THETFORD INDEPENDENTS FC
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Thetford indies U13s entertained league champions The second half started off evenly with both teams not giving much away until a bit of magic from the Thetford indies ladies played their first game of season at home against Red Rose 7. Indies put the pressure on from the start with Carys Jones giving the Red Rose defence a hard time with her strong runs, and with a bit of luck could have scored in the first 10 minutes. The visitors started to come into the game more but the Indies defence duo of Steph Hughes and Joanna Fernandes dealt with it well, good work from Kristy Harris and Kerry Stewart kept Carys Jones well supplied but could not get the ball in the net, half time 0-0 . The second half continued as the first with Indies going forward. The home side got the break through it deserved with Leanne Warns feeding the ball to Carys Jones who made it 1-0. Red Rose responded bringing a good save from Jess Wilson in goal, Indies sealed the points with a good move between Kristy Harris and Joanna Fernandes for Leanna Warna to score on her first game for the club. Final score Indies 2, Red Rose 0.
THETFORD INDIES U9S A V MORLEY U9S 13TH SEPT 11 - 0 Thetford Indies A's first away game of the season saw them carry on from their emphatic first home game of the season the previous week with an 11-0 demolition of Morley. The most rewarding thing to come from the game apart from the 11 goals were the fact that the team kept their first clean sheet of the season following a superb defensive display which eventually earned Brandon Dawson Man of the Match. Another pleasing element was the professionalism that the Indies players showed as they kept calm heads throughout despite a number of worrying tackles from the Morley players. The first quarter was the busiest in terms of goals with Connor Noble picking up on a goalkeeping error to open the scoring from close range. Brandon Dawson then scored a screamer from just inside Morley's half of the pitch which any keeper would have found difficult to stop to make the score 2-0. Alfie Cooper, Aiden Try and a second goal from Connor Noble completed the scoring in the first 15 minutes to make the score 5-0. The second quarter was much quieter although the introduction of Kehan Whitby and his subsequent cross lead to the mistake that prompted a Morley defender to put the ball into the back of his own net to give Indies A a 6-0 lead at half time. Kehan Whitby scored his first goal in the 3rd quarter before Alfie Cooper picked up the ball on the half-way line and ran towards the goal ending up by slotting the ball into the back of the net having taken on 3 members of Morley's midfield and defence. Kehan Whitby and Aiden Try both added a second goal in the final quarter before some good work between Aiden Try and Connor Noble resulted in a Noble hat-trick to make the end score 11-0 to indies.
Thetford Indies U13s entertained local rivals Brandon. The game started at a fast tempo with Brandon taking an early 2 goal lead. Regaining their composure, Indies got back level thanks to 2 great finishes from Charlie Read. Although having worked hard to get back into the game Indies were once again behind after a mixture of sloppy defending and some good battling qualities from a Brandon striker. Within 5 minutes the home team showed their grit and determination to get back into the game, with a great 1, 2 between Jordan Foster and Callum Maddix, who crossed the ball only for it to bounce kindly for Dom Barke who smashed in a volley from 12 yards. With a halftime score of 3-3 Indies started the 2nd half stronger and took the lead after Luke Jones lobbed the keeper from 20 yards to put Indies in front for the first time in the game. The home side looked to be controlling the game and Charlie Read scored 3 more goals to take his tally to 5 goals. Brandon to their credit didn’t give up and got a goal back but for Harry White to score and extinguish any late comeback. MOTM Charlie Read. Final score Indies 8, Brandon 4.
THETFORD INDIES LADIES V BURY LADIES 20TH SEPT 3 - 0 Thetford Indies Ladies had a derby game against Bury Doves on Sunday. It was a keenly fought battle with Thetford starting to put on a bit of pressure playing some good passing football which led to the first goal from Kristy Harris after 15 minutes. With Steph Hughes and Joana Fernandes playing well in defence, they allowed Harris to produce a good forcing run which ended in her being fouled. The free kick that followed gave her a second goal in 25 minutes. The second half was a bit closer with both teams trying to make a break through, but Thetford’s defence of Hughes, Fernandes & Almeida held strong, a good passing move from Almeida, Warnes and Harris resulted in Harris making it a hat-trick . Final score Indies 3, Bury 0.
