Both sides squander penalty chances

RIDGEONS ONE: Fakenham Town again let home points slip in a 1-1 draw with Godmanchester, failing to cash in on a penalty after Tom Rix had saved a spot-kick and kept the Ghosts in the game at 1-1 with two more fine stops.

Fakenham upped their game in the second half, especially when substitutions were made. In the 53rd minute Rix saved a Godmanchester penalty but watched in anguish as skipper Stephen Harvey saw his tamely-hit spot kick saved at the other end after 80 minutes.

Swaffham went down 4-0 at home to March, who hit a post in the fourth minute. Craig Burton and Will O’Brien countered and provided an opportunity for Jack Webber, whose lob cleared the bar.

Dean Mayes came to the Pedlars’ rescue in the 15th minute, pushing a shot round a post. In the 21st minute Jack Webber, returning from injury, pulled a hamstring and was replaced by Robert Powley.

The deadlock was broken in the 56th minute, a March free-kick met brilliantly by an overhead kick by Escozcio, Mayes standing no chance.

Swaffham were still in shock when Escozcio bagged his second in the 62nd minute, breaking through to slot home past Mayes.

With the exception of an effort by O’Brien, skillfully pushed over by Lee Brookes, it never looked like being Swaffham’s day. The final damage was done in the 88th and 90th minutes, captain Luke Pepper and Ash Brand adding their names to the scoresheet.

For the first time this season, the Pedlars put in a disappointing performance, injuries to players no excuse.

Second-placed Diss, without a game, saw Cambridge University Press extend their lead by only one point following a 1-1 draw at Halstead. Gorleston, who pushed for promotion last season, did their cause good with a 2-1 win at Saffron Walden to go fifth while Thetford had a 2-1 home win over Downham.