Fakenham were unable to complete a swift double over Thetford Town despite turning in a battling performance at Clipbush Park on Saturday, losing 3-2The Ghosts went into the Ridgeons League Division One encounter in good heart after beating the same side 3-1 on away territory in their previous encounter - but this time they slipped to a narrow defeat.

Fakenham were unable to complete a swift double over Thetford Town despite turning in a battling performance at Clipbush Park on Saturday, losing 3-2

The Ghosts went into the Ridgeons League Division One encounter in good heart after beating the same side 3-1 on away territory in their previous encounter - but this time they slipped to a narrow defeat.

Despite the disappointing result assistant manager Chris Evans was pleased with the performance, saying: “We were very unlucky not to get at least a point today. We have now had a good three weeks and we now look a side capable of winning every game we go into, especially with players like Matty Garrod.”

Fakenham were under no illusion that this game would be easy, despite last week's impressive win.

With a strong wind and driving rain against the home side, conditions were very difficult and Thetford took the lead when a long ball carried from left to right, evading both centre-half Adam Woodhouse and wing-back Mark Critten before Thetford's number nine slotted home, wrong-footing Fakenham's keeper Stockdale.

After 25 minutes, Fakenham gave away a free-kick 25 yards out on the right and Thetford drove home the resulting free-kick into the top corner, giving the keeper no chance.

After an encouraging half-time team talk, Fakenham came out fired up and the game changed completely. Tom Bryant continued to play superbly, Woodhouse and Boyd played well, and captain Garrod was immense at the back in his usual sweeper role.

Up front, Nicky Haines and Ben Darby linked up well, both causing Thetford problems, and in midfield Kevin Whitred was excellent. But it was cometh the hour, cometh the man, and up stepped James Bamford. During the second half he was outstanding, covering every blade of grass for his club, as well as making some robust tackles and linking play well.

Fakenham went three down after what seems to be their Achilles heel - unable to defend a set piece - the resulting cross being headed home from five yards.

Then the fight-back began. Wave after wave of Fakenham attacks put the away side under pressure. After a scramble, nippy winger Mark Critten tapped home for 1-3 and then 10 minutes later the big Martin Fenwick scissor-kicked an unstoppable volley into the top corner. With minutes to go, Adam Woodhouse hit the sweetest of shots from 35 yards out that flew goal-bound with incredible pace towards the top corner. It deserved to go in, but was superbly saved by Thetford's keeper.

The improving Ghosts resume their search for their third league win of the season on Saturday when they play host to Saffron Walden.