Ghosts go third with win while Downham Town make it back-to-back wins

Fakenham Town and Downham both tasted victory on their travels in the Thurlow Nunn League this afternoon while there were defeats for both Heacham and Swaffham Town.The Ghosts are flying high in the early league standings after a fine 5-1 victory over Woodbridge Town.Alex Walpole’s free-scoring side raced into a 4-0 interval lead thanks to goals from Luke Middleton (2), Jack Robinson, and Jake Watts.Watts made it 5-0 with his second goal of the match and ninth of the season in the 59th minute before the Essex side netted a consolation goal 15 minutes from time.Downham Town also continued their climb up the league table after making it back-to-back league wins with a hard-fought 2-1 victory on the road at Hadleigh United.Midfielder Eoin McQuaid was at the double in the first half as the visitors held a two-goal advantage going into the break.The hosts pulled one back with 15 to go to set up a nail-biting finish but Downham defended well and held on to take all three points. There was no luck for Heacham who suffered a narrow 2-1 loss to Thetford Town in an entertaining clash at the Heacham Sports Field. George Diggens fired the Brecklenders in front before Toby Hilliard was shoved over in the box and picked himself up to level matters from the penalty spot.Heacham goalkeeper Aaron Watson and his opposite number Ryan Dickerson both had inspired games between the posts as the game ebbed and flowed in a fantastic first half.The visitors had a good spell at the start of the second half and punished an error from the Magpies’ defence as Kieran Money blasted into the top right corner. There was still time for Dickerson to deny Heacham substitute Tyler Reeve with a wonder save late on while the Magpies felt aggrieved at not being awarded a second spot-kick after George Hutton was cleaned out in the box.On Tuesday night, Heacham host Fakenham Town in a local derby, looking to avenge their 4-3 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season. In the First Division North, Swaffham Town remain rooted to the bottom of the table following a 2-0 home reverse to Pinchbeck United.The Pedlars have picked up just one point from their opening eight fixtures, conceding 24 goals in the process.Next Saturday they travel to Wivenhoe Town.