Fakenham Town's caretaker boss Neil Jarvis is hoping for a swift rise in temperatures - so his side's new found confidence can be put to the test.Since taking over last month the former Ghosts' player has guided the bottom side in Ridgeons League Division One to a morale-boosting first win of the season against Diss, while his second game in charge at Downham was another competitive affair, with the hosts edging it 2-1.

Fakenham Town's caretaker boss Neil Jarvis is hoping for a swift rise in temperatures - so his side's new found confidence can be put to the test.

Since taking over last month the former Ghosts' player has guided the bottom side in Ridgeons League Division One to a morale-boosting first win of the season against Diss, while his second game in charge at Downham was another competitive affair, with the hosts edging it 2-1.

Jarvis was hoping to see more progress made at the weekend, but Fakenham's scheduled home fixture against March Town United fell victim to the big freeze and now he has his sights set on another winnable game at fellow strugglers Long Melford on Saturday - weather permitting, of course.

“It was no surprise that the game was called off on Saturday but it was still a big disappointment,” said Jarvis.

“Everyone was on a high after the win against Diss and the lads also put in a good battling performance against Downham, even though we lost the game.

“We were looking forward to playing March and hopefully maintaining the improved form and building up a little bit of momentum but unfortunately the weather had the final say.

“Having looked at the forecast there's obviously a chance that the Long Melford game will go the same way, but we'll just have to see about that.

“Whenever we play again we'll be looking to show we're moving in the right direction.”

Fakenham's recent modest improvement since losing their opening 12 league fixtures has coincided with the arrival of five players who used to ply their trade with the now defunct King's Lynn.

Goalkeeper Tommy Rix, defender Matthew Gilchrist, midfielders Steve Harvey and Tom McCarthy and striker Jordan Penty have given the Ghosts a much needed shot in the arm, and Jarvis is cautiously optimistic that the club will soon emerge from their lengthy slump.

“It has been a difficult 18 months or so, there's no doubt about that,” said Jarvis, who well remembers far happier days for Fakenham during his playing days.

“It's sad to see your club struggle, especially after so many successful years, but with the money so tight it's not easy to attract players.

“There is a core of good youngsters at the club but they have been thrown in at the deep end and when you are losing week in, week out it can become very demoralising. You need the right blend of youth and experience in any side.

“But bringing in the lads from King's Lynn has helped a lot and hopefully we can continue the improvement we have shown in recent weeks. We have got games in hand on the sides above us and it would be nice to get off the bottom and start moving up the table.”

Jarvis was only too happy to step into the managerial hot-seat when the call came - but doesn't want the job full-time.

“I'm also looking after the under-18s this season, which I really enjoy, so I am very busy at the moment,” said the caretaker, who is finding it difficult to find time to watch his sons Ryan (Leyton Orient) and Rossi (Luton Town) in action.

“I'll do the job until the end of the season but will be quite happy to step aside if the club appoints someone else in the meantime.”