Swaffham Town finally found relief on Saturday, claiming their first win of the campaign with a hard-fought 4-3 triumph over Rovers in the Mummery Cup.

The tie began familiarly for the Pedlars, who fell behind after just three minutes.

Their afternoon took another blow soon after when debutant goalkeeper and captain Will Viner was forced off with injury only five minutes into his first outing for the club.

Luke Gallon of Prestige Roofing is Swaffham’s first team kit sponsor for this season. Pictured left is fixture secretary and kit manager Gerry Palmer. On the right is chairman, Aaron Jasper. Picture: Eddie Deane
Luke Gallon of Prestige Roofing is Swaffham’s first team kit sponsor for this season. Pictured left is fixture secretary and kit manager Gerry Palmer. On the right is chairman, Aaron Jasper. Picture: Eddie Deane

Centre-back Jake Parish donned the gloves, while David Weaver-Pope took over the captain’s armband and Josh Moore came off the bench to steady the side.

Despite the reshuffle, Swaffham regained their composure and drew level in the 31st minute.

Helkias Acheampong broke through the middle before squaring to Robbie Priddle, who coolly slotted into the bottom corner.

Alfie Gallon challenges as Robbie Priddle looks on. Picture: Eddie Deane
Alfie Gallon challenges as Robbie Priddle looks on. Picture: Eddie Deane

Just four minutes later, the pair combined again, Priddle turning provider with a clever header to set up Acheampong, who nodded the Pedlars into the lead.

Acheampong extended the advantage early in the second half with his second of the game, showing strength to turn his marker before firing in from 16 yards.

Rovers, however, kept themselves in the contest and pulled one back on 73 minutes when a low cross deflected in.

Parity was short-lived. Within moments, Jayden Snowden restored the two-goal cushion with a fine strike across the goal from the edge of the area.

Harvey Neale makes the tackle. Picture: Eddie Deane
Harvey Neale makes the tackle. Picture: Eddie Deane

Yet there was still late drama as Rovers struck again in the dying minutes to set up a nervy finale.

The Pedlars held firm to secure a 4-3 victory and, more importantly, a place in the next round of the Mummery Cup.

Manager and supporters alike will hope the result can act as a springboard, with two key league fixtures looming – a trip to Long Stratton on Saturday before hosting Watton United at the Uncle Luke’s Stadium next Tuesday.

Helkias Acheampong heads into the arms of the Rovers keeper. Picture: Eddie Deane
Helkias Acheampong heads into the arms of the Rovers keeper. Picture: Eddie Deane

Elsewhere, Swaffham Town Reserves bowed out of the Cyril Ballyn Cup with a 4-2 defeat at Blofield United Reserves, despite goals from Nathan Cross and Jake Eves.

They return to cup action on Saturday at home to Costessey Sports in the Norfolk County Junior Cup.

It was another difficult outing for the Under-18s, who fell to a heavy 10-0 defeat away at Dereham Town in the Eastern Counties Youth League, North Division.

They would have been keen to bounce back in their first home game of the season tomorrow night against North Walsham Town.