THETFORD INDIES U9S A V DEREHAM BLUES U9S 20TH SEPT 7 - 2 Thetford Indies A made it three wins out of three at the weekend as their excellent run continued with a 7-2 victory over Dereham Wanderers Blue. The team got off to a slower than usual start with just two goals in the first quarter coming from Alfie Cooper and Kehan Whitby. However, it looked a very solid 2-0 lead going into the first break with another confident defensive performance from Konnor Dixon and Jordan Bowie. That confidence was then tested when Dereham pulled a goal back in the second quarter following a rare defensive error which left the Dereham forward one on one with the Indies keeper, Jamie Humphrey. It looked as if that would be the way the score remained going into half-time until a long ball from Aiden Try dropped kindly to Connor Noble in the area who then restored a two goal advantage with virtually the last kick of the half. As the Dereham team tired, the Indies team grew in strength and confidence and put two more goals past their opponents in the third quarter coming through Alfie Cooper and Kehan Whitby who were both scoring their second goals of the game each. Dereham grabbed a second consolation goal at the start of the final quarter before Aiden Try netted twice, including a last minute penalty, to complete the 7-2 victory.
A fourth straight win to start the season from Thetford Indies A. However, unlike games in recent weeks, Indies didn't have it all their own way and were made to fight hard for all 3 points by a determined and skillful Mundford side. The deadlock wasn't broken until midway through the first quarter when Indies midfielder Alfie Cooper unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the penalty area to leave the home keeper with no chance. Mundford levelled the game up shortly before the end of the first quarter as a strong drive forwards and well placed cross was neatly finished by a Mundford forward. The second and third quarters were stalemates despite frequent Indies pressure with no further goals scored largely thanks to Indies keeper Jamie Humphrey's performance between the posts which earned him Man of the Match honours. The final 15 minutes were the most entertaining for Indies supporters as Brandon Dawson added Indies second goal of the game when a speculative effort from the half-way line found its way into the goal having bounced over the Mundford keeper. Kehan Whitby's confident run and shot at the Mundford keeper was saved only for it to fall to Indies striker, Connor Noble's feet, who slotted the ball away for a third goal just 2 minutes after the second.. It was all Indies pressure from that point until a momentary lapse in defence lead to a penalty being awarded to Mundford during the final minute of the game. Jamie Humphrey got a hand to it but couldn't stop Mundford from scoring their second and final goal of the game. Final score Mundford 2 - Thetford Indies 'A' 3
Indie's travelled to Rocklands for only their second league game of the season. Indies were slow to start but soon found their feet. Ben Daynes opened the scoring from a well struck free kick, going 1-0 up, but Rocklands replied straight away with an equaliser. Then a corner from Ben saw Klae Tucker score with a header to put the visitors 2-1 ahead again, Rocklands soon came back with equaliser. But further pressure from Indies put them 3-2 up with a long range shot from Ben, and with a swift break Indies went 4-2 up. Rocklands again put up a brave fight and made it 4- 3. Reece Rudd and Justin Halford in defence remained solid for the rest of the game. But with only 4 minutes to go Ben scored again for his hat trick and made the final score 5-3 to Indies. A very close game, but Indies came out on top for their first points of the season.
BULLDOGS U13 V THETFORD INDIES U13S CUP GAME 4TH OCT 2 - 4 Indies travelled to local rivals Bulldogs in the first round of the KO Cup. The game started scrappy with neither team able to get the ball down and play. Indies create a couple of chances when Jordan Foster and Harry White both slipped through on different occasions but couldn’t beat the Bulldogs keeper. Just before the halftime whistle the home team took the lead after great work down the right gave the left winger an excellent opportunity who lifted the ball over Dom Barke in goal. The second half started how the first finished with the home team maintaining the pressure on the visitors, and it paid off when a sloppy back pass put the goalkeeper under pressure and the resultant poor clearance fell to a bulldog’s player who had an easy job of tapping it in. Indies soon got a goal back thanks to the hard working Harry White who tapped in at the far post. It was Indies now who were pressuring for the equaliser and it came when Charlie Read was put through and this time made no mistake. Minutes later the same player then gave Indies the advantage looping his header up over the stranded keeper. Luke Chappell then finished off the comeback with a left foot shot into the far corner. Great comeback from Indies but a great performance from bulldogs who were unlucky to lose. Final score Bulldogs 2 Indies 4
THETFORD INDIES U11S 4TH OCT Indies played their first game of the season last week against New Buckenham. They started with only 10 players but were soon 2 nil up. The 11th player arrived and Indies dominated the game and scored 2 further goals with the opposition scoring 1 in reply. The team worked extremely hard and should have won by a bigger margin. Well done the whole team. This week the team played against East Harling who are top of the league. They started well and were soon 2 nil up again. In the first half Indies had Harling pinned in their own half but Harling scored two on the break. At half time the game was evenly matched. Harling then dominated in periods and Indies seemed to have the energy knocked out of them. Harling scored a further 3 goals and Indies replied with one more. Final score 6 - 3 but the team again worked hard and the score line does not reflect the game.
