Viv Thomas Norwich United are aiming to bounce back from a midweek defeat when they host Haverhill this afternoon in the Ridgeons Premier Division.The Planters had won both their other games before Tuesday's defeat, beating Walsham-le-Willows at home 3-0 and had the same scoreline at Hadleigh, so will want to make a swift return to winning ways.

Viv Thomas

Norwich United are aiming to bounce back from a midweek defeat when they host Haverhill this afternoon in the Ridgeons Premier Division.

The Planters had won both their other games before Tuesday's defeat, beating Walsham-le-Willows at home 3-0 and had the same scoreline at Hadleigh, so will want to make a swift return to winning ways.

Manager Paul Chick said: “We will bounce back, I am quite confident, from the defeat. We were a little bit unfortunate and Leiston just edged it.”

He said he was quite pleased with United's start to the season which sees them currently in fifth place after last season's lower mid-table finish.

“We've had a reasonably good start, we have managed to dominate games and turn that domination into goals,” he said. “Our strikers have been finishing very well the good quality work we have put in, and that gives the rest of the side confidence. But it's a team effort, they can't do it on their own.

“I'm very much one for the future not the past - we can't affect the past but we can affect the future. We are looking for a positive reaction from the midweek game.

“We are still rebuilding. We are hoping to have one or two new players in for the game against Haverhill - there are four or five away for various reasons. We're looking forward to it. They are always a big, strong side and we'll have to be at the races to take all three points.”

Promoted side Yarmouth are still going great guns in the top flight, currently seventh after two wins out of three and are aiming to add a third at Hadleigh today.

Third-placed Kirkley & Pakefield take on visitors Felixstowe, who are mid-table while in the bottom half of the table Mildenhall host lowly Walsham-le-Willows.

Mid-table Wroxham will have a tough test at second-placed Wisbech and Dereham are off to the Essex coast to play FC Clacton, seven places below them.

Other fixtures in the Premier Division today are Brantham Athletic v CRC, Ely City v Stanway Rovers, Histon Reserves v Woodbridge, Newmarket v Leiston and Wivenhoe v Debenham LC.

Meanwhile, in Division One, Thetford Town take on leaders Long Melford this afternoon, who replaced them at the top after the second game before the south Norfolk side took a tumble down the table.

Thetford manager Mark Scott is upbeat about today's game. “I'm expecting an extremely tough match against Long Melford. It sounds like they are going to be hard to break down. It's important for us to focus on our strengths. We need to play like we did against March and if we do that I think we can get a result.

“We beat them 3-1 last season at their place and drew 0-0 away. They are top of the table, you can't take it for granted we can get a result but I firmly believe we can.”

Fakenham Town, after finishing bottom last season, have had a revival of fortunes and sit fourth in the table with one win and one draw and will want to keep the momentum going today at Saffron Walden, who are in the bottom half of the table.

Gorleston host Ipswich Wanderers who are three places above them in fifth, Halstead get a visit from March, Cornard pay a visit to Stowmarket, Swaffham entertain Ridgeons new boys Cambridge University Press and Diss Town go to Whitton, four places below them.