Thetford’s winning run at Mundford Road came to a disappointing end on Saturday when they were narrowly beaten by Newmarket Town.

Going into the game having scored ten goals, with no goals conceded, during a run of three successive home wins confidence was high in the Thetford camp. However a softly conceded second half goal gave the visitors all three points.

It was a lively start, with both sides soon carving out opportunities, Bullin headed just over the bar from close range for the visitors before Valter Rocha fired a fierce shot at goal which was well saved by Newmarket keeper Archer.

Chances racked up as the game flowed from end to end, with both sides attempting to play good football.

Luke Bailey, returning to a central defensive berth, was twice called upon to deny goalscoring opportunities, the first with a last ditch recovery tackle, having let a cross slip under his foot and then blocking a well hit Avis shot.

As the half approached its conclusion Valter Rocha struck a free kick from just outside the area that moved wickedly in the air. Archer remained focussed and beat the ball away well.

The second half was far tighter than the first, with genuine chances being at a premium. The resolute Newmarket defence were dealing well with the threat of Rocha, the division’s top goalscorer, and in contrast to the last few weeks, Thetford’s play was flat.

Alex McIntosh had a well hit cross beaten away by Archer and the Newmarket keeper was called upon again to save from a Carlos Rocha free-kick, before the visitors edged in front.

It was a soft goal for Thetford to concede, Sam Gommersall controlled a deep cross and was allowed to work his way across the edge of the home penalty area without a challenge before striking a left footed shot that slipped under Will Viner’s body.

Valter Rocha was having a rare off day, and missed a golden chance to bring the home side level in the 80th minute, when from six yards out the forward misjudged a cross, the ball striking his shoulder rather than his head.

Quevin Castro had two opportunities, during the six minutes of added on time when released clear in the inside left channel but the youngster, who has been impressing so much of late, dragged one shot well wide and the other over the bar.

Thetford visit Brantham Athletic on Saturday (3pm).

Team: Viner, Coomber-Willis, Morton, L Bailey, McIntosh (R Bailey), Smith (c), C Rocha, Tavares (Priddle), Castro, Sandell, V Rocha.