THETFORD INDIESFC U9 A V THETFORD INDIES U9 B 4TH OCT 7 - 0 Friends and team mates on a Saturday at training, the players from Thetford Indies Under 9s 'A' and 'B' teams faced each other in their SNYFL league fixture this weekend. With gale force winds blowing across the Rugby Club pitch where the two teams play made conditions for playing football difficult, but it was that same wind that helped Indies 'A' open the scoring within the first 2 minutes of the game as a ball lofted forwards by Jordan Bowie was carried by the wind over the head of 'B' team keeper Harry Roberts. That early goal gave Indies 'A' the confidence to press forwards with two further goals during the first quarter coming from Kehan Whitby. The second quarter began where the first had left off with some skilful work in the opposing teams penalty area from Connor Noble and was rewarded with the first of what was to be two goals for him leading up to half-time. Indies 'B' pressed hard during the second half of the game despite being 5-0 down and some solid defending from Eddie Wilkinson, the 'B' teams Man of the Match, kept the 'A' teams chances to a minimum during the 3rd and 4th quarters. Kehan Whitby rounded off his hat-trick in formidable style with a well struck shot from outside the penalty area to make the score 6-0 but this proved to be the only goal of the 3rd quarter. Once again Indies 'B' worked the 'A' team hard in the final quarter and almost put themselves on the score sheet when a Lucas Fowles shot hit the left hand post and bounced across the goalmouth for keeper Jamie Humphrey to collect. Indies 'B' keeper Harry Roberts was also in fine form during the final quarter keeping out a string of 'A' team shots before Aiden Try broke away with the ball from the half-way line to slot home the final goal of the game making the score 7-nil to Indies A. Indies A Man of the Match was Jordan Bowie.
Indies U13s entertained their parents in a ‘friendly’ game of 3 halves. Starting at a fast tempo with the parents taking an early lead when Mick Foster opened the scoring, Indies kept playing and pegged the parents’ bag when Charlie Read crossed for Harry White. Indies then had the chance to take the lead but Callum Crabb blazed over from the penalty spot. The parents then punished the boys when Pete Chappell raced through to score past Dom Barke at the second attempt. During the second third the parents dominated and extended their lead through two goals from Steve Francis. Andy Mac and Si Whitby who were bossing the midfield were unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions but Mick Foster once again had luck on his side when he scored his second for the parents. Brian Crabb then opened his account after a good run and finish. Dave Mason was unlucky not to score after his great run was halted at the last minute. Gareth Jones retired due to a knee injury which brought Dan Hutt on who completed the scoring of the third with a far post header. With the parents tiring, the final third was all Indies with Harry White completing his hat trick, it could have been more after Ryan Foster was brought down in the box only for Tom Mason to hit his penalty over, again with Mark Fowler not having to make a save from either penalty. Aaron Rowe and Ian Rowe were having a great battle down the right and Ty Whitby finished off the scoring for Indies. Only for good defending from Jordan Foster, Luke Chappell and Alex Mac kept the parents at bay in the final third. Final score Parents 7, Indies 4, MOTM Mick Foster (aged 49ish). Big thanks to all the parents and players for a most enjoyable day.
BRANDON U9S V THETFORD INDIES U9S A 11TH OCT 4 - 3 Thetford Indies Under 9s 'A' team suffered their first defeat of the season in a hard fought affair at Brandon Leisure Centre. Indies took an early lead after Connor Noble began what was to prove to be his Man of the Match performance by chasing down the Brandon goalkeeper to slot the ball neatly into the back of their net. Indies held this lead into the first break. The second quarter was all action however as goals went in thick and fast. Brandon were gifted an opportunity to level the scores after a push in the penalty area lead to a spot kick which was cleanly put away. This was followed minutes later by a second goal as Brandon stepped up a gear and sensed victory. Just 60 seconds later however, Indies hit back with the neatest passing move of the game involving 4 players before Noble finished off his second of the game from close range. Brandon's dominance in the second quarter was further rewarded with 2 more goals before the half-time break to make the score 4-2. Indies hopes were revived early in the third quarter after a through ball from Jordan Bowie was met by Connor Noble who confidently knocked the ball past the Brandon keeper and scored from distance to seal his hat-trick and give the visiting supporters some hope. Indies went on to dominate the final two quarters of the game with any breaks from Brandon dealt with by Indies keeper Jamie Humphrey who had a solid game in goal. Despite the dominance, Indies couldn't find the equaliser and went home having to settle for no points yet knowing they had been involved in a game which displayed the best in grassroots youth football. Final score Brandon 4 Indies 3.
