Bradenham 2, Thetford Rovers 0BRADENHAM Wanderers' busy close season saw the signings of Nathen Ferguson, Gareth King and Mark Culyer from Dereham Town, Chris Gibbons return from a spell at Thetford Town and Chris Miller also returning after a season playing local football.

Bradenham 2, Thetford Rovers 0

BRADENHAM Wanderers' busy close season saw the signings of Nathen Ferguson, Gareth King and Mark Culyer from Dereham Town, Chris Gibbons return from a spell at Thetford Town and Chris Miller also returning after a season playing local football.

They joined all of last season's players with the exception of Steve Cox who has had to retire on the advice of the doctors after his serious knee injury.

A typical first game saw two second-half goals from Karl Sexton and substitute Nathen Ferguson wrap up the first points of the season for the Bulldogs.

Mundford 2, Bradenham 3

CHANGES had to be made to the side for the second midweek fixture, losing the holidaying John Alison and Nathen Ferguson to injury was a big blow. Up against a tall, physical Mundford side the young Bulldogs were always going to be second best in the aerial contests. It looked pretty grim at half-time with the score 2-0 to the home side.

Manager Read gave one of his morale-boosting team talks and a marked improvement was noticed at the start of the half.

It was thought experience was required with Jamie Craig and Les Tufts being brought into the fold coupled with a change of system which brought almost instant success.

Tufts got to the by-line and crossed to Forder, who was tripped from behind to give a penalty which was confidently put away by Gizzy King.

Rick Forder got behind the home defence to lob the keeper for the equaliser. Tired legs set into the home ranks and the Bulldogs sensed victory.

Again Forder found room in the box and crashed home the winner. A final few minutes of Mundford pressure saw them pumping high balls into the box which were dealt with superbly by keeper Archie Harding, backed by resolute defending .

Bradenham 0, Thetford Rovers 1

BRADENHAM saw their Cyril Ballyn Cup hopes dashed in the first round as Rovers returned to Hale Road after their opening day league defeat.

Thetford came with a game plan, and coupled with the home side's late call-offs certainly deserved their victory. Archie Harding was at his best pulling off three breathtaking saves.

On Saturday Bradenham visit Aylsham (2.30pm), meet Fire Station 12.45pm.