Thetford Town’s recent slump continued as they slipped to their fourth consecutive defeat against Stanway Rovers.

The Brecklanders took advantage of the wind behind their backs and went ahead in the ninth minute with a goal by Elliot Smith following good play from Sam Bond.

Bond’s pass went to James Dean who found Ryan Pearson in space whose shot was saved by the ‘keeper only for Smith to follow up and score.

Town had several good chances, but failed to find the back of the net again.

On the half hour mark the injured Alex McIntosh was replaced by Ian Fancett.

Shortly afterwards, Stanway scored a penalty against the run of play when Sam Bond was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.

Ten minutes later a long distance strike from Bruno Tavares beat the Stanway ‘keeper to see the Brecklanders deservedly go in 2-1 up at half-time.

The second half was a completely different story. The snow had stopped, but the wind increased making things very difficult for the Town back four who found it hard to clear the ball, allowing Stanway to score two quick goals.

In the 65th minute manager Mark Scott made two changes replacing Bruno Tavares and Ryan Pearson with James Pipe and Ben Anderson.

The changes did nothing to alter the game, and Stanway went on to score two more, making the final score 2-5.

Thetford will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they travel to seventh-placed Newmarket, who drew 1-1 with Diss last weekend. The two sides fought out a thrilling 3-3 draw the last time they met in December.

• Thetford Town Reserves drew 0-0 with UEA to remain top of Anglian Combination Division Six.