Pedlars beat Downham in cup tussle

Swaffham Town beat local rivals Downham Town 2-0 in the Ridgeons League first division KO Cup last night.

Scorers were N Cross and J Jackson who sent the Pedlars into the second round.

Swaffham Town 0, Whitton United 5

The strength and experience of the Whitton side proved too much for the young Pedlars.

From the off, Whitton attacked in numbers, forcing two early corners and blasting another opportunity wide. Swaffham countered and their first chance on goal was delivered by Will O'Brien, Matthew Parkinson heading over.

Joe Jackson's free-kick in the 20th minute hit the wall and Whitton broke free. Good defending by Shaun Massingham halted the attack, the ball going for a corner.

The flag-kick was taken quickly, the ball squared in for the Whitton No 7 to side-foot in.

The second came on the stroke of half-time, a corner resulting in a goalmouth scamble from which Swaffham were unable to clear their lines.

Swaffham started the second half strongly, attempts by O'Brien – assisted by Chris Ward – and then O'Brien setting up Richard Cornwall. Both efforts went wide.

The decisive goal came in the 64th minute, a fortunate drop of the ball from a mis-hit falling sweetly for the Whitton centre-forward.

An uncharacteristic mistake by Dean Mayes outside the box led to the fourth goal.

The Pedlars' only other opportunity came to Scott Voutt, headed wide from a Jackson corner delivery.

Matthew Parkinson saw red for a last-man tackle, the resulting penalty converted, Mayes having no chance.

A disappointing result, but there was still encouraging and pleasant football from a Swaffham side growing in enthusiasm and experience.

The Pedlars next travel to Stowmarket Town in Ridgeons Division One on Saturday, 3pm kick-off.

The Reserves are at home to Marlingford 2pm kick off and the A Team are also at home, to Shipdham, 2pm kick-off.