THETFORD Town reached their first senior cup final in 20 years with a hard-fought win over Long Melford in the Ridgeons First Division KO Cup.

Town started nervously and Melford took advantage with some early pressure.

Town’s first effort came after 10 minutes with a Tavares effort just wide.

The game went from end to end with Bowden making a good save on 25 minutes to deny Melford.

Blake started to give the Melford defence something to think about with some strong runs but the without the finish that Town needed.

Town started the second half a lot more settled and started to pass the ball about but could not find a way past the Melford defence.

Melford replied with a spell of corners which was well dealt with by the Town’s defence.

Town should have taken the lead when good work from Blake feed Jones whose effort rebounded off the crossbar and cleared.

Town broke the deadlock on 65 minutes when from a corner the ball was flicked on to the far post where Blake scored with a volley.

Melford replied when the Town defence was caught short and the Melford player hit past the advancing Bowden only to see his effort hit the post.

Town pressed for a second but it was not to be and the referee blew the final whistle to give Town an historic win.

Team: Bowden, Joseph, Howard, Richards, Bailey, Tavares (O’Donnell), Bolton, Jones, Mann (Scott), Blake, Dixon (Peckham).

Town have no fixture this Saturday but have arranged a friendly with Wroxham tonight at 7.45pm, free admission.

Town’s next home fixture is Tuesday, February 8 when Swaffham Town visit 7.45pm kick off.

The Under 18’s entertain Leiston on February 7, 7.45pm kick off.