Ghosts seek a quick league double

Fakenham Town have little time to draw breath after recording only their second league win of the season before going for a quick double. Thetford Town, whom they beat away at the weekend, come to Clipbush Park (3pm) on Saturday in the return Ridgeons League Division One match.

Ghosts' joint manager Mark King had believed another win was just a matter of time: “We have been playing well for a number of weeks now, and we managed to get that win, which we definitely deserved.”

His colleague Stuart Woodhouse thought: “We now have that win we needed, and with the draw the previous week we are rapidly improving - you could even say that's promotion form!”

Fakenham must now stay focused for the Thetford visit. It promises to be a very exciting game and a good prospect for the home fans, whose extra support could make the difference.

Thetford Town 1, Fakenham Town 3

THE Ghosts finally snatched that elusive second win of the season with a clinical performance at Thetford on a blustery afternoon.

After the previous week's 0-0 draw with Debenham LC, who bounced back to beat runaway league leaders Tiptree, the Ghosts went into the Thetford game in high spirits.

The management team were relieved to be able to name an almost unchanged squad with the only exception being Ben Darby, missing through illness, writes Kieran Bacon.

Fakenham had to contend with the wind and slope working against them in the first half. Thetford were quick out of the blocks, putting pressure on the Fakenham defence without creating many clear-cut opportunities. The closest they came was from a free-kick after five minutes that sailed wide of Stockdale's goal.

As the Fakenham defence became accustomed to the swirling wind, Thetford's long-ball tactics seemed to be paying few dividends. But they broke the deadlock on 37 minutes when Fakenham captain Garrod was adjudged to have fouled a Thetford player. The penalty decision seemed harsh and Thetford scored to take the lead.

The Ghosts were pleased with their first-half display, showing discipline and solidity under pressure. The onus was on Fakenham to capitalise on the weather conditions and make sure that they made the trip home with three points in the bag.

They started positively, looking to test the defence with long balls over the top, pressing Thetford up the pitch.

After forcing Thetford to drop off in anticipation of the long ball, Fakenham got the ball down and played composed football. This nearly produced a goal as Whittred tested the goalkeeper with a shot from the edge of the area.

Fakenham got a deserved equaliser when a well-delivered free-kick from Woodhouse was flicked into the back of the net by Whittred at the far post.

From that point there could be only one winner, with Fakenham having all the play. Substitute Connolly twice went close, utilizing his electric pace to create space and worry the home defence. However, Fakenham still needed to find the finishing touch that would seal the win.

That was provided by striker Haynes who pounced on a loose ball in the area to nod home from six yards. A free-kick from near the left corner flag caused a scramble in the Thetford penalty box, with the ball bouncing up for Haynes to put Fakenham into the lead.

Fakenham sought to put the game beyond doubt and with five minutes remaining Bamford arrived late in the area to power a diving header into the bottom corner of the net. Haynes had worked well to get in a left-foot cross into the path of the oncoming midfielder to score.

Cue a mixture of relief and adulation on the bench. However, with just a few minutes to go Fakenham allowed Thetford opportunities with a series of needless fouls around the area and some slack defending.

Stockdale just managed to tip over a header from close range to deny the Thetford a lifeline.

As the final whistle went a renewed optimism was found in the dressing room with many believing that avoiding last position in the division is a distinct possibility.

Team: Daniel Stockdale, Ian Raisbury, Matthew Garrod, Adam Woodhouse, Mark Critten, Martin Fenwick, James Bamford, Kevin Whittred, Tom Bryant, Kieran Bacon, Nick Haynes Subs: John connolly, Andrew Morgan, Mark King.