Downham Town 2 Great Yarmouth Town 3

With 11 games to go to the end of the season and the fact that this has traditionally been a tough fixture for the Bloaters, Saturday’s match could prove pivotal in a promotion-chasing season.

Although the pitch was heavy the weather conditions were good for the Division One fixture.

The visitors started well and a couple of efforts by Forbes and Perfect were gathered by the Downham keeper. On nine minutes a great chance for Forbes from close-range was hit straight at the keeper as the Bloaters took early control.

Minutes later a good free kick by McAvoy was well saved, as was another McAvoy long-range effort. However, in the 15th minute a deep cross by Merrishaw caused some problems in the visitors’ penalty area and the resultant corner saw Yates head home to give the home side the lead against the run of play.

Two minutes later McAvoy and Perfect combined well and this time skipper Andersen was on hand to fire the equaliser home from close range.

On 26 minutes the Bloaters were guilty of giving the ball away cheaply and Willmott sprinted through the defence and finished well to put the home side 2-1 up.

McAra got into the action but was fouled on the edge of the penalty area. From the free-kick by McAvoy, Holmes pounced to put the Bloaters level at 2-2. Calvert had a chance to restore the home side’s lead, but missed from six yards.

With half-time approaching Perfect produced a good cross which home keeper Clements punched clear but only to the feet of McAvoy who fired in from 20 yards to give the Bloaters the lead for the first time.

It was not a good first half from the Bloaters but they managed to claw their way back into a game twice after being a goal down.

The second half was only four minutes old when a McAvoy header was aimed straight at keeper Clements. McAra and Perfect made way for Crux and Daniels as the Bloaters tried to invigorate a lacklustre performance, but nothing seemed to generate any cutting edge for the visitors.

The home side were good in possession and caused problems, however the Bloaters’ defence remained firm and somewhat fortunately kept the home side at bay.

Mordecai went on for Holmes and his shot was well blocked by Sykes.

Despite a few anxious moments towards the end, the Bloaters clung on to take all three points, in a disappointing performance.

At this stage of the season, with 10 games left, it is all about the results and although it was not a vintage display, joint-managers Sinclair and Mason were delighted to return home with all three points.

Tomorrow the Bloaters take on Leiston Reserves at home at 3pm.

The Reserves got back to winning way with a 7-0 win at home to East Harling. Goals from Kivyta (3), Gorbould, Barnard, Trett and Adams sealed a fine victory.