THETFORD INDIES LADIES V SROWSTON LADIES 11TH OCT 10 - 4 Indies Ladies entertained Sprowston on Sunday in very windy conditions and put pressure on Sprowston from the start, within 5 minutes Kristy Harris put them in front. Indies continued to push forward and the pressure told as Sprowston deflected the ball for own goal, Harris added a second goal to her tally. Wilson had very little to do thanks to her defence of Steph Hughes and Teima Almeida. Tracy Barham ran her heart out made way for Leanne Warnes made an impact on the game with a good passing move with Kerry, Stewart and Warnes put Harris in to score where she added another from a poor goal kick. Warnes made a good run and fed Harris to add another. Sprowston got into the game in the second half and pulled one back but it was short lived. The trio of Harris, Stewart and Warnes played for Stewart to shoot but hit the post but Harris was on hand to tuck it away. Warnes was working very hard and was rewarded by picking up a poor pass and put her in to score with a good right foot shot. Sprowston struck again, but Indies hit back from Stewart who had an excellent game in midfield linked with Harris and Warnes for Harris to score her 7th. Sprowston pulled two more back but Warnes added her second. Final score Indies 10- Sprowston 4.
Indies U13s hosted Morton Hall in the league, the visitors who struggled for a team only turned up with 9 men. Indies started off slow and took a while to get going but they did get the ball moving with Luke Jones making some nice passes out to the left and after some sustained pressure Charlie reed broke the deadlock when his corner curled in over the keeper. Indies still didn’t use the extra numbers they had to great effect but were doing just about enough, Charlie Reed then doubled his tally when he headed in after a great cross by Luke Chappell. Just before half time Harry White got on the score sheet to give indies a comfortable lead at the break. The second half Indies improved in front of goal but were sloppy at the back. Charlie Reed then delivered another dangerous corner which Charlie Hutt got his head to and put it into the top corner. Indies then got too complacent and conceded to give Morton Hall a glimmer of hope but that was soon extinguished when Jordan Foster finished off the best move of the match with Shey, Chappers, Jordan and Charlie all involved. Ty Whitby then got in on the act when he lobbed the keeper from 20 yards but the visitors kept going and got another goal back after a lapse in concentration from indies. Harry white completed the scoring when put through he confidently slotted his shot past the keeper. A good result for the lads to give them confidence to push on, final score: Indies 7, Morton hall 2.
After a break of three weeks following postponements caused by weather and opponents cancelling games, Indies A got back into winning ways with an emphatic 19-1 victory over Garboldisham. The opening 5 minutes of the game gave Indies cause for concern after Garboldisham quickly levelled following an early Connor Noble goal that initially gave Indies the lead. This concern was unfounded however, as Indies went on to dominate the rest of the game with Noble netting shortly after with his second of the game. Two goals from Alfie Cooper were followed by another from Noble, completing his hat-trick in quick time. Aiden Try rounded the goal scoring off in the first quarter, finding the net from a corner kick, to make the score 6-1. Indies continued the fine work early in the second quarter when a cross from Cooper was met by Noble at the far post who soon after scored his 5th and arguably, best goal of the game when a good through ball from Kehan Whitby found Noble who confidently toed the ball past the keeper from distance after he had tried to close the angle down. Aiden Try then netted goals nine and ten for Indies with the second of those goals the pick of the bunch after Try had left his marker, drove inside and tucked the ball away from the edge of the penalty area. Noble completed the scoring in the second quarter to make the half-time score 11-1. Noble, who by the time the third quarter had started, was brimming with confidence, put two more away with a fourth goal from Try sandwiched in between. Any Garboldisham breaks were comfortably dealt with by Indies keeper Jamie Humphrey who prevented any further goals being conceded. Kehan Whitby, who had fought hard throughout the game, was rewarded with his first goal early in the final quarter, driving down the right hand flank before striking the ball neatly into the back of the net. Noble's ninth and tenth goals of the game soon followed, rounding off a well deserved Man of the Match performance. A long throw by Try was met by Whitby's head for his second goal of the game before an extremely patient Konnor Dixon, who had been solid in defence all game, scored Indies 19th and final goal, finishing off a long run from the back of the pitch in style. Despite the scoreline, the Garboldisham players should be praised for their spirit and sportsmanlike performance as they never let their head drop throughout the game.
Tense but excited, the Red Dragons hoped for a win on their home ground.
The game kicked off under a threatening sky but with the great sounds of
football already coming from the pitch next door. Immediately, the
pressure was on. The game moved to Toftwood's half, repeatedly testing
their defence with some great passing around outside the box. Lucas Fowles
quickly found the back of the net at the beginning of the first quarter.
