Fakenham Town flying high at last

Fakenham Town, for the last two seasons the whipping boys of the Ridgeons First Division, go into their home match with Stowmarket on Saturday top of the league, albeit after just two games.

Manager Wayne Anderson, in his first full season in charge, reckons it's seven years since the Ghosts held such a position. “The lads have done me proud,” he said after the opening home 1-1 draw with Halstead was followed by a 1-0 win at Gorleston on Tuesday night.

When he came to Clipbush Park he brought in a clutch of former King's Lynn players. They have stayed loyal to the club, and pre-season Anderson increased his squad to 21, including Anglian Combination Gayton striker Nicky Bunting who showed he can score at the higher level on Saturday. Players from his former club Downham have joined Anderson, who has especially high hopes for winger Ben Coe.

“Last season we were fielding a lot of youth team players and running them into the ground. This time I have not got to do that. It gives them a chance to progress at a reasonable pace, learning from experienced players.”

A streamlined committee is headed by new chairman Geoff Saunders, a former player and manager. “We need to get back to a winning theme,” he said before the season started. “I want people to come here and feel wanted, and I want to get the local atmosphere we used to have at Baron's Hall Lawn (the Ghosts' home before the move to Clipbush Park).”

Of the win at Gorleston, Anderson said: “Another great performance.”

The winning goal, early in the game, was sparked by a great ball from Jason Pease which set up Darryl Rose to turn his full back and set up Sam Garner for an effort which lobbed over the keeper. The Ghosts kept the Greens out of the game by dropping deep and playing a bank of five midfield. Tom Rix made a couple of vital saves. Bunting, after 70 minutes playing the lone striker's role, was relieved by Rose, and Jake Betts' pace was introduced on the flank.