Downham's FA Vase dream is shattered while Heacham, Swaffham and Fakenham all win

Downham Town's FA Vase dream is over as they were made to pay the penalty against Stansted at the SCL Memorial Field this afternoon.

Two-goal Joe Jackson's late miss from the spot proved costly as the home side – playing in the first round for the first time in 22 years – went down 3-2 against their Essex visitors.

After the game, Downham Tweeted: "3-2 defeat today and a tough one to take. 2-1 up and didn’t really look like conceding, to then let in two in two minutes both from corners.

"We had a few more chances to turn it around including a missed penalty, but it just wasn’t to be."

Downham came from behind to take a 2-1 lead into the interval through Jackson who, after missing an earlier penalty, netted the rebound.

But Downham's achilles heel at corners was twice exposed in the space of a few minutes midway in the second half.

Elsewhere this afternoon, a great crowd of 110 witnessed a great comeback from Heacham in the Thurlow Nunn First Division North as they ran out 5-2 winners against a very good Leiston Reserves side.

Man-of-the-match Jack Frohawk took the plaudits with a fine hat-trick and Fletcher Toll and Heacham stalwart Nathan Davies were also on target for the home side at the Heacham Sports Field.

The result sees Heacham still sitting top of the table, in what is their inaugural season in the Thurlow Nunn Division One North.

Swaffham Town continued their recent improvement on the pitch with a 2-1 victory over Haverhill Borough at the Worzall Roofing Stadium.

Kieran Bruce scored both the goals for the Pedlars.

After the game, Swaffham Tweeted: "Cracking performance from both Brucey and the squad resulting in three points on the board."

Fakenham Town were also in winning form with a 2-1 Premier Division victory over Woodbridge Town at the Daly Group Stadium this afternoon.