Fakenham Town entertain Whitton on Saturday trying to avoid their fourth successive defeat at the start of their Ridgeons First Division season, writes John Cushion.

Fakenham Town entertain Whitton on Saturday trying to avoid their fourth successive defeat at the start of their Ridgeons First Division season, writes John Cushion.

The opening 1-0 defeat at Gorleston, an unlucky one according to fans on both sides who saw the game, has been followed by two defeats at Clipbush Park, 6-1 on Saturday by Saffron Walden (report page 54) and 3-1 by Downham on Tuesday night.

Joint managers Stuart Woodhouse and Mark King must have been pleased at the reaction to Saturday's hammering in the sun. Tuesday's performance showed determination and enterprise, but the defence is still lacking concentration and the forwards a killer touch.

Up front most of the Ghosts' more promising efforts are coming from Karl Pask, whose non-stop efforts deserved at least one goal midweek.

Fakenham Town 1, Downham 3

Downham took a 22nd minute lead through Liam Forshaw, who rose virtually unchallenged to head home a corner from the right.

The Ghosts hit back immediately, skipper Jason Cole's fine strike lifting both his colleagues and the crowd.

In the second half Pask and Mark Betts looked likely to score, although Cameron Brown in the home goal was nearly surprised by a header which he tipped onto a post as he arched backwards.

But all the Ghosts' promise faded when a complete lack of concentration allowed Sam Garner to line up a 62nd minute strike to restore Downham's lead.

Pask had a shot blocked on the line and was narrowly off target with several more good efforts, but Tim Kavanagh wrapped up the points in the 85th minute.