Thurlow Nunn Premier Division Fakenham Town back on track

Fakenham Town face a challenging run of fixtures to end the season – but they are more than up for the task, writes Gareth Davis.

That’s the verdict of joint caretaker boss Neil Jarvis ahead of the 12th-placed Ghosts’ final five matches of 2014/15. All of their remaining opponents are above them in the table, starting with Saturday’s home clash against fourth-placed Kirkley & Pakefield (3pm) which is quickly followed by Tuesday’s visit to Stanway Rovers, who are currently third. Jarvis says the players are looking forward to the challenge – especially on the back of a 2-0 win at home to Whitton United on Saturday and an excellent 0-0 draw at champions-elect Norwich United 48 hours later.

Jarvis said: “There are some really tough games to come but if we apply ourselves like we did over the weekend we know we can keep getting the results.

“The likes of Kirkley at home this Saturday, and Stanway away – these are the games you look forward to as a player. Against the better teams you’re up for it, and I know as a manager that I haven’t got to work too hard to get the lads up for these matches.

“I think that, when the boys are at it and bring their A game, they are a match for most teams in this league. It was great to get back on track over the weekend, the lads were overjoyed with the results, and now we’re looking forward to the last five games.”

The win against Whitton, Fakenham’s first game under the caretaker management team of Jarvis and striker Robbie Harris, ended a five-game losing streak.

Sam Garner’s fifth of the campaign opened the scoring on 38 minutes before Harris’ 14th wrapped up the points. That was then followed with a draw at Norwich, who are 14 points clear at the top. Striker Scott Gray is also back at Fakenham and made his return as a sub on Monday.

The reserves head to Mattishall in Division Three of the Anglian Combination (2.30pm), having won 3-2 at Freethorpe last Saturday.