Thetford take cup glory

Thetford take the cup glory

Thetford Town made it three out of three from their visits to Shoemakers Lane this season. On this occasion their biggest tally in the Ridgeons First Division Knock Out Cup. As with the previous fixtures, an entertaining match, opportunities in the opening minutes for the Pedlars, an early corner headed clear and a third minute free kick from Dwayne Hockton, met and converted by Richard Cornwall, to be deemed offside. Good interplay by Nathan Cross and Jake Platten showing good potential, the final killer blow not materialising. Thetford bringing the best from keeper Dean 'Rocky' Mayes, the best, pushing the ball over from a well struck shot from a corner clearance. Will O'Brien demonstrating good close footwork, his shot in the eighteenth minute just passing wide of the mark. Thetford's opening goal came in the 21st minute, centre forward Matt Blake, winning a tackle and then playing a simple 1-2 to knock the ball to the side of Mayes. On the restart Swaffham responded, Cornwall heading his effort over, O'Brien on target, his shot saved.

Tremendous footwork by Tom Grass in the second half, saw his powerfull shot beaten away by the Thetford keeper, good reaction to keep the attempt out. Thetford neeted their second in the 60th minute, a cross from the right hand side met by the head of an unmarked number 10. His second came five minutes later, running onto a flick-on, his finish clinical, leaving Mayes no chance. Blake bagged his second in the 78th minute, meeting a cross from the left, vollying home. He narrowly missed seven minutes later, heading over from a corner, but completed his hat trick on the stroke of time, turning and swiveling to free himself to shoot home. Lots of goals and entertainment for the spectators, unfortunately none of the goals for the Pedlars.

The Reserves having better luck, goals from Matthew Coe and Ashley Choppen to beat Wymondham Town Reserves away, the 'A' Team unlucky to go down 4-3 at home to Rockland United, Adam Figura, Luke Askew and Ryan Skeet getting on the score sheet.

Next Saturday the First Team travel to Essex hoping to balance the books and take three points from Halstead Town, kick off 3pm. The Reserves are hist to Martham, and the 'A' Team are away to Thetford Rovers Reserves, both kick off at 2pm.

Swaffham Town Football Club would like to express our thanks to Les Elmer and Narford Scaffolding, Club Sponsors, for their invaluable assistance this week in providing access to our floodlights for maintenance and repair. Particular thanks to Talky Paul and the gang of Craig, Mike, Leroy, Sammy and Marshy who worked on behalf of the Club throughout the week to make it possible. Without this support, the Club would not be able to provide football at this standard for our talented local sportsmen.