Thetford Town have slipped to 15th position in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division table, after luck deserted them against FC Clacton at Mundford Road.

The Brecklanders’ first chance came after some good play down the left from Sam Bryant and James Dean saw the ball come across for Ryan Pearson to strike just wide of the post.

The hosts then did put the ball in the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled offside. Just a minute later, good work from Bryant again saw his shot cleared off the line.

Clacton then came forward but a superb tackle from Luke Bailey stopped them in their tracks. Thetford did find themselves 1-0 down after Clacton’s first shot on target crossed the line, after what looked like a foul on goalkeeper Scott Cruickshank but the rest of the half saw Mark Scott’s side surging forward.

A shot from Pearson went just over, a header from Dean came back off the crossbar, an excellent shot from Elliot Smith produced a great save from the Clacton keeper, Alex McIntosh could only hit the post from the rebound and another strike from Smith also hit the post, as Thetford somehow went into half-time 1-0 behind.

Ten minutes into the second half, an unfortunate own goal found Town 2 -0 down. Five minutes later, a super run and cross by Pearson found skipper Shane Leech in the area who headed home to make the score 1-2, but Clacton added two more to take the 4-1 win. This Saturday third-placed Newmarket come to Mundford Road.