Downham and Swaffham make winning starts to the new season while Heacham are beaten

Ten-man Downham Town made a winning start to life in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division this afternoon.

Downham had midfielder Marry Franks sent-off for picking up a second yellow card after the interval – but survived a late onslaught from the hosts to take the three points back to Norfolk.

Jack Baker headed Hadleigh United in front midway through the first half before George Watts-Sturrock levelled matters from the penalty spot going into the break.

Downham’s second goal arrived 11 minutes into the second half after the home side failed to clear a cross and youngster Jamie Moore powered home what proved to be the winner.

After the game Downham Tweeted: “Great first half and despite being the better side we went in 1-1.

“Hosts came out stronger but we went 2-1 ahead against play with a brilliant finish.

“The last 20 minutes we came under a lot of pressure after a sending-off, but held firm to take three points.”

There was no fairytale start to the new campaign for newly-promoted Heacham who suffered a 1-0 defeat on their travels at Woodbridge Town.

Heacham played most of the game in the home half in the opening 45 minutes but a lapse in defence just before the break saw Mark Ray fire Woodbridge in front.

Nathan Davies did put the ball in the home net early on, but used his hand and it was disallowed.

The Magpies threw everything at their Essex hosts for the last 15 minutes in an effort to find an equaliser – but to no avail.

In the Thurlow Nunn First Division North, a goal in either half saw Swaffham Town claim a 2-0 win at Haverhill Borough.

Summer signing John Sands put the Pedlars in front going into the interval before Dan Roberts secured the three points for the visitors in the second half.

The game saw Swaffham skipper Callum Madigan play his 50th game for the club.

On Tuesday night, Heacham begin their home campaign with a derby against Fakenham Town at the Heacham Sports Field while Downham Town travel to Soham Town Rangers.