Fakenham Tn 1, Stowmarket 1

Fakenham boss Wayne Anderson reflected on a satisfying campaign despite seeing his side miss out on a potential FA Cup place next season.

Victory against Stowmarket would have lifted the Ghosts to ninth and they would have been able to apply for a place in the FA Cup, but despite dominating the second half they could not secure victory.

Stowmarket went ahead in the first half following a mix-up between Matthew Gilchrist and goalkeeper Tom Rix. The hosts came out strongly after the break and won a string of corners but could not find a way through the visitors’ rearguard until the 88th minute, when Gilchrist netted the equaliser.

They then piled on the pressure in injury time but were unable to claim victory.

Anderson was still pleased with his players’ efforts over the course of the season, saying: “We’ve finished the season with 36 points and that is an improvement on last season.

“I’ve strengthened up the squad and we’ve been playing some really good football, especially at home. We’ve beaten some good teams and drawn against Godmanchester who won the league, so that proves we have got something about us.

“From Christmas until Saturday we’ve only lost five out of 14 games and that’s a big plus on the football side of things.”

Anderson confirmed that he will lead the Ghosts again next season and is already making plans for the 2012/13 campaign: “I’m looking forward to next season,” he said. “I think the club are happy with what I’m doing and are behind me and the team spirit we have here is second to none.

“The boys I spoke to after the game on Saturday all said they had enjoyed the season and want to stay here.

“Hopefully we can get a good start next season and I think we can finish in the top six.”