Saffron Walden Town 0 Swaffham Town 3 – Pedlars show their strength

Action from Swaffham Town Reserves' 3-0 home defeat to Blofield United Reserves (green),Jamie Buhlemann strong on the challenge. Picture: Eddie Deane (Image: Eddie Deane)

The hosts boasted an unbeaten run of 23 matches, stretching back to August 12 – the best run in their 143-year history.

In front of a 463-strong crowd, Joe Jackson blasted the Pedlars ahead and Catons Lane went very quiet – except for a small visiting contingent.

Walden continuously tried their hit and run style of football, but the Pedlars' defence stood strong and rebuffed any threat.

Things got worse for the Bloods in the 58th minute, Matty Castellan knocking home during a goalmouth scuffle from Jack Redhead's corner kick.

The final nail in the coffin came just two minutes later when Alex Vincent smashed the ball home from 16 yards – and there appeared no way back for the leaders with half an hour to go.

The only hope for the Bloods was being awarded a dubious penalty with five minutes to go. Craig Calver took it, but Lee Brooks watched as his opponent blasted it over the bar.

The result meant that Walden dropped to third place in the table, with the Pedlars now in second spot with two games in hand on new leaders Long Melford, who are a point ahead. Saffron Walden have the same number of points as the Pedlars, but the local side have a massive goal difference advantage of 20.

Swaffham entertain Downham Town on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm) as part of the ground-hoppers weekend, a Thurlow Nunn League initiative to enable football supporters to see four games in 24 hours.

Swaffham start the activities with Saturday's games having staggered kick-off times at Thetford Town, Mildenhall and Newmarket.