RIDGEONS LEAGUE: Fakenham Town must quickly overcome the disappointment of losing their opening league game of the season at Long Melford ahead of Saturday's visit to Gorleston in the FA Cup.

Fakenham Town must quickly overcome the disappointment of losing their opening league game of the season at Long Melford ahead of Saturday's visit to Gorleston in the FA Cup.

The Ghosts are likely to be without Danny Tanti, who needed six staples in a wound on the back of his head after leaving the action at Long Melford at half-time, and Mark Critten continues to be unavailable as he tries to sort out some breathing difficulties.

But ready for selection for the extra preliminary round FA Cup tie are Adam Woodhouse and Martin Fenwick.

Joint managers Stuart Woodhouse and Mark King travelled to Long Melford hoping for a result, and Woodhouse admitted to being very disappointed at the 2-1 defeat. He acknowledged that Gorleston, tipped for promotion, will represent a sterner test at Emerald Park and anticipated a more defensive approach.

Two lapses of concentration in defence cost Fakenham two first-half goals at Long Melford after they had dominated the opening 35 minutes, said Woodhouse. A goal after 35 minutes was followed by another just before half-time.

With Jason Day on for Tanti, hurt in a clash of heads, the Ghosts again had the most of possession second half but failed to score until five minutes from time, through Mark Betts, after Ben Darby had forced a good save from the keeper and Liam Campbell had a good chance at the far post.

Looking back on pre-season, Woodhouse felt the squad may not have had enough playing time and needed a few games to settle. They did not have enough friendlies for players to get a full 90 minutes, he thought.

Squad at Long Melford: Stockdale, Whitred, Tagg, Raisbury, Knowles, Tanti, Bamford, Betts, Campbell, Darby, Delicata, Haynes, Hooks, Day.

Fakenham Town Reserves kick off their Anglian Combination Division Two season at Reepham Town on Tuesday (6.30pm).

The Ghosts' reserves have been drawn at home to Thorpe Village in the first round of the Norfolk Junior Cup on September 20.

In the first round of the Primary Cup on September 27, Fakenham Town A have a home draw against West Lynn Riverside.