Beccles Caxton 3, Thetford Rovers 1

Thetford Rovers hosted lowly Beccles Caxton looking for a win to start to move up the league.

New managers Jamie McGill and Ross Bellingham started with a familiar line up but introduced Jordan Fisher up front for his first senior start.

Rovers started up hill and against the wind and clearly struggled, with Beccles looking the more likely team to score. Rovers’ inability to keep the ball was a lot down to the workrate of their opponents who never allowed them any time.

Mannion pulled off one fine save and Shepherd missed for Rovers as the game passed 30 minutes. Then, with Beccles the better side, a mad five minutes cost Rovers dearly as a slightly harsh penalty was awarded for handball and a free-kick was not dealt with, allowing a free header which made the score 2-0.

This did spark a mini revival from Rovers, who had one or two efforts saved and blocked, before a penalty was awarded in their favour. However, Haylett stepped up and had his kick saved and, despite other chances, Rovers ended the half in the worst possible fashion as a third Beccles goal came direct from a corner right moments before the whistle.

With the wind and hill now in their favour, a much different second half saw Rovers dominant. However, the lack of clinical finishing which has been an issue for much of the season continued as chance after chance was created and either missed, saved or blocked.

Rovers did take one chance midway through the second half when Frankie Lake slid in at the back post to convert from close range.

No man of the match was awarded this week as the whole team played well. This weekend sees Rovers travel to Bungay Town (kick off 2.30pm).