Downham stretch lead at top table while Fakenham boss Walpole leaves the Ghosts

Downham Town extended their advantage at the top of the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division table this afternoon while Fakenham Town’s title hopes were dented by a defeat.Downham were held to a 1-1 draw by Lakenheath at the Memorial Field, while the Ghosts were beaten 2-1 on their travels at fellow title contenders Brantham Athletic.Despite dominating the opening 15 minutes, it was Downham who fell behind as Valter Rocha headed the visitors ahead against his former club.After a sustained spell of home pressure, Dylan Kirk levelled the score for Dale Stokes’ side going into the interval.That’s the way scored after Downham goalkeeper Harry Sutton pulled off a stunning penalty save to deny Ryan Yallop with ten minutes to go.Although it brought an end to their seven-game winning sequence, the draw took Downham Town six points clear at the top after Thetford Town lost 4-3 at home to Woodbridge.Over in Suffolk, Brantham Athletic took the lead through James Lee, only for returning striker Jake Watts to equalise from the penalty spot with his 32nd goal of the campaign. Joe Heron fired the home side back in front before Brantham goalkeeper Luke Avenell kept his side’s lead intact with a string of fine saves in the final 20 minutes. Te defeat leaves the Ghosts 10 points off top spot, but with two games in hand.After the game, manager Alex Walpole took to X to announce that he’d left the club.Walpole said: “Last night after discussions with the chairman, I stepped down as manager of Fakenham Town. Not how I wanted it to end, but I felt I had no choice. “Wishing the club and the players all the best for the remainder of the season.”It is believed that Neil Jarvis and Stephen Harvey took charge of the side for today’s trip to Suffolk. On Tuesday night, Fakenham Town entertain Mulbarton Wanderers in another big game before they welcome league leaders Downham Town to the Daly Group Stadium in a big derby next Saturday.Heacham – without a game today – will look to do both Fakenham and Downham a huge favour when they host Brantham Athletic at Station Road. In the First Division North, Swaffham Town moved a step closer to relegation after a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Holland.Next weekend, the Pedlars travel to Stanway Pegasus.