Bradenham Wanderers 4, Thorpe Village 2BRADENHAM moved closer to promotion from Anglian Combination Division Two.This win sees them third with 35 points from 13 games, chasing Hellesdon (38 from 17) and Norwich CEYMS (45 from 21).

Bradenham Wanderers 4, Thorpe Village 2

BRADENHAM moved closer to promotion from Anglian Combination Division Two.

This win sees them third with 35 points from 13 games, chasing Hellesdon (38 from 17) and Norwich CEYMS (45 from 21).

The pitch at Hale Road was in excellent condition considering the amount of rain, and the visitors started the game in impressive fashion.

After just eight minutes their centre- half found himself one on one with home keeper Findlay, but he shot tamely wide when it was easier to score.

A couple of minutes later Thorpe took the lead with a simple headed goal following a corner, and this prompted the Bulldogse into action.

Frappell went close with a header, then from a Bradenham corner Bush chipped just over the visitors' bar.

Just two minutes later the same player headed home from a fine Palin cross, and on the half-hour mark the Village keeper gifted Wanderers a goal when he mis-kicked his clearance straight to Clarke, who scored with ease. Half time; 2-1.

Bradenham started the second half

in determined mood and after 52 minutes Clarke shot just wide of the right-hand post.

Then on 63 minutes the same player went on an impressive run on the right before releasing an excellent cross to Forder, who scored with ease.

Bradenham were now well in control and Clarke broke once more from midfield and almost scored again.

Palin was next to cause the Thorpe defence problems but eventually they cleared their lines.

Another fine home move ended with Palin unleashing a shot which was well saved by the Thorpe keeper. Clarke was in the action again when he hit an excellent free-kick which was deflected into his own net by a Thorpe defender.

Bradenham looked as if they would run riot, but the visitors kept plugging away and on 83 minutes they converted a penalty.

Clarke continued to cause problems to the visitors and a fine interchange between himself and Derbyshire ended with the latter scooping a simple chance over the bar.

Clarke was undoubtedly the star of the show but the home rearguard of Barnes, Melton, Gilbert, Eves, Frappell and Hancy all put in sterling performances to earn their side three points against very capable opponents.

For Bradenham the roadshow goes on, and they are another three points closer to promotion.