Loddon Utd 3, Downham Town 1LODDON secured their place in the next round of the Norfolk Senior Cup with an emphatic 3-1 victory over higher league side Downham Town.

Loddon Utd 3, Downham Town 1

LODDON secured their place in the next round of the Norfolk Senior Cup with an emphatic 3-1 victory over higher league side Downham Town.

Loddon play in the Premier Division of the Anglian Combination whereas Downham Town are in Ridgeons Division One.

Steven Wise, in his first start for the first team, showed pace and determination from the kick-off, giving the visiting defence no time to settle.

On three minutes Chris Andersen won a header at the back, Ricky Summons collected and put Wise away.

He could have taken it on himself but he cut inside and unselfishly set up Sadler who kept his head and calmly slotted home from 18 yards for a dream start for Loddon, 1-0.

Loddon continued their early domination and had claims for a penalty turned down when Dan Andersen had his shirt pulled following a 50-yard pin-point cross from Robin Andersen.

Town were restricted to a couple of off-target long-range efforts as Durrant and Squires looked in great form at the back.

On 22 minutes, Town broke right and a rather innocuous challenge saw Downham's Coe tripped and the referee point to the spot.

There were no complaints from Loddon players and although Collins saved Foulsham's initial spot-kick, the ball squirmed just over the line, 1-1.

Three minutes later Loddon were back in front.

Robin Andersen sent in a perfect cross from the left and this time brother Dan finished a well-timed run with a sweet header, 2-1.

Gary Summons found Wise who showed good skill before his shot took a deflection to the keeper.

He fired another effort over after good work by Dan Andersen.

Just before the break, Dan again beat his defender and fired the ball across the goal and only inches wide.

The second half saw changes from Downham and they came out with more purpose forcing Loddon back.

Within ten minutes Marjoribanks replaced the injured Brown and immediately used his aerial power to good effect, but Wise was offside.

Collins did well to parry a Downham header and hold at the second attempt, and Wise pulled a shot just wide. Marjoribanks too was way off target with a 30-yarder.

On the hour, Robin Andersen limped off and was replaced by Sayer. Loddon continued to allow Downham to dominate possession but fortunately they failed to capitalise.

A great cross by Dan Andersen was met at the far post by Sadler but his fierce drive was deflected wide.

Ricky and Gary Summons competed well in central midfield to restrict Town's space.

After weathering a lengthy period of pressure, Loddon put together the best move of the day. Sayer picked up a loose ball and with few options ahead of him, laid it back to Durrant.

He picked out Sadler who in turn found Marjoribanks on the left wing. With a delicate curling cross he put in Wise for a one-on-one with the visiting keeper and the finish from the edge of the box by young Wise was sublime.

A half chance at each end and a good save by keeper Griffin from a Wise shot saw out the last five minutes and another Ridgeons scalp for Loddon.

Excellent team performance, especially Durrant and Squires when under pressure; but the Musker McIntyre man-of-the-match award has to go to Steven Wise for an electric display up front, including an assist and a superbly finished goal.

Loddon: Collins; Andersen C, Squires, Durrant, Andersen R, Andersen D, Summons G, Summons R, Sadler, Brown, Wise. Subs: Marjoribanks, Sayer, Greenhalf.