Downham delighted with FA Vase progress

Downham Town have equalled their best FA Vase run for 37 years after knocking out Essex Senior League strugglers Coggeshall Town 1-0 at home.

An early goal from Eoin McQuaid in the second half was good enough to see Downham through in the First Round clash at the SCL Memorial Field.

Reflecting on the club’s progress, joint boss Dale Stokes said: “Obviously we’re delighted to have made it through to the second round and it’s the first time we’ve been this far in 37 years.

Eoin McQuaid scored the only goal of the game. Picture: Ian Burt

Downham Town v Coggeshall Town in the FA Vase First Round. Picture: Ian Burt

James Moore gets his shot away. Picture: Ian Burt

“It’s always nice to win and, after a couple of defeats, we were all desperate to get going again and put in a performance whilst doing so.

“We certainly weren’t at our best, but we did enough and I’d say overall we deserved to get the win.”

Club officials worked around the clock to get the tie on after 48 hours of heavy rain.

“It was a really tough game in extremely difficult conditions,” admitted Stokes.

George Watts-Sturridge tries to win the ball back for Downham. Picture: Ian Burt

“The pitch held up well and despite some concerns early on it was absolutely fine in the end. It was very wet, don’t get me wrong, and it did sadly have an influence on the crowd which was well below what we’ve been getting so far this season.

“You have to give credit to both sides who stuck to their principles and tried to play football. I thought Coggeshall were a tidy side in fairness and played their part in what was a lively game for the neutrals.”

Stokes picked out matchwinner McQuaid and goalkeeper Duncan McAnally out for special praise.

Magic Smalls shapes to get his shot away. Picture: Ian Burt

George Watts-Sturridge driving forward. Picture: Ian Burt

“Eoin has been brilliant since joining in the summer,” said Stokes.

“He picked up our player of the month for August, as voted for by the players and to be honest he’s slotted in so well. He suits the way we play and he’s someone we wanted for a while before finally getting him.

Downham's management duo (L) Craig Dickson and Dale Stokes make a point to their team. Picture: Ian Burt — Downham’s management duo (L) Craig Dickson and Dale Stokes make a point to their team. Picture: Ian Burt

Downham's Duncan McAnally made a great save early in the second half. Picture: Ian Burt — Downham’s Duncan McAnally made a great save early in the second half. Picture: Ian Burt

“When he’s on it, he’s a joy to watch and it was another well-taken goal. We had a few other half chances and Duncan was in great form at the other end.

“He made two or three important saves that kept us in the game, so he certainly deserves a mention as well.

“We’re not overly fussed about who we draw in the next round, but we’d like another home tie.”

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