Downham Town extend lead at top of the table

A late equaliser denied Downham Town a tenth straight win in the Thurlow Nunn First Division North last night – but the league leaders still extended their lead at the top of the table.

The SCL Memorial Field outfit, who created numerous chances and were twice denied a penalty, were twice pegged back by Whittlesey Athletic in a 2-2 draw after taking the lead through George Watts Sturrock and Joe Jackson.

After the game joint Downham boss Dale Stokes said: “It was an extremely frustrating result.

Matty Franks on the ball. Picture: Ian Burt (63157213)
Matty Franks on the ball. Picture: Ian Burt (63157213)
Joe Jackson scored Downham's second goal of the game. Picture: Ian Burt (63157309)
Joe Jackson scored Downham’s second goal of the game. Picture: Ian Burt (63157309)
Action from Downham Town's 2-2 draw against Whittlesey Athletic. Picture: Ian Burt (63157311)
Action from Downham Town’s 2-2 draw against Whittlesey Athletic. Picture: Ian Burt (63157311)
Action from Downham Town's 2-2 draw against Whittlesey Athletic. Picture: Ian Burt (63157313)
Action from Downham Town’s 2-2 draw against Whittlesey Athletic. Picture: Ian Burt (63157313)
Action from Downham Town's 2-2 draw against Whittlesey Athletic. Picture: Ian Burt (63157225)
Action from Downham Town’s 2-2 draw against Whittlesey Athletic. Picture: Ian Burt (63157225)
Action from Downham Town's 2-2 draw against Whittlesey Athletic. Picture: Ian Burt (63157231)
Action from Downham Town’s 2-2 draw against Whittlesey Athletic. Picture: Ian Burt (63157231)
Joe Jackson in possession. Picture: Ian Burt (63157237)
Joe Jackson in possession. Picture: Ian Burt (63157237)
Simon Bird clears the danger. Picture: Ian Burt (63157288)
Simon Bird clears the danger. Picture: Ian Burt (63157288)
Matt Prudence gets away from his marker. Picture: Ian Burt (63157295)
Matt Prudence gets away from his marker. Picture: Ian Burt (63157295)
Joe Jackson scored Downham's second goal of the game. Picture: Ian Burt (63157297)
Joe Jackson scored Downham’s second goal of the game. Picture: Ian Burt (63157297)
Joe Jackson scored Downham's second goal of the game. Picture: Ian Burt (63157301)
Joe Jackson scored Downham’s second goal of the game. Picture: Ian Burt (63157301)
Joe Jackson scored Downham's second goal of the game. Picture: Ian Burt (63157303)
Joe Jackson scored Downham’s second goal of the game. Picture: Ian Burt (63157303)

“It was a game where we fully deserved to win and unfortunately conceded from the only two shots that they had.

“We’ve been so dominant in the second half and played really well. At 2-1 we’ve then hit both posts and the bar, as well as missing a couple of other great chances.

“To then be pegged back the way we have was gutting. They’ve taken the goal well in fairness but it never should have happened. We should have been out of sight.”

The result leaves Downham two points ahead of Heacham, who have a game in hand, at the top of the table.

Ironically, Heacham travel to Whittlesey Athletic in a difficult game on Saturday, while Downham Town also face a tricky trip to AFC Sudbury Reserves.

Swaffham are also on the road at Leiston Reserves.

In the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, Fakenham Town, who lost 2-0 at Haverhill Rovers last night, travel to Brantham Athletic.



0%