Downham beat Ghosts in derby clash

Life at Downham Town couldn’t be better – just ask the joint management team of Craig Dickson and Dale Stokes.

Their side has taken to the Premier Division like a duck to water after making it eight games unbeaten at home to Fakenham Town on Wednesday night.

James Moore’s sixth goal of the campaign was enough to overcome the Ghosts at the SCL Memorial Field as Downham moved up to third in the league table.

It was a tight affair and Downham’s squad was stretched to the limit with three of the club’s regular centre halves missing for the derby clash.

But their replacements stood up to the test and a delighted Dickson said: “It is always difficult to adapt when you are making changes in the team and even more so when you have to change a settled back four, which we’ve had for most of the season.

“But it shows the quality in this squad and I’m delighted to pick up another three points. I’d say it’s the best group of players that the club has ever had.

“We’re so lucky to have players who have remained loyal to the club when we missed out on promotions and it is all coming good now.

“We will keep building and see where we end up at the end of the season.”

Moore’s second-half strike from just outside the box was worthy of winning any game.

The 16-year-old was a constant thorn in Fakenham’s side with his tireless running throughout the 90 minutes.

Fakenham just about shaded the first-half exchanges, although neither goalkeeper had a serious save to make.

The second half was a different story as the home side assumed control after a couple of tactical tinkers by their management team.

“At half-time we had a chat as a group as Fakenham’s intensity off the ball was superb in the opening 45 minutes,” said Dickson.

“There were a few openings that we highlighted and the boys adapted very well to the changes. The game instantly had a change of focus and we were able to control it for longer periods.”

Downham are without a game at the weekend and Dickson sees it as a blessing.

“We would play every weekend if we could but a weekend off will be nice,” he said.

“We’ve got a few injuries that need a rest and it has probably come at a good time.”

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