Fakenham Town marched on in the FA Vase by knocking out twice-finalists Newport Pagnell 2-1 this afternoon while Downham Town saw their cup dream ended with a 2-0 reverse at Great Wakering Rovers.
The Ghosts came from behind to book their place in their last 64 of the national competition and could even afford the luxury of missing a late penalty in an eventful tie at the Daly Group Stadium.
Visiting Newport Pagnell – Vase winners in 2022 and finalists earlier this year – took the lead through Dan Walker as half-time approached in Norfolk.
But Fakenham replied almost immediately as Louis Henman-Mason equalised on the stroke of the interval.
The Ghosts took the lead 20 minutes from time as Jay Myhill – booked earlier in the half – curled home what turned out to be the winning goal.
Swans goalscorer Walker saw an effort cleared off the line before visiting goalkeeper Lewi Patching saved a Fakenham penalty in stoppage time.
Meanwhile, Downham Town had their chances in Essex before succumbing to a Callum Boylan brace in the second half.
Downham didn’t arrive at their destination until 30 minutes before the kick-off time and, despite making a slow start, should have headed into the interval with their noses in front.
Defender Pat Yates was sent off a minute into the second half – and Downham’s hopes of making further progress went with him.
Boylan opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the second half before doubling his side’s advantage at Burroughs Park seven minutes later.
Elsewhere this afternoon, Heacham were without a game in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.
In the First Division North, Swaffham Town bounced back to winning ways with a 2-1 success at Wivenhoe Town.
