Positive thinking by Thetford

Thetford Town 0, Stowmarket 0

THETFORD, who visit Brantham this weekend, can reflect on the Stowmarket game positively.

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 keeper was really stretched.

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.

At the other end Bowden smartly blocked a close range effort and was then grateful to Collins-Read for mopping up the loose ball as the Stowmarket players closed in.

Efforts from Haynes and Dixon gave indication of Thetford's intention to take all 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 a clear chance. 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.

Dixon's headed chance proved to be the final action of the game so it ended 0-0.