Downham beat Pedlars in derby

Swaffham Town 1, Downham Town 2A turnaround from the first meeting of the local rivals saw Downham looking the hungrier from the start. Deliveries from Ben Russell, Tim Kavanagh and Stephen Thompson were all being cleared by Downham's defence and Swaffham unable to take advantage of the loose ball.

Swaffham Town 1, Downham Town 2

A turnaround from the first meeting of the local rivals saw Downham looking the hungrier from the start.

Deliveries from Ben Russell, Tim Kavanagh and Stephen Thompson were all being cleared by Downham's defence and Swaffham unable to take advantage of the loose ball.

The best attempt for the Pedlars first half came in the 21st minute, Thompson playing in Kyle Plumb who crossed to Paul Shafer and Shafer clipping wide.

The deadlock was broken in the 26th minute, when Lee Brooks was beaten by a vicious deflection, looping over his head.

Further damage five minutes later came with a through ball beating the defence and Downham number 9, Daniel Foulsham running through to beat Brooks at the near post.

Swaffham started the second half well and kept interest in the game, pegging back a goal by captain David Spalding in the 61st minute.

Further pressure applied and Stuart Seales, Paul Shafer and Lewis Hemeter replaced by Keith Polski, Matthew Kenny and new signing Gary Haime respectively changed the style of play for the Pedlars, but credit to Downham's defence they kept the goal firmly protected.

Before the match, club coach Andrew Hunter, was presented with a Ridgeons match ball by Jeff Turner, Senior Sales at Ridgeons Snettisham.

The club are very grateful to Jeff and all at Ridgeons for their support for the league.

Thanks also to The George Hotel, Swaffham, particularly the Helen, Pete and Danny for their continued provision of hot food for the players following the match. Without this community-spirited support the club would struggle to survive.

Swaffham are at home again next Saturday, hosting Cornard United, one place below them in the league (3pm ko).

The Reserves resumed their good form, beating Mattishall Reserves 2-0, goals from David Jackson and Stephen Aspery. They are away this weekend to Wells Town Reserves (2pm ko).

A single goal in extra time by Nathan Clarke saw the A-team progress to the next round of the Ben Smith Memorial Cup, and their next game is at home to Narborough this weekend (2pm ko).