A five-goal haul from Valter Rocha gave Thetford Town a much-needed win at Mundford Road as his side produced their best performance of the season.

Four of Rocha’s goals came in the first half, including a 14 minute hat-trick, as the Portuguese forward gave a masterclass in finishing.

Playing in a more advanced role than usual after top goalscorer Andrew Wood left the club to join Brantham Athletic, Rocha ran the Whitton defence ragged. His first four shots produced four goals and all were easy on the eye.

His first was the pick of the bunch. It began from a nice piece of skill and burst of pace from his older brother Carlos who broke away and played a slide rule pass into the inside left channel. Rocha turned back inside the defender and unleashed a curling right foot shot from 20 yards out into the top right hand corner.

His second was a near replica of the first, if slightly closer to goal. This time Elliot Smith provided the pass and another unerring right foot finish found the top corner.

Given the striker is naturally left footed, it made the two strikes all the more impressive.

The hat-trick was completed after tenacious defensive work and a pass from Bruno Tavares set Rocha clear, and he coolly finished between the goalkeeper’s legs.

Rocha’s move to a central attacking role benefitted the entire team, with his movement increasing his teammates’ passing optionsm and Town moved the ball forward swiftly and accurately.

Just before half-time, Luke Bailey released Rocha, who from the left hand side of the penalty area lifted a delightful finish over goalkeeper Harry Green.

At half-time the Whitton management team could be heard launching into a loud tirade over their team’s first half display.

It seemed to have had an impact as Whitton started the second half brightly. However Thetford soon regained control, being defensively well organised and spending large stretches camped inside the opposition half.

Town were playing with confidence and swagger and created a host of opportunities. However they could not add to the scoreline until the last few minutes when Rocha’s speculative 20 yard drive slipped through Green’s grasp.

Next up for the Brecklanders, now 12th in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, is a visit to FC Clacton on Saturday (3pm).

Thetford Town: Viner, Tavares (Wells), Morton, Carver, L Bailey, C Rocha, Stead (T Rocha), Smith, Sandell (Priddle), Castro, V Rocha.