Downham Town 2, Swaffham Town 4

SWAFFHAM Town earned Ridgeons Division One derby bragging rights thanks to a hat-trick by Joe Jackson – and pulled out of the bottom three.

Playing against the wind, Swaffham started the stronger with an early run by Scott Voutt who set Joe Jackson free on the right wing but the resultant cross was cleared.

A free-kick was awarded in the third minute taken by Will O’Brien which was headed just wide by David Spalding.

A minute later a further kick floated in by Dwayne Hockton was poorly cleared by Downham and Jack Redhead’s shot was deflected for a corner.

Spalding was again unlucky, his shot from O’Brien’s corner was cleared from the line, the captain setting the format for his team. Downham gave as good as they got and several attempts at goal were all dealt with by the Pedlars defence, the only one to challenge keeper Dean Mayes was pushed over the bar.

The first goal came in the last minute of the half, good work by Spalding set Joe Jackson through who was brought down in the box for a penalty. Jackson had to re-take the kick for encroachment and he made sure second time.

An extraordinary ricochet deflected shot in the first minute of the restart,saw Mayes wrong-footed and Downham draw level and then they took the lead from a penalty.

The Pedlars had to draw on all of their character to come back from this shock overturn, the equaliser came when a great ball in from substitute Craig Burton was met by the head of Scott Voutt.

A further penalty was awarded to Swaffham in the 79th minute, Jackson netted his second with a perfect placement leaving the keeper with no chance.

The final goal came in the 82nd minute, Jackson claiming his hat-trick with a superbly floated shot beating the keeper to the top right corner.

The perfect end to the afternoon for Swaffham, the three points taking them out of the bottom three.

The Pedlars travel to Long Melford next Saturday, kick off 3pm. The Reserves and A team are both at home entertaining Blofield United Reserves and Tacolneston respectively, 2pm.

On Thursday the Ridgeons U18s host Watton, 7.45pm. Last week they fought back from 3-0 down to beat Wisbech St Mary 7-3!