But midfield maestro Bradley Barber missed a second match through injury, and London-based Dan Oakes was not available.

In the early stages Hadleigh keeper Luke Whitwell made tip-over saves from Simon Mann and Craig Skipp. Then Kamren Senior blazed over the bar to miss a good chance for the Norfolk side.

Hadleigh threatened for the first time after 31 minutes when Kris Rose headed over the bar. But Thetford were playing strongly, with Dave Richards heading just too high as Whitwell came out but failed to reach the ball.

It was against the run of play when a pinpoint pass from Stuart Crawford sent Craig Payne racing clear to score with a powerful low shot after 40 minutes.

Then Thetford keeper Dan Carston tipped a shot from Nathan Szyszlyk over the top beforer easily gathering a 30-yard shot from the same player.

Five minutes into the second half Jake Kingston lobbed the keeper, but the shot dropped on to the bar.

Play switched to the other end where Rose lost possession in the left-back position, and a hard, low cross eluded Crawford, allowing Kwane Jones to score easily from close range in the 59th minute.

Immediately after Dan Jones hit the bar for Thetford from long distance, and for a while a draw looked the likely outcome.

But, after 74 minutes, Dennett delivered a driven corner from the right and Leys powered a header just under the bar to restore Hadleigh's advantage.

Thetford attacked with Kwane Jones heading wide before Whitwell safely held a free kick from Craig Devlin under the bar.

At that stage Thetford looked capable of saving the game, but Hadleigh defended soundly.

The scoring was completed in the fourth minute of stoppage time with substitute Chris Cowan firing just inside the post from the edge of the box.

Hadleigh Utd: Whitwell;L Smith, Rose, Leys, Knott, Crawford, George, Kingston, Payne (Tournay-Godfrey 89), Szyszlyk (Cowan 89), Dennett (Fleming 78).

Hadleigh's scheduled league match at Brantham Athletic was switched from Tuesday to Wednesday night at Brantham's request.