Fakenham Town must fancy their chances of a first league point of the season on Saturday when they host a Thetford side fifth from bottom smarting from an 8-4 home defeat by Brantham - especially as they went so close to a result at Ipswich Wanderers at the weekend, writes John Cushion.

Fakenham Town must fancy their chances of a first league point of the season on Saturday when they host a Thetford side fifth from bottom smarting from an 8-4 home defeat by Brantham - especially as they went so close to a result at Ipswich Wanderers at the weekend, writes John Cushion.

The Ghosts are still pointless after seven league games, but were generally encouraging despite their 2-1 reverse at Ipswich.

Their Norfolk Senior Cup win over Hempnall has given them a trip to Ridgeons Premier outfit Norwich United in the next round on November 21.

Fakenham went to Suffolk missing Dan Savory and Ben Woodhouse through injury. Striker Karl Pask was not available.

Mark Critten is fit again and will be in the reckoning either against Thetford or at March on Tuesday night. Two new signings, one a central defender, have been made and two more interested players were due to train Tuesday night, said joint manager Stuart Woodhouse.

On a very difficult playing surface at Ipswich, Woodhouse said the game was really lost in the first half, although for the opening 15 minutes the Ghosts were the better side. Mark Betts had a terrific 30-yard shot turned onto the bar and over by the keeper and Nick Haynes turned and shot, only to find the keeper. Strong claims for a penalty went unheeded.

Then Fakenham fell victim to the pace of home player Swann, who broke clear to beat Sean Cooper, then suffered the ultimate penalty for conceding possession coming out of defence.

Second half the Ghosts' battling qualities earned them a penalty, which was converted by Jason Day, but heavy pressure failed to produce a deserved equaliser. Another youth teamer broke into the senior squad, Ed Skinner causing Wanderers problems with his pace.