Thetford battle for point

Thetford Tn 0, Stowmarket Tn 0Thetford Town can reflect on this game with positive thought. Despite the goalless scoreline, the second half performance showed the type of determined pressing football that will undo many defences that lack the resolve of their stubborn opponents from Stowmarket Town.

Thetford Tn 0, Stowmarket Tn 0

Thetford Town can reflect on this game with positive thought.

Despite the goalless scoreline, the second half performance showed the type of determined pressing football that will undo many defences that lack the resolve of their stubborn opponents from Stowmarket Town.

Both teams had their chances throughout the game with the closest of these seeing mutual crossbar strikes just minutes apart.

However, clear chances were a rarity and neither goalkeeper was required to produce anything like a full-stretch save.

Despite admirable levels of industry from Mann and Dixon in the Thetford front line, last ditch blocks, lunges, tackles and clearances by the Stowmarket defenders thwarted each half chance that fell their way.

The closest of these came in the dying seconds of the second half. A superb cross from Ryan Haynes was flicked goalwards by the head of Dixon, and although the ball sailed over the outstretched hands of the Stowmarket keeper, a defender was perfectly positioned to clear the ball off the line.

The first half had been an even affair, with Stowmarket's breakaways equalling Thetford's more measured and patient approach.

Dixon had an early chance but pulled the ball wide of the far post. At the other end Bowden smartly blocked a close range effort and was then grateful to Collins-Read for mopping up the lose ball as the Stowmarket players closed in.

As the half reached the final few moments, efforts from Haynes and Dixon gave indication of Thetford's intent to take the points from the match.

Thetford took control in the second half and Stowmarket's breakaways become less threatening and increasingly infrequent.

Thetford used the flanks to good effect and despite a flurry of corners were unable to carve out the clear chance that would have made all the difference.

Mann had a header cleared as the ball looked as if it would creep in at the far post, whilst Clayton's long-range effort had the Stowmarket keeper rushing to ensure that he had the shot covered.

With Thetford desperately pushing for the crucial breakthrough Dixon's headed chance proved to be the final action of the game.

As the grateful Stowmarket defender lumped the ball clear, the referee's whistle ended the match.