roof of the net.

With shared points and a consecutive home draw looming closer, Thetford pressed for one last time. With the legs of the Downham defenders tiring, substitute Tomt Old sprinted onto a Scott through ball, before calmly slipping the ball past the keeper and into the back of the net.

Team Bowden, Collins-Reed, Bailey, Walsh, Clayton, Davies(Old), Howard, Nita(Jensch), Dixon, Mann. Subs Terry, Tuddenham.

Saturday 13th February Brantham Athletic Score 1-4 Att 92

Town travelled to Brantham Athletic and went a goal behind within 2 minutes. A player was allowed to run across the area and was upended by Thompson. Mann scored from the spot. Town continued to ride their luck and created their first chance on 17 minutes when Bruno, Mann combines and Dixon shot over the Bar. The Brantham pitch is not very big so does not allow for open football and Brantham’s direct approach caused town a lot of problems and good goalkeeping from Bowden kept the score to one. Town rallied on 30 minutes and started to cause Brantham’s defence some problems and got a deserves equaliser on 37 minutes when good play saw Clayton’s pass to Dixon abled him to run and score pass the advancing keeper. Town finished the half well.

H/t 1-1

Town came under early pressure with Bowden saving well on two occasions. Brantham increased their lead on 50 minutes when poor defending allowed the ball to be slotted home from close range. Dixon then had a free kick just over the bar, but it was Brantham who looked more likely to score. Town were reduced to ten men when Thompson was dismissed for denying a goal scoring opportunity 25 yards out with players covering, but the official is always right. Town struggled and Brantham made it 3 on 70 minutes and 4 soon after. Town held on to stop any further goals but a disappointing result after Tuesday’s point at Halstead. But when players suddenly become unavailable for certain games it makes it very difficult for the manager to keep a consistent side.

Team Bowden, walsh, Thompson, Jensch, Haynes, Nita, Clayton, Howard, Bruno(Davies), Dixon (Fortes), Mann.

                                Tuesday 9th February Halstead Town Score 0-0 Att 61

Town travelled to Halstead and put in a tremendous team performance competing with Halstead at all levels. Matt Jackson came in for the injured Bowden in the town goal and was outstanding even saving a first half penalty. Town had some good chances but could not covert.

H/T 0-0

Town continued to build in the second half and Collins -Reed and Bailey were outstanding in the town defence. Dixon had to come off after a clash with the home keeper. Halstead had some chances in the closing miutes but Jackson was not to be beat, and town saw out the match for a well deserved point.

Team Jackson, Collins-Reed, Bailey, Walsh, Joseph, Howard, O'Donnell(Scott),Bruno, Clayton,Dixon(Davies), Mann(Richards)

                       Saturday 6th February Stowmarket Town Home Score 0-0 Att 48

Thetford Town can reflect on this game with positive thought. Despite the goalless scoreline, the second half performance showed the type of determined pressing football that will undo many defences that lack the resolve of their stubborn opponents from Stowmarket Town.

Both teams had their chances throughout the game with the closest of these seeing mutual crossbar strikes just minutes apart. However, clear chances were a rarity and neither goalkeeper was required to produce anything like a full-stretch save. Despite admirable levels of industry from Mann and Dixon in the Thetford front line, last ditch blocks, lunges, tackles and clearances by the Stowmarket defenders thwarted each half chance that fell their way. The closest of these came in the dying seconds of the second half. A superb cross from Ryan Haynes was flicked goalwards by the head of Dixon, and although the ball sailed over the outstretched hands of the Stowmarket keeper, a defender was perfectly positioned to clear the ball off the line.

The first half had been an even affair, with Stowmarket’s breakaways equalling Thetford’s more measured and patient approach. Dixon had an early chance but pulled the ball wide of the far post. At the other end Bowden smartly blocked a close range effort and was then grateful to Collins-Read for mopping up the lose ball as the Stowmarket players closed in. As the half reached the final few moments, efforts from Haynes and Dixon gave indication of Thetford’s intent to take the points from the match.

