Ghosts take all three points while Downham boost play-off aspirations with a point

Fakenham Town were the only Saturday winners in the Thurlow Nunn League while Downham Town returned home with a point from their crunch clash at Dereham this afternoon.The Ghosts came from behind to secure all three points in their 3-2 Premier Division clash against Kirkley and Pakefield at the Daly Group Stadium with Jake Watts netting the all-important winner in injury time.After a goalless first half, Kirkley took the lead four minutes after the restart.It took the home side all of a minute to respond as a long throw from Alex Walpole allowed Jay Myhill cross for Watts to poke home.Walpole then turned provider for Jude Frostick to lob the Ghosts in front, only for Kirkley to cancel out the home side’s advantage directly from a corner in the 78th minute.Just when it looked as though a draw was on the cards, Jack Robinson got in behind the Kirkley defence before cutting the ball back for Watts to smash home his second goal of the afternoon.The win leaves Fakenham sitting 10th in the table.Downham Town did their play-off aspirations no harm at all by preserving their unbeaten league record on the road during an entertaining 2-2 draw at Dereham Town.Bradley Spooner headed Dereham in front before George Watts-Sturrock combined with Matty Prudence to set up James Moore for the equaliser.Watts-Sturrock delivered the corner for Pat Yates to head Downham into the lead going into the break before Charlie Clarke levelled matters after a sustained spell of home pressure in the second half.Both sides had chances to take home all three points in an absorbing advert for the Thurlow Nunn League.After the game, Downham took to X to say: “Upon reflection probably a fair result.”The home side maybe slightly more disappointed not to take the three points after some good moments in and around the box. Both teams with chances to win the game.”The draw leaves Downham fifth and sitting in the final play-off spot in the league table with games in hand on both Thetford Town and Newmarket Town – two of the sides above them in the standings.Elsewhere, Heacham were beaten 2-1 at home by Lakenheath despite taking a 1-0 lead into the interval at the Heacham Sports Field.A brilliant finish from Nathan Davies put the Magpies in front before a second-half brace from Luke Young saw the visitors return home with the three points.Lakenheath were indebted to goalkeeper Ross Bilham who pulled off a couple of excellent saves from Tyler Knowles and Davies to deny Heacham an equaliser.It was tough on Heacham, who have pushed Suffolk outfits Mildenhall and Lakenheath every step of the way in the last fortnight.Heacham handed a debut to young defender Harry Cupitt, signed from near-neighbours Swaffham Town on Saturday morning.In the First Division North, Swaffham Town came from behind to share the spoils in a 1-1 draw at home to Norwich CBS.The Pedlars remain 14th in the league standings.King’s Lynn Town’s game at Alfreton in the National League North was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.