Fakenham errors punished by Dereham in Thurlow Nunn Premier Division Boxing Day clash

Fakenham Town manager Alex Walpole believes the club's next few fixtures will be a real test of character for his players.

Back-to-back defeats on either side of Christmas have left the Ghosts hanging on to top spot in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.

First-half goals from Jordan Lake and Harvey Gilham condemned Walpole's side to a 2-0 defeat in the Boxing Day derby against Dereham at Aldiss Park.

Fakenham remain two points clear at the summit but could be overtaken by second-placed Thetford Town, who have three games in hand going into the New Year and host Dereham Town on Saturday.

Speaking after the Dereham loss, Walpole said: "It was a game of fine margins. Neither keeper was massively tested throughout the game and two lapses in concentration have given Dereham two goals.

"In the second half, Dereham were happy to let us have the ball and they tried to hit us on the counter. We didn't do enough with the ball to cause them any issues.

"After the start of the season we had, we've hit a bit of a rut, both performance and result-wise.

"This is where the character of the lads will be tested. The game is easy when things are going well. Now things are a bit tougher we need everyone to dig in."

Fakenham now have a ten-day break before hosting Lakenheath at the Daly Group Stadium on Saturday, January 4.