Thetford took control in the second half and Stowmarket’s breakaways become less threatening and increasingly infrequent. Thetford used the flanks to good effect and despite a flurry of corners were unable to carve out the clear chance that would have made all the difference. Mann had a header cleared as the ball looked as if it would creep in at the far post, whilst Clayton’s long range effort had the Stowmarket keeper rushing to ensure that he had the shot covered.

With Thetford desperately pushing for the crucial breakthrough Dixon’s headed chance proved to be the final action of the game. As the grateful Stowmarket defender lumped the ball clear, the referee’s whistle ended the match.

               Saturday 12th December Great Yarmouth Town Away Score 1-2 Att 57

Town travelled to top the table Yarmouth and got off to a great start; by taking an 11th minute lead a pass from Davies found Mann who powered into the area to cross for Dixon to strike home at the near post. The game then went from end to end and Yarmouth equalised on 19 minutes when a long ball seemed to deceive the town defence and was steered home on the goal line. Town then applied some pressure but chances were not taken. On 23 minutes Yarmouth had a chance which was cleared off the line by Thompson and then Mann had a good chance on 33 minutes from a corner which broke to Yarmouth who wasted a good chance. A good move by town down the left saw a Haynes cross just too high and was cleared. On the stroke of half time Town conceded a free kick and this resulted in McGee slotting the kick into the top left hand corner.

H/T 1-2

Yarmouth had an early chance, but it town who nearly equalised when Money stole in at the far post only to see the keeper scramble it for a corner.  Yarmouth always looked dangerous on the break and from one of them they hit the bar on 52 minutes and was cleared. Town had a rare corner on 60 minutes but  this was cleared. Yarmouth sealed the points on 70 minutes when towns defence went awol only for Roach to strike the ball into the roof of the net. Both teams were reduced to 10 men in the closing minutes when Davies was dismissed and the last town effort from Collins –Reed nearly ended up on the sea front.

Final score Gt Yarmouth 3 v 1 Thetford Town

Team Bowden, Collins-Reed, Money, Thompson, Haynes, Walsh(Branch), Clayton, Howard, Davies, Dixon, Mann. Sub not used Collins-Reed A.

              Saturday 5th December Saffron Walden Town Home Score 3-0 Att 48

Town entertained Saffron Walden Town and got off to a good start with some early pressure. Arran Joseph did well turning the full back but his cross was cleared. The game went from end to end with town having the better of the play. Walden’s best chance came on 15 minutes with an effort over the bar. Town deservedly took the lead on 17 minutes when pressure on the Walden defence saw the ball fall to Thompson whose first time effort from 25 yards sailed into the top left hand corner. Town continued to pressurise the Walden defence but could not add to the score. Walden had an effort on 23 minutes. Town increased their lead on 27 minutes when the lively Dixon turned his defender to fire past the keeper, he had another good effort on 40 minutes this time it just went the wrong side of the post.

H/T 2-0Walden came out looking to pull a goal back and Bowden in the town goal was able to deal comfortably with all that was thrown at him. Mann and Dixon combined well only to see the final effort just wide. Town applied pressure but were nearly caught on 67 minutes when Walden broke only to see their effort just wide. Town sealed the points on 75 minutes when good work from Davies saw his ball find Mann whose strong run saw him score into the bottom right hand corner. Town were awarded a penalty on 80 minutes bur Dixon’s effort hit the post. Dixon then had an effort in the closing minutes but town finished the game in a comfortable position. A special mention to the town defence which was outstanding throughout the match

Final score Thetford Town 3 v 0 Saffron Walden Town

Team Bowden, Collins-Reed, Money, Thompson, Haynes, Davies, Clayton, Howard, Joseph, Davies, Mann( Branch), Dixon (Old).

Saturday 28th November Downham Town Away Score 3-1 Att 80

Town travelled to Downham facing a team that had one its last two games and Town looking for their first win in five. Town started well and had the early play. Downham’s first threat came on 11 minutes from a corner which was cleared. Town took the lead on 14 minutes when a Clayton corner was headed home by Howard. Town then let Downham in for a period of pressure, but still no real threat to Bowden in the town goal. On 20 minutes a Downham cross came off the crossbar but was cleared, but town took hold again and a good run by Howard saw his shot saved. Downham had their best chance on 35 minutes when a player broke free only for his chip to go over the bar. Just before half time Matt Dixon had two great chances with the second a long range effort grazing the bar.

