Downham Town faced higher level Sleaford Town FC with a growing injury list; however they valiantly battled against the Lincolnshire side as an afternoon of "could haves, should haves and would haves" ensued.

Despite missing the services of Harry Porter, Dale Stokes (long term injuries) Anthony Melton and also Captain Craig Dickson Town put on a solid display at the Memorial Field. Arguably a neutral spectator would have struggled to separate the two sides for the first 45 minutes as the better chances fell to the men in red.

Matty Calvert and Jonno Sykes dominated proceedings, with Merrishaw and Mantle terrorising the visitors full backs from midfield - opportunities were created for the underdogs to put Sleaford to the sword.

Mark Smith had a golden opportunity, breaking through one-on-one with the Sleaford Goalkeeper but delayed pulling the trigger just enough for Charlie Ward to slide the ball off Smiths foot and safely out for a corner.

Merrishaw then created a superb chance for Masters, when his pull back from the by-line found Masters in space but his left foot connected too well and the ball sailed safely over the visitors cross bar.

Captain Calvert forced a great save from McGann and Sykes' powerful forward runs caused umpteen problems for the away sides back four. Unfortunately for all of their pressure, the game was goalless at half time.

Predictably Sleaford roared out of the blocks in the second half, and a change of shape to a more conventional 442 (as opposed to the Diamond shape they deployed in the first half) helped their charge. They opened the scoring after the experienced Ryan Oliver found space in the 6 yard box and nodded home from close range.

The game suddenly turned feisty when Town Left Back Ben Calvert, making his full debut, clumsily fouled the Sleaford winger and both players petulantly kicked out at one another. This sparked a mass swinging of hand bags, particularly from the Sleaford bench as they raced into the Town technical area to remonstrate with the linesman, substitutes, management, supporters and just about anyone else close enough!!

Masters, in a fine vintage display of Centre Forward play, had a glorious chance to bring his side level but tamely placed his header safely into the arms of the grateful Goalkeeper.

The game was put to bed shortly after when another long ball up to Oliver was misjudged by Towns defence allowing Asplin to nip through unchallenged and bear down on Lee Brooks in the Town goal. 2-0 to Sleaford.

Town continued to huff and puff, forcing corners and safety first defending from their UCL Premier opponents however it was not meant to be. Everyone in a Red Shirt can hold their head high after this display; Sleaford were made to work hard for their ticket to the next round and again, the missed chances were the sole cause for regret for the home side.

Town are away to table topping Wivenhoe Town FC next Saturday 10th October.

Downham Town FC

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