Downham face biggest game in history

Downham Town Football Club face arguably the biggest game in their 144-year history this weekend.The Thurlow Nunn Premier Division side lock horns with Walsham le Willows in a promotion play-off final at their Memorial Field base on Sunday (3pm) with a place at Step 4 awaiting the winners.Looking ahead to the game, manager Dale Stokes said: “It would be an unbelievable achievement if we could pull it off.”When you think of where we were not too long ago to where we have come in that period, basically, from the bottom half of Step 6 to finish one point off the top at Step 5, it’s huge.”You have to look at people such as John Fysh and George Dickson who have been involved through some pretty horrid seasons over the years, so it’s those individuals that you’re delighted for.”That’s regardless of what happens on Sunday. It’s just brilliant to be able to give them some enjoyable moments like we have in recent times and be competing at the top of this level.”For me, no doubt it would be a proud moment and, of course, my biggest achievement since managing the club. “But no matter the outcome, everyone at Downham should be proud of where we are and what we are building.” Downham officials are also expecting a record crowd to pack the Memorial Field as the club look to clinch their second promotion in the space of three years.”500 fans would be great but I’d like to think we can get closer to 700,” said Stokes.”The fact that we are having to play on a Sunday may result in a better crowd, mainly from a neutral perspective, as there’s not much else happening locally football-wise. “Numbers have continued to grow this season, but I still feel like there’s a large number of people that are unaware of the level the Town play at, or even the fact that there is a team playing in the Town, which is something we need to improve on as a club.We’d love for as many people as possible to come and support us, it certainly makes a difference on the day.” Stokes believes the club’s Norfolk Senior Cup success at Carrow Road last year helped with its summer rebuilding after losing players like Fletcher Toll and James Moore.”I think the fact that we continued to progress after promotion with a positive position in the league, winning the Senior Cup and the style of football we play, it will always attract people,” he said. “I’d say the key has been that we have the right blend of ability and personality.”The lads all get on so well as a group. If you can find that sort of cohesion and chemistry in a squad, then you’re on the right path.”The Downham boss has the greatest of respect for the opposition, who finished fifth in the league standings and won 1-0 at Fakenham Town in the semi-final to advance to the final.”In my time against them, I’ve only had positive views on the club,” said Stokes. “I think they’re a brilliant side with some great individual players and they were my tip at the start to win the league.”They’re very similar to us in the sense that they try to play football, which should make for a decent game.”