Bradenham Wanderers 3, Thetford Rovers 2Rovers started on the attack and their first effort ended with Woodcock clearing for a corner, which came to nothing.

Bradenham Wanderers 3, Thetford Rovers 2

Rovers started on the attack and their first effort ended with Woodcock clearing for a corner, which came to nothing.

Bradenham's Bush shot wide after a goalkeeping error. On 15 minutes Palin opened the scoring after collecting the ball from a free-kick.

Bradenham were in the ascendency and Bush went close when he shot just wide. Another Bradenham move ended with Palin, who was having a fine game, scoring his second from close range.

Thetford threatened, with Findlay making a good save. The visiting No 9 was having an excellent game and was a thorn in Bradenham's side with his intelligent probing and skilful application.

On 28 minutes Palin appeared to be brought down in the area, but nothing was given. Woodcock then hit a fierce shot right across the face of the goal.

On 30 minutes a goalmouth scramble ended with Spalding scoring his side's third from close range.

In a couple of rare Thetford attacks their centre forward shot wide and Findlay did well to save a close-range shot with his feet.

A skilful Palin dribble nearly produced his hat-trick, the ball being deflected over for a corner. Just before half-time Findlay kept out another short-range effort with his feet.

Spalding was suffering from a shoulder injury sustained in a first-half collision and was substituted at the start of the second half, his place taken by Melton. Thetford were in a much more purposeful mood. Findlay made a great save from a fierce shot then the visitors scored from a deflected shot.

Within a few minutes the score was 3-2 after another good Thetford move which was converted from close range.

The visitors continued in the ascendency for a while without really testing the home keeper. A rare home attack involving Forder ended with a fierce shot by Bush being well saved.

Bradenham made further substitutions but their second-half performance continued to be disjointed. Home supporters were relieved to hear the final whistle. However, the three points gained could prove vital at the end of the season.

Bradenham are second in Anglian Combination Division Two, four points behind CEYMS but with three games in hand.

On Saturday they visit a struggling Anglian Windows.

Bradenham Reserves made the trip to Shipdham in a league game and won 4-0, which keeps them in pole position in Division Three of the Crown Fire League.