H/T 0-1

Downham had an early corner which was cleared, from this town attacked with a Davies crossed cleared, with the next attack Davies crossed for Dixon to hit into the roof of the net to make it 2-0 after 48 minutes. Downham came at town but towns defence coped well and Mann and Dixon combined to see a chance just wide. Downham pulled a goal back on 60 minutes when a corner was not cleared and was hit home through a host of players. Town responded well and on 70 minutes regained their two goal lead when a flighted free kick by Clayton was headed home by Howard for his second of the game. Town continued to hit Downham on the break but could not add to their total, Downham pushed forward in the closing minutes but town held firm to record three valuable points.

A good all round display from all concerned.

Team- Bowden, Collins-Reed, Bailey, Money, Thompson, Clayton, Howard, Davies, Joesph(Old), Dixon (Lopez), Mann(Scott).

                         Saturday 21st November March town United Away Score 1-3 Att 63

Town travelled to March Town United and it was March who had the early pressure and came close to scoring in the opening minutes with a shot across goal which was cleared.  Play was held for a long period when Walsh sustained a bad head injury and after treatment continued. Town had a good chance on 19 minutes when a Dixon cross was headed into the keepers arms by Mann. Then good work by Clayton and turn by Dixon saw his effort just over the bar. March took the lead on 26 minutes when Bowden was adjudged to have fouled Brand. Pepper took and converted the penalty. Mann was looking dangerous cutting in from the left and from one of his runs on 31 minutes his shot was saved and Nita on the follow up was fouled in the area. Matt Dixon stepped up and converted the penalty. March looked dangerous on the break with Brand always a threat. Town could have taken the lead on 44 minutes when good work from Joseph and Nita let in Dixon whose shot was just wide.

H/T 1-1

Town conceded an early goal on 55 minutes when the ball was not cleared from defence only for Brand to pounce and shoot pass Bowden. Walsh was then replaced by Osborne. The game went from end to end with a Mann effort saved and Bowden saved well before March got a third on 77 minutes when a Brand cross ended up in the top stanchion. Town rallied and a Joseph effort was saved and a good run by Dixon just at the end should have seen him get his second goal. Two good saves from Bowden denied March anymore goals and the game ended with the three points staying in Cambridgeshire.

Team Bowden, Collins-Reed,Money, Bailey, Walsh(Osborne), Clayton, Joseph, Kedian(Almedia),Nita, Dixon, Mann.

                   Saturday 14th November Swaffham Town Home Score 0-0 Att 45

Town made it four games undefeated with the visit of Swaffham Town.                      

In windy conditions it was Swaffham who had the early pressure with a corner in the first few minutes which was cleared. Town’s first real effort came on 13 minutes with a Howard effort just wide. Swaffham had more of the ball in the opening 25 minutes but did not really trouble Bowden in the town goal. Clayton effort gave town another chance but was just wide. Swaffham were lucky to have 10 men on the field after Dixon was brought down as he ran through on goal, but on 44 minutes a run by Mann into the penalty area, saw him fouled, he stepped up to take the resulting penalty only to see it saved by the keeper.

H/T 0-0

Swaffham started well in the second half and a good save by Bowden denied them a goal, then Collins-Reed had an effort just wide. Swaffham best chance came on 56 minutes when a good run saw the ball just wide. Swaffham were then reduced to 10 men but town as had as they tried could not take advantage of the extra man. From then on it was town who put pressure on the Swaffham’s defence and should have wrapped up the points but for some good defensive work by Swaffham. Dixon, Clayton and Mann all had good chances to score. But Swaffham held on to earn a point.

Team Bowden, Collins-Reed, Money, Thompson, Walsh, Davies(Rocha), Howard, Clayton, Old(Joseph), Dixon, Mann

                       Saturday 7th November Long Melford Away Score 1-1 Att 73

Town travelled to Long Melford who were still looking for their first league win and in the opening 15 minutes they put town under pressure and could have taken the lead, but for some last gasp defending. Town’s best effort came on 20 minutes with a break from Dixon but his cross was cleared. Melford took the lead on 27 minutes when from a corner the ball was headed back across goal for the Melford forward to react first and score from close range. Clayton had a chance for town but his shot was too high. On 42 minutes a great double save from Bowden kept town in the game and on half time Dixon had a diving header just wide.

