Spot of controversy in Ghosts' last game of season

Fakenham Town's season came to an end in controversial circumstances on Saturday with a 2-1 home defeat by Cornard.

Talking points were three decisions over penalty appeals and the sendings off of two Fakenham players, writes John Cushion.

Despite an encouraging revival since the arrival of manager Wayne Anderson, there were no hopes of avoiding finishing bottom of Ridgeons One, but confidence was high that a second consecutive home win would follow the midweek victory over Swaffham.

However, an 11th-minute ricochet set Cornard's Liam Whittaker up for an easy tap-in and the Ghosts failed to find a response despite good efforts from Darryl Rose, Tom McCarthy and Lee Hyde.

Four minutes into the second half a penalty was awarded against Hyde, who was booked, but justice appeared to have been done when the spot-kick rebounded back into play off the underside of the bar.

Hyde received a talking to from the referee in the 62nd minute, but two minutes later received a second yellow card for a tackle and was off.

With a gap in the centre of defence, Fakenham conceded a soft second goal to Whittaker's header from a left-wing cross on 78 minutes.

Back roared Fakenham with a superb cross from Dan Savory headed home by McCarthy, then strong

claims for a Fakenham penalty were denied.

Salt was rubbed into the Fakenham wounds when, in the final minute - as they pressured the Cornard defence - Rose appeared to be brought down, only to see a second yellow card for alleged diving instead of the spot-kick most home players and spectators expected.

Anderson's long protests to the officials at the final whistle were clearly in vain.

The brightest point of the afternoon was James Bamford being announced as the clear winner of the Supporters' Player of the Season award.

Tomorrow night (Friday) sees the Ghosts' re-union at Clipbush Park to mark the 125th anniversary of the club. Admission is free, with the clubhouse open from 7.30pm (see page 37).