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Downham Town v Mildenhall Town

7.45pm  29 October 2013

Eastern Counties League, League Cup, First Round
Downham Town 1 Mildenhall Town 3 (att 42)

Premier Division Mildenhall might have expected an easy passage into the second round of the league cup after being drawn away to Division One's bottom-but-one side Downham, but they had to come from behind and only made the tie safe in stoppage time.

Mildenhall dominated possession, and most of the game was played in the Downham half, but the home side had their moments as well in a scoreless but enjoyable first half.

The Premier Division side were more direct after the break, which suited the undulating and uneven surface rather better than their first half play had. Yet it was Downham, who had picked up just three league points all season, who went ahead.

The lead lasted 12 minutes, and it was no surprise when Mildenhall added a second to go in front. Downham weren't finished though, and threatened to equalise more than once before a stoppage time third goal made the game safe for Mildenhall.

Relief for the visitors, and relief for me, as I didn't fancy 30 minutes of extra time before starting the long drive home from Norfolk.

Downham's ground, off Lynn Road in Downham Market, is among the more basic at this level. The pitch is railed off, and spectators have a choice of standing on grass, on the cricket pitch side, or under a combination of covered seated and standing areas on the opposite side.

Having paid £5 to get in, including a decent programme, I won £5 on the club's raffle, making it a free evening out (if I ignore the cost of driving between Manchester and Norfolk, and of spending £1 on a raffle ticket).






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