Saturday 8th December : Ridgeons League First Division

Walden finished the year on a high by beating promotion contenders Downham Town at Lynn Road.

 The Bloods welcomed back Dean Godden from injury to the starting line up with Spike Bell, Tom Richardson and – after a six week ankle injury)  influential club captain Tommy Butchart on the subs bench .

Downham – in third place in the League going into the match - were quick off the mark when Howling fired in a volley on the turn that Pledger gathered.  Walden then settled into their impressive passing mode, with Zac Collins trying a lob from outside the area that MacAnally parried, while Ben Riches saw his shot saved by the home keeper. 

Pledger had to be alert with the gusting wind and sun in his face but was on hand to deny Howlings fierce swerving volley.  Collins dribbled round two defenders with a jinking run into the penalty area and fired a volley that tested the busy MacAnally. 

The second half saw the Bloods start to dominate the game, with Riley and Vallis controlling midfield and the “Walden Wall” marshalling the Downham attack. Howling eventually found a way through the Bloods defence only to see Pledger pull off a finger tip save. 

From then on it was one way traffic with Walden continuing to pressure the Downham defence ,Godden’s free kick landed at the feet of Strong for the easiest of chances that he sliced wide of the target. 

The introduction of striker Spike Bell to the attack, saw his looping shot rebound out off the inside of the post, and Walden bought on club captain Tommy Butchart to up the pace to the delight of the travelling supporters. 

Substitute Tom Richardson - on for the injured Michael Barker - caused the home defence major problems with his run on the blind side to meet a chip over the defence, only to be hauled down on the line by MacAnally to deny a certain goal. 

MacAnally was dismissed from the game and substitute goalkeeper Sollande was unable to stop Vallis scoring from the penalty spot.0-1 (82 minutes) 

Tom Richardson celebrated his 20^th birthday with a jinking run down the wing to beat two defenders and blast in a long range volley that beat the outstretched Sollande .0-2 (86minutes). 

Walden well deserved the spoils against a team that is pressing for promotion and with players returning from long term injuries and work commitments this team can go from strength to strength to climb up into the top five with games in hand on the leaders. 

Team. D.Pledger, M.Barker.(T.Richardson), R.Cannon,. A.Riches (capt), M.Danbury, K.Riley (T.Butchart),. Z.Collins (S.Bell), K.Vallis, B.Riches,. D.Godden, G.Strong,  Subs not used E.Lewis. D.Badcock.