Ghosts lose league title on goal difference on dramatic final day

One of the most enthralling Thurlow Nunn Premier Division seasons in history went down to the final few minutes as Fakenham Town suffered title heartbreak this afternoon.The morning league leaders won their ninth consecutive game by beating Dereham Town 2-1 at the Daly Group Stadium.But there was still a further twist in a final reckoning as Brantham Athletic – level on points but three goals worse off than the Ghosts – thrashed nine-man Hadleigh 6-0 to snatch the title from the Norfolk side by two goals.It leaves Fakenham second in the final standings and with the prospect of a home game against Walsham le Willows or Mulbarton Wanderers in the play-off semi-finals on Saturday.Walsham’s final game against Cornard was postponed with The Ards unable to raise a team, so the league will likely award Walsham the points, unless league officials force the two sides to play the game.Downham Town were 2-1 victors against Heacham at the Memorial Field to set up a home semi-final against Ely City on Saturday.Dereham’s Rhys Logan put Blois through, but he dragged his shot wide when well placed in the 28th minute. They were immediately punished when King’s Lynn Town loanee Fin Whiteley struck the Magpies’ bar with a fierce shot and Jake Watts netted the rebound to put Fakenham in front with his 41st goal of the campaign. Louis Henman- Mason fired inches wide for the Ghosts in the 42nd minute as the home side went in search of a second.Dereham goalkeeper Ben Selft tipped Watts’ effort over the woodwork as the home side upped the pressure in the second half.From the resulting corner, Dylan Coslett climbed highest to double Fakenham’s advantage. Fakenham were still at the summit until Brantham registered two goals in quick succession in their one-sided clash against Hadleigh.Lewis Sturman curled a free-kick just wide of the post while Fin Whiteley was denied by a brilliant save from Self after finding himself one-on-one with the visiting goalkeeper. The Ghosts needed one more goal to regain top spot, until Jamie North pulled a goal back for the Magpies with 12 minutes remaining.North lifted the ball over the ball over advancing keeper to reduce the deficit and effectively end Fakenham’s dreams of winning the title.` In the other Premier Division game this afternoon, Charlie Royle scored twice against former club Heacham, who had taken the lead at the Memorial Field through Toby Hilliard, who was sent-off in the first half for the Magpies.Fakenham Town: Pearson, Rasberry, Coslett, Sturman, Wright, Mayhew, Keeley, Henman-Mason, Watts, Whiteley, Mcintyre. Subs: Middleton, Henman, Bonner, Poore, Densley.Attendance: 752.