Stow v Downham Town preview
Walthamstow return to Wadham Lodge this weekend taking on Downham Town in the FA Trophy.
Last weekend, Stow traveled south of the river to face VCD Athletic in the Isthmian League Cup where they picked up their first win of the season thanks to goals from Brian Garzon, Rasheed Salau and a hattrick from Tyrone Baker in a 5-2 victory. Stow now progress to the third round of the cup with the draw yet to be confirmed.
Downham’s last fixture came on Bank Holiday Monday as they hosted Takeley in the Isthmian League North Division. The visitors would start better, taking the lead in the first half through George Powell. However, it would end with both teams sharing a point as Downham snatched an equaliser in the 90th minute.
Stow were unable to get past the First Qualifying Round of last season’s Trophy after being knocked out by eventual Southern League Division One Central winners Real Bedford. It took only take 16 minutes for the visitors to strike first. A neat corner routine gave forward Isaac Galliford plenty of time just outside the box to turn and score via a deflection from Ali Njie looping over Lewis Greene.
Stow got the equaliser on the half hour mark via a beautiful free kick from Te Wihongi. But only three minutes from time, the visitors stole the win through Josh Setchell. The midfielder received the ball and drove with pace through the Stow defence and placing the ball in the opposite corner past Greene.
This Saturday’s meeting will be the first between the two clubs. Downham have been recently promoted to step four for the first time in their history after beating Walsham Le Willows in the Thurlow Nunn Playoff Final. They will also be playing their first ever FA Trophy match.
