Thetford Rovers v Downham Res
Rovers welcomed Downham to Euston Park knowing their opponents would be looking for revenge following their 3-0 defeat at home just 2 weeks ago. With Haylett missing as still on his holidays, Rovers welcomed back Kamren Senior into the side having missed previous wins against Downham and Scole. Knowing they needed three points to keep the pressure on the top two Rovers flew out of the blocks going on the attack straight away when good work from Foster saw Senior go close with a good effort. With the team full of confidence after a good run of form the midfield three of Skipp, Thomson and Cusack looked very assured on the ball stroking it around and dictating the pace of the game. Senior playing on the right looked dangerous every time he got the ball with his direct running and trickery. For long lengths of the first half Rovers seemed happy to keep moving the ball quickly and playing patient possession football. Bailey and Degraca were getting forward contributing with some great crosses and shots with Degraca going close with efforts from first at distance then making the keeper produce a great save to deny him a goal and Rovers a deserved lead. Opportunities came often with Baxter having a glorious chance to open the scoring but again the Downham keeper produced a fantastic save. When Foster then found space on the left he cut inside to release a strike that went narrowly over the bar Brooksie and Simo feared that it just wasn't going to be their day. Senior then from a tight angle smashed the ball out for a throw, from a corner Hockins seemed to clear the ball of the Downham line with the back of his head (donut). With all the chances that Rovers produce the Back 4 of Willis, Hockins , Bailey and Degraca should receive special mention for having confidence to pass the ball around at the back and deal with the Downham attacks of which were few. Also Jax for his distribution setting off Foster in particular on several occasions. The opening goal came when a Skipp strike was saved brilliantly again from the Downham keeper only to fall to Senior who blasted it back towards the goal hitting the defender and ending up in the back of the net. From this Rovers pressed again when some great pressure play from Thomson forced an error and Baxter was there to take full advantage and give Rovers a 2-0 lead at half time.
The second half began much as the first half ended with Rovers on the frontfoot from the off. Skipp was getting on the ball producing a fantastic passing display after being allowed so much time and Thomson was running everything down and winning everything in the air. Skipp set off Senior who beat his full back and pulled the ball back to Thomson who unselfishly squared the ball to Skipp for him to fire the ball in from 20 yards. Rovers were relentless in their pursuit of more goals and clearly were enjoying themselves with every player wanting to get a touch of the ball. More chances came and went as Foster again went close after beating his marker, then possibly the most impressive display of the afternoon,as Thomson gaining the ball from a Downham throw deep in his own half played the ball over the top of the back 4 to Baxter, he then chased the ball down regaining possession and slotted Senior in with a brilliantly weighted pass and Senior was more than happy to put that one away. Thomson then got his goal with a fantastic strike from 20 yards through a host of bodies into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance. Youngster Ryan was introduced for Baxter and looked very sharp with his pace and workrate and cruelly had a goal chalked off for offside when he looked clearly on. Dane Willis was then penalised for being offside when he brilliantly leaped from a freekick to score. With Rovers happy to see the game out they dropped their so far high standards and allowed Downham to start playing and to their credit began to move the ball around very well. Good work on the right saw a brilliant cross delivered in which split the Rovers defence and there was a Downham striker unmarked to claw one back for the visitors. Rovers saw out the remaining minutes to secure an emphatic 5-1 victory. A great team performance which was probably the best Rovers have played since the turn of the year. Mom chosen by Match day Sponsor Peter Squires was Skipp.
This result ensures that Thetford Rovers will finish on more points than last season with 2 games remaining. Great achievement - well done lads.