H/T 0-1

Town came out more determined in the second half and Joseph and Old had early opportunities. Town started to up the tempo, but Melford had a chance on 61 minutes then town stared to apply more pressure and with the introduction of Davies on 70 minutes town  started to create chances and equalised on 77 minutes when good work from Davies saw his cross headed home by Dixon. The game went from end to end with Melford nearly stealing the points on 88 minutes but for a great save from Bowden. Town had a last chance through Davies but the referee blew for full time.

Team - Bowden, Walsh, Thompson, Boon, Bailey, Joesph(Davies), Clayton, Kedian, Old(Nita), Dixon, Mann.

                         Saturday 31st October FC Clacton Home Score 1-1 Att 50

Town entertained top of the table FC Clacton and as expected the away side applied the early pressure, but town contained them well limiting the free scoring side little chance to any real sight of goal. Town had the odd sortie into the Clacton box but it was not until the 20 minute that town got their first corner which was cleared, on 21 minutes Bowden in the town goal had his first real test and did well to block the advancing forwards shot, he was then called to save well on 26 minutes, but then town had a spell of pressure with a Dixon effort just wide. Town competed well against Clacton and Mann had two good efforts just before half time.

H/T 0-0

Town had a dream start to the second half when within 2 minutes of the restart Dixon took a through ball from Kedian to run on to score past the keeper. However the lead was short lived when with in 2 minutes Clacton broke down the left and the resulting cross was headed in by Heighway. Then the game went from end to end with Mann having a great chance on 59 minutes shooting over from close range. Clacton then forced their first corner of the half on 75 minutes but was cleared. The game still had some life at the end with Howard going close and then Clacton just shooting wide. In the closing minutes town thought they had all three points but the ball was cleared off the line. With Clacton pressing the Referee blew the whistle on a very good competive game.

Team- Bowden, Walsh(Money), Thompson, Boon(collins-Reed),Bailey, Clayton,Kedian, Howard, Scott(Joesph), Dixon, Mann. Sub Not used Terry

                 Saturday 24th October Fakenham Town Away   Score 2-0 Att 34

Town travelled to Fakenham looking to halt a run of five defeats and came away with three valuable points against the bottom club. Town had the early pressure with really little effect. Pask for Fakenham had a shot saved by Bowden. Town got their first corner on 11 minutes which was cleared. It was mainly a midfield battle for the first 20 minutes with the odd break. Good defending from Thompson denied Fakenham a chance. Town best move in that spell saw Mann send Walsh down the left and his cross was met by Dixon whose effort grazed the post. Town took the lead on 35 minutes when Kedian found Mann who ran on to score past the keeper from the edge of the box. Fakenham responded by hitting the post just before the break.

H/T 1-0

Town started the second half with a Scott effort after 54 minutes but the game went from end to end without any great worries for both keepers. Town wrapped up the points on 85 minutes when good work between Mann and Dixon saw Dixon slide the ball home to give town three welcome points.

                          Saturday 17th October Brantham Athletic Home Score 4-8 Att 34

Town entertained Brantham Athletic and within a minute were a goal behind when a poor pass back to Terry in the town goal saw his clearance rebound off a Brantham player into the net. Town responded with a Scott header, but went further behind on 10 minutes when a cross was not cleared to give a simple goal. Once again town came back and good work from Dixon saw his cross headed on by Mann but well saved by the keeper. Town’s misery continued on 15 minutes when trying to clear the ball it ricocheted to a Brantham player for the easiest of goals. Town were finding it hard to gain any control and Brantham scored a fourth on 19 minutes. And worse was to come on 25 minutes when Brantham scored a fifth from a cross. Town finally found some rhythm and a shot from Collins Reed went close and just before half time Mann had a good chance to score.

H/T 0-5

The second half did not start any better for town and they went further behind on 51 minutes and nine minutes later Brantham made it 7 with an unchallenged header. Town responded and Scott pulled a goal back with a good effort from the edge of the box. But on 75 minutes Brantham scored an 8th. Town were then awarded a penalty which was converted by Dixon, Town pulled another goal back when good work by Rocha found Dixon who took on the Brantham defence to score and in the final minutes a great sole effort by Mann got town’s, fourth in a great game for the neutral but a nightmare for managers.

