2nd August 2022
Thetford Town vs Norwich United @ Mundford Road - Thetford
Thurlow Nunn Premier Division (Step 5)
19:45 KO
£7 entry
Attendance - 89
Half-time score: Thetford Town 3-1 Norwich United
Goals:
Thetford Town: Mann - 19'
Thetford Town: Gilchrist - 31'
Thetford Town: Cusack - 38'
Norwich United: Matthews - 44'
Thetford Town: Fuller - 88'
Final Score: Thetford Town 4-1 Norwich United
This evening was Thetford Town's opening home game of the 22/23 season, hot off the back of a 1-0 away victory against Kirkley & Pakefield over the weekend. Based on pre-season performances, particularly the Gorleston game, I was pumped for the game tonight and even found time for a pre-match beer at the Norfolk Terrier after work as part of the build-up! From last season, the Thetford squad is largely unchanged, which is a good thing based on the end-of-season performances, with Joao Varela and Bernardo Felgueiras sadly departing for King's Lynn Town U23s, and CJ, keeper Tom Smith and marquee signing Cameron King all joining Town. Norwich United represented a stern test, a strong team in this division and one which Thetford have not beaten for a long-time.
Upon arriving at Mundford Road, there was a good crowd building, and I was pleased to see that matchday programmes are still alive and well, with Barnes Print still providing them. This season, Thetford have gone for a slick simple design with a squad photo on the front. It was a good read with a nice overview from chairman Nigel Armes.
For the match report, in the interests of time saving, I have gone for a different method which I trialled in the pre-season friendlies, I hope everyone likes it.
KEY MOMENTS
TT = Thetford Town
NU = Norwich United
9' - TT - A neat move from TT, stringing together a lot of one-touches passes, ends with Jake Mann feeding through Elliot Smith, but keeper Dickerson is out fast to close the angle and make a save.
19' - TT - GOAL (1-0) - In an attacking position, Gilchrist holds up the ball well and draws the attention of 3 NU defenders. He manages to slip the ball through the tangle of legs to the onrushing Jake Mann, who through 1-on-1 confidently slots the ball into the right-hand side of the goal, beyond the outstretched leg of the keeper.
21' - TT - Elliot Smith plays a deft one-touch ball to Gilchrist and seeing Campbell running in from the left wing, he curls a ball in for him to strike. Campbell's volley attempt is mishit, but he has a second bite of the cherry to poke the ball goal-bound, but Dickerson is equal to the effort and snuffs it out.
31' - TT - GOAL (2-0) - A Clarke clearance scythes through the middle of the field, and being the first to react to the ball, from an onside position, Gilchrist bursts forwards, picks up the loose ball and runs through 1-on-1. His first effort is well saved, but he regathers the rebound to turn and strike, this time his effort beating the keeper, and the back-pedalling defenders, to see the ball nestle into the back of the net, and give TT a vital two goal cushion.
38' - TT - GOAL (3-0) - Out of nowhere, Cusack fires in a 25 yard thunderbolt from the left side of the field, and the ball arrows into the top right corner of the goal - top bins! Certain goal of the season contender, I for one am waiting to see the Veo footage of that goal being uploaded on social media. Amazing from the experienced winger sending TT into dreamland.
40' - TT - Man of the moment Cusack powers down the left-wing, cuts into the box and squares the ball into the danger area, beyond Campbell and falling to Jake Mann whose powerful shot is just wide of the post.
44' - NU - A late goal in the 1st half from the Planters spoils the party mood somewhat, Melanson feeds the ball into Matthews inside the box, he does well to control the ball and slots his effort into the low right-hand corner of the goal, beyond the diving Tom Smith, a great finish it has to be said.
45+4' - NU - Nervy times for TT as they concede a free-kick in a dangerous position deep in first half stoppage time. Up steps ex-Thetford Town player Max Melanson, known to TT fans to be lethal from this range, he strikes the ball well and it goes close, but thankfully over.
51' - TT - Gilchrist plays a delicate chipped ball forwards to unleash Elliot Smith, the ball is slowing up just outside the box, but keeper Dickerson had already made the decision to come out, it is a 50/50 and the two players collide with the ball ricocheting out and back into the field of play, with hints that it came of Dickerson's hand outside the area, but play resumes.
66' - TT - An incredible touch from Gilchrist allows him to control the ball in a dangerous position, he reacts quickly with strike partner Campbell for a 1-2 which sees Gilchrist bursting through, but he is closely followed by two defenders, and under-pressure, his strike is just over.
88' - TT - Using his power, Fuller finds himself through on goal from the right-hand side, he takes the ball further into the box and slots home with a fine finish to cap a fine performance from Town, and seal the win.
Wow, what a performance from the lads, two wins on the bounce, playing some fine football and closing out a game against high calibre opposition in excellent fashion. Although Norwich United came at Thetford in the 2nd half, Thetford stood firm, putting bodies on the line to block all incoming shots, so a big shout out to the defence - unsung heroes. The attackers caused the Planters backline issues all game, with threats coming from all angles and all players, it must have been a nightmare to play against, especially when players like Fuller are coming off the bench to cause even more havoc. It is early days so important to stay grounded, but the initial signs are promising, and the football is immensely entertaining! I cannot wait until the FA Cup home time against Soham Town Rangers this Friday night, yet another stern difficult test with them having been an established Step 4 side in recent history, but Thetford seemingly have the firepower to cause anyone at this level issues. I hope that the team train well and I look forward to the game this Friday, UP THE TOWN!!!
Line-Ups:
THETFORD TOWN: Tom Smith, Connor Balment, Matt Morton, Nathan Clarke, Artur Visocanskis, Jake Mann, Jordan Lake, Elliot Smith (C), Andrew Cusack, Dan Gilchrist, Michael Campbell. SUBS: Macauley Rodgers, Santi Davies, Chukwuka Junior, Adam Laker, Ryan Fuller.
NORWICH UNITED: Ryan Dickerson, Harry Pitcher, Tom Hunter, Jeorgy Batch, Mac Gee, Sam Watts (C), Joel Watts, Kyle Richardson, Alby Matthews, Jordan Buttle, Max Melanson. SUBS: Jonny Miller, Zach Bourner, Lennie Blythe, Ryan Forbes, Charlie Barber.
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