Fakenham Town manager Wayne Anderson confident of maintaining top five form

FAKENHAM manager Wayne Anderson believes his side have what it takes to stay in the top five of the Thurlow Nunn League First Division.

The Ghosts’ 2-0 win at home to lowly Stowmarket on Saturday saw them climb up to fifth in the table and Anderson is confident they can maintain their challenge.

He said: “I’m trying to get us into the Premier Division and if we can hold our own in the top five until Christmas we stand a good chance.

“We’ve got a better squad than last season and each player is as good as everyone else, so I think we can push on and stay in the top five.

“The whole club is going well at the moment – the Under-18s are second and the reserves are third in their leagues and when everyone in the club is winning it brings a lot of confidence.”

Both goals on Saturday came from striker Ben Boyce as his red hot form continued, despite missing a first half penalty. Anderson is delighted with the impact the former Hornhurch player has made at Clipbush Park: “Ben’s a great player, he works tirelessly off the ball and he holds play up well, it’s not just his goals,” he said.

“When you get 60 or 70 minutes into a game some players are tiring, but he does a midfield role for us as well because he is willing to chase back.

“He looks like a real goalscorer and if you have one of those in your side you have a chance when you’re in and around the top of the table.

“But it’s not just about Ben – Kyle Plumb is providing great support for him. He’s strong and physical, a real powerhouse and he holds the ball up and brings Ben in to play. The two of them are working really well up top.”

Fakenham initially struggled to break down their visitors, who had conceded 25 goals in seven league games before Saturday.

Boyce won a penalty which was subsequently saved and the scoreline remained blank at half-time.

Anderson said: “I had a few words to say about the way we were playing because we didn’t look comfortable on the ball.

“In the second half we worked the ball out wide and got it into the right areas instead of making things difficult for ourselves.

“We got back to our best and caused them problems every time we attacked.

“We kept a clean sheet, which is another bonus because I’ve had to bring another goalkeeper (Lee Brooks) in after Tom Rix broke his ankle playing Sunday football and we will be without him for two months.”

Fakenham have the chance to move further up the table on Saturday when they travel to third-placed Saffron Walden, who are two points above the Ghosts.