Team: Terry, Davies(Rocha), Thompson, Boon, Collins-Reed, Clayton, Howard, Kedian, Scott, Mann(Dean), Dixon. Sub not used Richards.

Saturday 10th October Spixworth United Norfolk Senior Cup Away Score 2-4

Town visited Spixworth United in the Norfolk Senior Cup, early pressure at both ends saw town with the best effort coming on 10 minutes when a shot from Clayton beat Bilham in the Spixworth goal only to rebound off the crossbar. Town went behind on 14 minutes when a shot from the edge of the box beat Snowdon. Town came back and Howard was controlling the midfield and his pass found Old whose effort was saved, Howard then had an effort just wide. Spixworth also looked dangerous on the break and town cleared off the line on 40 minutes followed by a great double save from Snowdon. Spixworth added a second just on half time when a cross from the right was headed in.

H/T 0-2

Town came out and pressed to pull a goal back but it was Spixworth who increased their lead on 58 minutes, they then added a fourth with a penalty. Town rallied and had a good call for a penalty when it looked as if a Spixworth player handled on the line but was waved on. Town pulled a goal back on 73 minutes when Clayton took a quick free kick. Town scored through Howard to give Spixworth a nervy last few minutes. Town had a goal disallowed in the last minute with, the keeper rolling the ball out, it was intercepted by Howard who took it off his feet and passed to Rocha who scored only to be pulled up by the ref for apparent infringement on the keeper.

                       Saturday 26th September Gorleston Home Score 1-4 att 45

After the midweek win over Godmanchester Rovers town entertained Gorleston and got an early shock when on 5 minutes Steve Taylor got the ball down to Mitch Forbes cutting in on the right and he slotted past the keeper to open the scoring. Thetford should have equalised after ten minutes when a cross from the right found Simon Mann free in the box but he headed wide. Boon had a header just wide but Gorleston then broke quickly through Mitch Forbes down the right. He crossed to Kevin Howes at the back post who could only divert the ball into the side netting. Mann again had another chance diverted wide by Kareche and a far post header from the resultant corner by Devlin also went wide. Gorleston then had a free kick which found Forbes at the far post but again he could only put it wide. Davies put Mann through but the goalkeeper managed to hold on to the ball at the second attempt. After 36 minutes a free kick found Howes who lifted the ball over the keeper, Terry got a hand to it, pushing it onto the underside of the bar, but the ball dropped over the line extending the Greens lead. Seven minutes later great work by Forbes put Howes in again and he tucked the ball past the keeper for his second of the game. And almost on half time, with the Thetford defence awol, Pete Lambert found himself clear to coolly tuck the ball into the net.

H/T Thetford 0-4 Gorleston

Town pulled a goal back on 51 minutes Davies put Mann through who was allowed too much space in the centre of the Gorleston defence and he rounded Elliot Pride to pull a goal back. The ball was barely out of the Gorleston half as they failed to keep it or do the simple things and it was lucky for the Greens that Mann didn't have his shooting boots on as he missed three more good chances in a four minute spell. The Greens finally created an attack after 82 minutes when Howe’s weaved past several defenders into the box but seemed reluctant to shoot with his left foot so turned out again and the chance was gone. Gorleston started knocking the ball around in the final minutes. Goreham broke on the left. He crossed to Neil Hurren who turned and shot beating the keeper but the ball struck the post. In injury time Hurren had two more good chances but the Terry got down well both times to palm around the pitch.

With better finishing this game could have ended 8-8 but Gorleston were happy to take the three points.

Team - Terry, Walsh, Thompson, Boon, Devlin, Clayton(Nita), Davies(Joeseph), Howard

Scott, Old(Rocha), Mann. Unused subs Collins-Reed, Almeidia.

