After losing the derby game with Thetford, Swaffham will be hoping to bounce back on Saturday when they host Halstead (kick-off 3pm) in Ridgeons Division One.

After losing the derby game with Thetford, Swaffham will be hoping to bounce back on Saturday when they host Halstead (kick-off 3pm) in Ridgeons Division One.

This weekend, Swaffham Reserves travel to the coast to play Sheringham Reserves (2.30pm) and the A team visit Bridgham United (3pm).

Swaffham Town 0, Thetford Town 2

A FINE afternoon for football, weather conditions perfect and the pitch looking remarkably good considering the stage of the season.

Swaffham, still missing key members of their squad through injuries and other commitments, saw the return of Steve Crawshaw to Shoemaker's Lane following several seasons.

He transferred from Diss Town in midweek and will be seen as instrumental in bolstering the defence.

Thetford took the lead in the 12th minute from the penalty spot, keeper Craig Titmarsh having no chance to stop the well-positioned kick.

The Pedlars countered good combination work between Kyle Plumb and Nathan Clarke and saw opportunities defended well by the Thetford keeper.

Further damage was done in the 36th minute when a looping header was netted following a free-kick 30 yards out.

The second half was far more even but the frustration of the Swaffham side was apparent following some questionable decisions throughout the fixture.

Further efforts came to no avail and the visitors took away the three points.

A hearty thanks goes once again to the George Hotel for their continued support of the first team.

Saffron Walden Town 2, Swaffham Town 1

SWAFFHAM were unlucky not to come away with a point after holding the home side to 0-0 at half-time in this midweek game.

The Pedlars took the lead in the 55th minute, Stuart Seales hammering home following a goalmouth scramble.

The equaliser came five minutes later, a superb shot from 20 yards leaving Brooks no chance.

The winner was from a penalty, Ben Russell handling from an unfortunate bounce.

There was inspiring play from Nathan Clarke and Chris Sainty, coming on as substitutes for Tom Rainford and James Miller, in the 28th and 69th minutes respectively. Opportunities arose but the finish was never to be.