Downham Town travelled to local Premier Division side Thetford Town with 6 strikers included, due to the collection of injuries currently throughout the squad.

Midfielder James Dougal was tasked with the right back role, whilst Tom Bailey made the return from London in time to play at left back. Ryan Alexander was handed his full debut up front alongside Robbie Masters and the returning Mark Smith.

The spine of the Team was controlled by the experienced Lee Brooks in goal with dominant Pat Yates and Jack Gould in central defence and a midfield trio of Sykes, Calvert and Merrishaw pulled the strings for the tough 90 minutes ahead.

Downham started really well, and were in good spirits as the top 3 posed a handful for the Defenders from the League above, Brooks in goal was back to his usual dominant self, controlling his defenders admirably as they continued to snuff out Thetfords attack whilst Pat Yates spurred his team mates on with another dominant display of defending, alongside the unflappable Gould.

Smith and Masters both found themselves presented with a half chance but couldn't make the connection required and late on Ryan Alexander rattled the upright when he broke free of the full backs challenges and minutes later Brooks made a smart save at his near post late on but the game remained goal less at half time.

The second half started strongly for Town when a long pass from Brooks caused havoc in the Thetford defence, however Alexander couldn't quite do enough to capitalise.

Minutes later though, Ryan Alexander broke free and bore down on the Goalkeeper. His calm finish showed why Town were happy to have secured his signature as he put the visitors a goal to the good.

And then just two minutes after his goal, Alexander could have bagged his second with arguably an easier finish following a clever dummy by Masters but his air shot was easily cleared by the team from the Premier division.

Masters briefly got himself on the score sheet with a very clever turn and smart finish however the Assistant Referee raised his flag to indicate a handball in the build up so it remained at just 1-0 to Town.

Inevitably Thetford threw caution to the wind, being the Home Side and the favourites for the victory, but Town stood strong in an immense display of Team Work and comradeship. Town now go on to face another Premier Division side, Fakenham Town FC at home on November 10th.

Downham Town FC

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