FAKENHAM boss Wayne Anderson admits the loss of leading scorer Ben Boyce for the rest of the season would be a massive blow to the Ghosts’ promotion hopes.

Boyce was allowed to play for the reserves on Saturday in a bid to build up his match fitness – but he suffered a knee injury which could sideline him for around six months.

Anderson’s men currently stand third in the Thurlow Nunn First Division and have a Boxing Day derby at home to Swaffham to look forward to, but they must now plan without Boyce, who has scored 10 goals in 12 league appearances this term.

“To lose someone like Ben at this crucial point of the season is really disappointing,” said Anderson. “But that is football and unfortunately it happens.

“He’s a good player with great feet – he is raw, he’s only 21 but I love having him around the club.”

Boyce has had problems on the disciplinary front this season and only recently returned to the side after suspension, having been sent off twice in as many weeks.

Anderson believes, however, that the striker was starting to channel his aggression correctly: “We went to Debenham in our last game on a really poor pitch and his attitude was superb,” said the manager.

“He scored two goals and the centre halves kicked him all over the place, but he just got on with it.

“We had talked about it and he promised me he would try and control himself and he has been working really hard on it.”

The Ghosts have, however, been boosted by the temporary return of midfielder Dan Savory from America and he could feature against Swaffham if his paperwork is completed in time.

Fakenham will also have Shaun Steed back from holiday and Liam Somerton has returned from a brief loan spell. Alex Walpole, who has featured regularly this season, has decided to return to Hindringham.

* All Fakenham Town youth players will receive free entry on Boxing Day, along with two parents per youth player.

Otherwise entry is �4 for adults, �2 concessions.

The match kicks off at 11am.