The pressure continued. Again and again Harry Roberts served up the
corners while Shannon Richardson and Lucas tried to hammer the ball home.
Surely a goal had to come - but it didn't.
In the second quarter, Toftwood managed to occasionally push through and
challenge the Red Dragon's defence but the pressure was mainly on
Toftwood. With this worrying trend the tension mounted - could the Red
Dragons hold on to their lead? Could they score again and boost their
confidence?
In the third quarter Phoenix Bartram-Gorzelak and Eddie McGill's
determination got the ball off Toftwood and up to Kit Heathershaw, Callum
Brown and Shannon for some fine passing; some great chances were made, but
nothing made it home. Despite the good work and determination from Phoenix
and Eddie McGill, Toftwood managed several surprise pushes right through
the defence. Only Jaden Bernard stood between the Toftwood attack and the
Red Dragon's goal. The crowd looked on, wondering if the lead was lost.
Several times Jaden saved the Toftwood shot and their hopes.
The fourth quarter saw both teams move up a gear. With the Red Dragon's
slim lead, there was everything to play for. No signs of tiredness here -
just speed and commitment. With the play more in the centre now, Harry
Blake did his stuff, doggedly chasing the ball. Eddie Wilkinson stayed
right back making sure that any Toftwood escapes from the midfield didn't
cause any problems. An excellent near miss by Lucas brought the excitement
to a head and the match to an end.
A win! The first of the season, it was particularly well deserved after
the hard work but demoralising results of earlier matches.
Well done the Red Dragons - come on you Reds!
the ball directly to Shannon in front of the goal who looped it over the bewildered keeper for a 3-1 lead. Lucas Fowles and Eddie McGill brought the pressure to bear in the second quarter with fine passing and severalshots at goal later on in the quarter which didn't quite make it. Again, Phoenix and Jaden managed to handle most of the loose balls popping out at the Red Dragons end, normally chased by a very determined Garboldisham striker. One more goal was conceded to Garboldisham. Half time clearly refreshed the Red Dragons who came out with renewed energy, especially Lucas who managed an excellent shot from the corner of the box after 8 minutes to make it 4-2. A few minutes later, after plenty of determined running, he found himself in the goal mouth watching a Garboldisham corner glance off Jaden along the goal line. His hand, with a mind of its own, reached out to help the ball away. The resulting penalty changed the score to 4-3 and placed a storm cloud over Lucas' head. Even more determined now, Lucas managed an excellent cross in front of Garboldisham's goal within seconds of the penalty, confounding the keeper and setting Harry Blake up for a well controlled fifth goal for the Red Dragons. The frenzy continued in the fourth quarter, boosted by Lucas' early goal but the control and passing remained despite the energy that was being put in. Some excellent control and defensive work up into midfield from Kit Heathershaw and Eddie McGill kept Garboldisham frustrated. Garboldisham finished the match with the final goal a couple of minutes from the end. Shannon was named man of the match. Final score, Indies Red Dragons 6, Garboldisham 4.
In the second half, Harling tightened up and started the comeback. There were plenty more challenges for Heathershaw, Bartram-Gorzelak, McGill and Wilkinson as they populated defence and plenty of challenges for "safe-hands" Bernard behind them. In the third quarter, the challenges were comfortably repulsed. Indies confidence was increased with a brilliantly aimed corner from Heathershaw and the ball went in off their near-post defender taking the score to 2-0. The fourth quarter saw Indies a little confused by Harling's continuing improvement. Indies were unable to keep the lead and lost two goals in quick succession but managed to prevent a loss. Final score was 2-2. Man of the match was "safe-hands" Bernard.
comfortable raising the pressure on Harling. The pressure grew and something had to give - Fowles found himself in front of the goal with the ball and scored. Having a taste for it now, Fowles scored again from the corner of the box after an express delivery from the Indies goal by Heathershaw. The second quarter started confidently. McGill's determination in midfield was rewarded with an opportunity which was taken and thoroughly exploited. Breaking free, he had one man and a difficult pass between him and the strikers. The man was dodged and the pass was made in brisk fashion enabling Fowles to score again 5 minutes in. Harling
raised their game and matched the pressure, hungry for equalisers. For the Indies, here began the hard slog of defending their lead in miserable weather. For the rest of the match, great saves and kicks from handy Heathershaw behind some solid defence from Batram-Gorzelak, Wilkinson with Brown and McGill joining in, keeping Harling frustrated. Blake, Brown and
McGill ignored the cold and enthusiastically kept pushing the ball up against the considerable headwind providing several chances for Richardson. With only one goal conceded in the third quarter, the Indies secured a well deserved victory: 3 goals to Harling's 1.