Saturday 29th August Stowmarket Town Away Score 1-2 att 55

Town travelled to Stowmarket hoping to build on last weeks win at Ipswich and they started brightly, but it was Stowmarket who got the first corner but thiswas cleared. Walsh had a good cross cleared before Oliver had a long range shot wide on 12 minutes. Stowmarket then had a period of pressure which resulted in town conceding corners which were dealt with by Corston and the town defence well marshalled by Thompson.  Town had rare sorties into the Stowmarket half and got their first corner on 40 minutes. But a poor half ended scoreless

H/T 0-0

Stowmarket had a great chance early in the second half but like both sides the finishing was poor. Town then had a good penalty shout ignored by the ref. Town applied more pressure and on 60 minutes a cross from Davies saw Mann volley against the bar, then a cross from Oliver saw Davies missing the cross by inches. Scott then had a shot well saved by Charters, but town did take the lead on 74 minutes when a long ball from Corston saw Scott run on the score past the keeper.  The game went from end to end, but Nine minutes later the home side drew level with an edge of the area shot from Lamonte Cooper, the home side took the lead after 83 minutes when Substitute Bruce's centre was headed home by James Graham, but it was home keeper Ross Charters who secured the points, with two point blank saves from Mann and Davies to deny Town at least a point.

Team Corston, Walsh(Old), Thompson, Devlin(Gibbons), Atterton, Davies, Howard, G. Mann(Clayton), Oliver, S. Mann, Scott. Sub not used Revell

Saturday 22nd August Ipswich Wanderers Away Score 2-1 att 48

Town travelled to Ipswich Wanderers and recorded their first win of the season. On a very bumpy pitch, Wanderers put town under pressure with the dangerous Swann testing Corston with some early shots. Town replied with new signing Gibbons putting in a good cross with no one to finish. Ipswich took the lead on 14 minutes when a cross from the left was converted by Swann. Town replied and Howard broke through only to see the keeper save at the second attempt.  Then Thompson did well out jumping the keeper only to see his effort go wide. The game had chances at both ends with Corston the busier keeper but no real threats. Just on half time Davies appeared to equalise for town but was ruled off side.

H/T 0-1

Town got off to a great start when within 2 minutes Davies scored, a good ball found him on the right and with the keeper advancing he lobbed the keeper with the ball nestling in the bottom corner of the net.  Ipswich responded and town rode their luck but Corston looked comfortable but town did look dangerous on the break, and on 70 minutes Mann had a good chance but his shot went over the bar. Town took the lead on 75 minutes when a cross from Davies was met by the head of Simon Mann who headed past the keeper. Town then endured some late pressure with an outstanding save from Corston on 85 minutes to ensure town took all three points.

Final score 2-1

Team Corston, Gibbons, Thompson, Boon, Atterton, Davies, Howard, G. Mann,Oliver, Scott, S. Mann. Subs Walsh, Dean, Richards.

Saturday 15th August Team Bury Away Score 3-5 att 88

Town travelled to Team Bury looking to improve on the defeat last week at Cornard and on a sunny afternoon Team Bury soon put town under pressure and Devlin cleared off the line after 4minutes. Team Bury took the lead on 7 minutes when a cross was not cleared and was converted. Town rallied and equalised on 10 minutes when from a town corner Davies headed across goal for Devlin to score from close range. The game went from end to end but on 15 minutes a defensive error let in Mann who tried to go round the keeper who saved well. The Bury keeper then brought off a great save from a Craig Oliver free kick. Town were putting the home team under pressure and took the lead on 33 minutes when an Oliver free kick was headed home by Simon Mann. Team bury equalised on 40minutes when Wood going round Bilham caught his head and with Bilham injured Bury scored. The referee deciding it was not worthy of being a head injury. Bury then took the lead just before half time when Wood was allowed to shot from 10 yards.

H/T 2-3

The second half saw town equalise on 50 minutes when good play down the left saw Greg Mann’s cross headed home by Simon Mann. Both defences looked shaky and Bury hit the post on 59 minutes before taking the lead one minute later. The points were sealed on 75 minutes when once again Wood was allowed too much time to head home. Town rallied towards the final whistle but the final quality was not there.Final score 3-5.

 Team- Bilham, Davies, Atterton, Thompson, Devlin, Clayton, Oliver, G. Mann,Bruno, Piggot,S. Mann, Subs-Walsh, Joesph, Scott.Terry.