Pedlars win one derby and lose another
Swaffham Town lost at Ridgeons Division One rivals Thetford in a derby last night.
But the Pedlars had beaten visitors Downham in another derby encounter on Saturday - and this weekend host Fakenham.
Swaffham Town 1, Downham Town 0
The strong winds failed to influence the rematch between these local rivals, Swaffham claiming their second victory.
Both teams were hesitant from the start, but soon settled. Good work in the opening 20 minutes, Joe Jackson and Craig Burton combining well to stretch the Downham back four and provide the crowd with a sample of the fine football they have displayed in recent fixtures.
In the 33rd minute Jack Redhead floated a precision ball in from the left hand side to see Jackson lob just wide. James Miller pushing forward, saw his cross miss all in the box.
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The latter stage of the half saw further efforts by Burton and Jackson wide of the mark.
The Pedlars started the second half with the wind and playing uphill, frustrated that their chances had come but failed to convert. Three minutes into the half, Miller's free kick played through by man-of-the-match Lewis Hemeter to find Burton marginally off-side.
Joe Jackson came close in the 58th minute and then provided opportunities for David Spalding and Daren Hockton, both efforts headed over. The breakthrough came in the 83rd minute with a pile-driver from Scott Voutt, which the keeper was unable to hold, which was well followed up by Joe Jackson to claim his 14th of the season.
Downham nearly evened the clash in the last minute, a thundered shot from the edge of the area, brilliantly saved by Dean Mayes ensuring all three points were retained at Shoemakers Lane.
It was wins all round for Swaffham, as the reserves beat Marlingford 2-1 away, the A-team beat Hethersett Athletic 5-3 on penalties, 2-2 at full time, equalising seconds before the final whistle in the second round of the Dick Davey Hospital Cup.
Both the Pedlars and the Ghosts will be looking to take the spoils following their recent draw in the first meeting.
Swaffham Reserves travel to Anglian Windows and the A team are away to Cranworth, (both matches 2pm).
Swaffham Under-18's are at home to Wisbech Town this Thursday (kick-off 7.45pm).
