“I have to say, the players have been unbelievable for us,” says Downham boss after reaching play-offs

Dale Stokes says his players have achieved their objective of reaching the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division play-offs.Downham secured a top-three finish by Heacham 2-1 at the Memorial Field, thanks to a brace from former Magpie Charlie Royle, on Easter Monday.After finishing third in the table – one point behind both Fakenham Town and Brantham Athletic – Downham will play fourth-place Ely City at home in the play-off semi-final on Saturday.If successful there, Downham will play the winner of second-place Fakenham Town and fifth-place Walsham le Willows, who have been awarded the three points by league officials after Cornard were unable to field a side in the final league fixture.Reflecting on the club’s achievement, Stokes said: “Once the squad was assembled, they were given a target of finishing in the play-offs, which the club were happy with, but probably nervous about.”We got off to a shaky start, losing our first two and have only lost four games since August 10.”The players managed to reach the target with two games to spare and it was just a case of what position we finished in going into the home game against Heacham.” The Downham boss praised his squad for going the distance in the title race when many were tipping the club to struggle after a summer rebuild. “I think it sounds mad that we were even talking about winning the title when I look back at where we were in June,” said Stokes.”I’ve mentioned previously that at one stage, I only had six players confirmed for the new season.”People were saying we will struggle to stay up with the players we lost, which I never personally felt would be the case. “But I guess we’ve seen so often that clubs struggle after the first season at a higher level and get sucked into relegation fights, so you never know.”The conversation in June with the club was that I want to try and get promoted within the next three seasons, as I’ve got no interest in just doing it to finish mid-table or bottom half every year. “We knew there was another rebuild and it’s not easy, plus players take time to gel, so as a management team, we weren’t sure what to expect.”Stokes has every faith in his players that they can now go one step further and get the club promoted to Step 4. “I have to say, the players have been unbelievable for us,” he said.”Over time, we’ve put together a brilliant squad and they’ve done the club and themselves proud.”Not just on the pitch, but as a group they’re a joy to be around. They deserve something this season.”Although they’ve achieved the target they were set, I know they’re desperate to give the club more than that.”