Attleborough 1, Downham Reserves 4DESPITE a moment of brilliance by Tim Jeckell, Attleborough succumbed to their third consecutive defeat - this time to Downham.

Attleborough 1, Downham Reserves 4

DESPITE a moment of brilliance by Tim Jeckell, Attleborough succumbed to their third consecutive defeat - this time to Downham.

In a match where neither side produced anything that could have been interpreted as quality the magnificently flighted lob from Jeckell was the only moment worthy of note in an all too forgettable match.

Attleborough were behind as early as the fourth minute. A weak clearance from the right was easily charged down allowing the Downham Town player to square the ball to his unmarked colleague in the middle who had the simple task of tucking the ball into the net.

Attleborough were consistently failing to maintain any possession and this was equalled only by Downham's own ineptitude when on the ball.

Entertainment for the crowd enjoying the late summer sunshine was strictly limited and it wasn't until the 31st minute that Attleborough actually threatened the Downham goal.

David Greenwood did all the hard work in taking the ball around the keeper, but was unable to convert this work into a goal. This seemed to energise the Attleborough team and several half chances were created with Matt Venables and Darren Cowles going close before the interval.

Within two minutes of the restart Attleborough brought themselves level. Darren Cowles raced onto a long ball from Andy Cunningham pressuring the Downham keeper.

The keeper headed weakly to Jeckell 30 yards out. Jeckell deftly lifted the ball over the top of the retreating defenders and keeper and into the back of the net.

It was a goal that seemed incredulous given the humdrum nature of the match to that point.

Attleborough continued to apply pressure, but were unable to carve out any clear goal scoring chances. Cunningham's shot was smothered by the massed defenders and Cowles was unlucky to hit the crossbar with a cheeky angled lob.

Despite this pressure it was Downham that seized the advantage, Boro were caught in attack and the breakaway was well dispatched from the edge of the area.

Within 10 minutes, the deficit was increased after poor marking at a corner. The flattering fourth goal came in the fifth minute of injury time.

There was still time for a penalty appeal to be made and controversially ignored by the referee.