Debenham LC 1

Thetford Town 5

THETFORD TOWN came out of the blocks as if they were out to set a goalscoring record on Saturday.

They opened the scoring with a goal after eight seconds, were 3-0 up inside 10 minutes, 4-0 up after 14 and 5-0 ahead by the interval.

Hardly surprisingly, they were unable to maintain the standards in the second half, which saw the home team regain some pride with the only goal. But the result was enough to keep them ahead of closest rivals Godmanchester Rovers on goal difference at the top of the Ridgeons League Premier Division table after the Cambridgeshire side won 6-1 at Swaffham.

Late arrivals at Gracechurch Street would have missed seeing Town kick off and Steve Harley send Nathan Szyszlyk through to score a stunning opener. Harley scored the second himself with a free-kick hit superbly into the top left hand corner.

Matt Dixon collected the third, following a good midfield build-up, by firing into the roof of the net.

And another good spell of passing led to a good finish by Bruno Tavares for the fourth.

Shell-shocked Debenham recovered to create their first chance after 25 minutes but Town completed their nap hand when Dixon converted a penalty for handball for his 23rd goal in 21 league starts.

Town keeper Ian Fancett was called into action for the first time with a good save just before the break and Debenham pulled a goal back just after the break.

Thetford, however, soon resumed full control of a game which became a midfield battle with Harley the centre of the play making.

Thetford: Fancett, Joseph (Vickers), Howard, Morphew, Bailey(Piggott). Tavares, Bolton, Harley, O’Donnell, Szyszlyk (Rocha), Dixon.

On Saturday (3pm), Town travel to Cambridge University Press, hoping to complete a swift double having beaten them 2-0 at Mundford Road last midweek.

With both themselves and Godmanchester having eight games left to play it is looking increasingly likely that the title could be decided when they meet at Bearscroft Farm in the penultimate match on Wednesday, April 18.

Thetford Reserves beat Debenham 6-0 at home with goals from Bowers (2), Old (2), Bowden and Massingham.

On Saturday they travel to Debenham for the return fixture (3pm).

Town are organising coaches to the Norfolk Senior Cup Final at Carrow Road on Monday, May 14 (kick-off 7pm). The fare will be �5 while admission to the game is �5.

If you are interested in travelling on the coach, please contact Bob Richards on 01842 764282 or bobrich60@talktalk.net.