Reserves 1 Downham Town 2

The Reserves suffered a third defeat of the season in their first outing as Downham Town fought back to claim all the points. The hosts had lead at the interval courtesy of Owen Hammond’s 27th minute goal but a brace from Ben Baxter-Hunt on 53 and 75 minutes sent the visitors home with all three points.

The Reserves were unlucky to lose in what was their first home match of the campaign against Norfolk club Downham Town. Lewis Bell became the first Reserve player to make 100 appearances as a Step 6 team in all competitions in this match.

An early effort by Jac Garrard was deflected but was comfortable for away keeper Lewis Truman. Will Oxbrow sent a free kick just wide, while the visitors first effort came after a good move but Simon Bird shot just wide of Harry Lay-Fulcher’s left hand post. Leiston had a couple more efforts while Harry Lay-Fulcher gathered Ben Baxter-Hunt’s strike from outside the area. The Reserves opened the scoring when a long kick by Lay-Fulcher saw Will Davies control and tee up Owen Hammond who turned the defender and placed the ball into the net. The remainder of the half saw no clear cut chances from either side as the Blues lead at the interval.

Matt Calvert glanced a header wide early on in the second period, while Jac Garrard rifled well over the crossbar with a free kick. Downham levelled eight minutes in the half. A ball through the Leiston defence sent Ben Baxter-Hunt clear and he neatly finished past Harry Lay-Fulcher. Matt Rutterford’s good run into the area saw him square to Will Davies but he smashed wide of Truman’s left hand upright. Baxter-Hunt was denied by the trailing legs of Harry Lay-Fulcher. However, Baxter-Hunt netted his second soon after to give Downham the lead as he put in his attempt at the second time of asking. Downham were now the better side and Andy Wilmott somehow couldn’t finish the game off as Harry Lay-Fulcher saved excellently. Jack Brand hit the inside of the post as time was running out but the Norfolk side held on for all three points despite some late Leiston pressure.

Full time score:- Leiston Reserves 1-2 Downham Town.

The Reserves’ next game is at March Town United on Saturday.

Line-ups:-

Leiston Reserves:- Lay-Fulcher, Hammond, Groom (Shopov 58 mins), Bell, Gregory, Canham, Garrard (Murrell 54 mins), Oxbrow, Dickson (Snowling 81 mins), Davies, Rutterford. Subs not used:- Darling, Stiles.

Downham Town:- Truman, Fenn, Howlett (Cross 68 mins), Tansley, Sykes, Linford, Calvert, Bird, Baxter-Hunt, Bloodworth (Willmott 76 mins), Brand.