Thetford Town, after a blip against Brantham on Saturday, were back on form on Tuesday night, beating Downham Town 2-1.Despite the defeat, Downham remain one place ahead of Thetford in Ridgeons Division One.

Thetford Town, after a blip against Brantham on Saturday, were back on form on Tuesday night, beating Downham Town 2-1.

Despite the defeat, Downham remain one place ahead of Thetford in Ridgeons Division One.

Brantham Athletic hosted Thetford on Saturday and hit Town for six with just one in reply.

Thetford welcomed back Crawshaw at the heart of their defence at Brantham, following their excellent draw with league leaders Newmarket in midweek.

Town started the game in optimistic mood against a side stirred with promotion hopes. Mann had an effort well saved by the home keeper on eight minutes and Skipp hit another shot high over the bar.

On 11 minutes Brantham took the lead when Oliver Mann had his shot parried by keeper Bilham and he was first to the rebound to put it into the net.

Browne almost immediately equalised but his well-struck shot was too high. On 20 minutes Town keeper Bilham had to be carried from the field of play due to a leg injury, to be temporarily replaced by captain Skipp in goal for 10 minutes.

Whilst Bilham was having treatment, Town continued with 10 men eventually putting substitute Atterton into goal, leaving Skipp to go back to his more familiar midfield position.

A Skipp free-kick eventually fell for Richards and his goal-bound effort was blocked.

It was to be an eventful afternoon for Skipp as on 36 minutes he scored Thetford's equaliser. He picked the ball up wide on the right, beat two players and his eventual shot found the corner of the net.

Browne and Mann had further opportunities for Thetford but the half finished all square with Town having the better of the spoils.

Bryant almost put Thetford in front in the first attack of the second half when his long run and shot went narrowly wide.

Against the run of play Brantham took the lead in the 52nd minute when Simon Mann cut in from the right and beat Atterton at his near post.

Atterton then made a good save with his feet after Brothers was clean through.

However it soon became 3-1 when a tackle by Money was deemed a foul inside the area and Oliver Mann despatched the resulting penalty.

Crawshaw had a headed opportunity to put Town back into the match but Brantham were now taking control and Lawler crept in following a defensive mix-up to make it 4-1 and then Simon Mann scored his second to make it five to the home team.

Thetford still created chances and Town's Simon Mann hit a post and Skipp had a volleyed effort well saved. Jiacomelli had a headed effort turned aside by the home keeper.

Brantham's Simon Mann completed his hat-trick on 87 minutes when he once again used his pace and was first on hand to the rebound from an Atterton save.