Downham Town 0 Cornard United 2 (AET)

 Last night saw Downham unusually playing a Tuesday night game at home in August. They usually have to wait for the cricket team to pack up and play away until September and their midweek games tend to be Wednesday. However a 2-2 draw away to Cornard in the FA Cup and a packed schedule for non league clubs meant that they hurriedly had to organise the replay.

There are a lot of new faces at Downham, so I am going to have to find out who they are as the season progresses. I am not even sure if the goalkeeper is a real goalkeeper. He did well last night but II am sure he plays outfield and Duncan McNally is returning to be the keeper this season. However, that is not particularly unusual at this time of year at this level when players are still on holiday.

The game itself started off pretty equally, but with neither club really creating too many chances, although Downham did hit the bar and force a save early on. Tobi Lawal added some pace on the wing and the ex-Ely player provided some good chances, so hopefully he can fill the departing Charlie Royle's boots. However, after 20 minutes the game was turned on its head. Nathan Davies was sent of for the home team and that changed the dynamics completly

For the rest of the first half despite being down to 10 men, Downham also had the advantage of the slope and this seemed to cancel out both teams.

The second half saw Cornard try and take control, which in all honesty they did. However, a mixture of poor shooting on their part and some resolute and brave defending from Downham saw the game drifting towards 0-0. Downham were under the cosh and their only outlet was Tobi Lawal, who they hoped could hit them on the counter and provide for the players around him. When he limped off with about 20 minutes to go, it was really a case of hit and hope and staunch defending.

The game inevitably went to extra time. I had assumed penalties too, but at the start of extra time, Cornard did what they had failed to do in normal time and scored. There was still time for Luke Gray to also see red for the Reds to leave them with 9 on the pitch and for Cornard to add a second.

No glory in the cup for Downham this year, who as far as I know have never won an FA Cup game. 










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