Fakenham win at Lakenheath and Heacham narrowly lose at Stowmarket, while Downham Town are edged out at Isthmian League North leaders Maldon and Tiptree

Fakenham Town returned to winning ways yesterday, while there were slender defeats for both Downham Town and Heacham.

The Ghosts were 1-0 winners at Lakenheath in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, Heacham lost by the same score at Stowmarket and Downham suffered the same fate at Isthmian League North title favourites Maldon and Tiptree.

Jake Watts registered his 15th goal of the season from the penalty spot to make sure of the three points.

The win leaves Fakenham fifth in the league standings with two games in hand on three of the sides above them in the table.

Next up for Andy Cunningham's side is a trip to Stowmarket Town on Saturday.

Heacham gave a good account of themselves on the road before falling to a goal in the second half at Stowmarket.

The loss leaves the Magpies 17th in the table ahead of a huge six-pointer at home to basement boys Lakenheath next Saturday.

In the Isthmian League North, Downham Town produced a brave performance in Essex, narrowly losing 1-0 to league leaders Maldon and Tiptree despite being without the services of six players.

Their task became even tougher when they were reduced to ten men after just 17 minutes, with the controversial sending-off of Arthur Visconskis.

Goalkeeper Jasper Briggs was in fine form, making several key saves, including a one-on-one stop from former West Ham striker Freddie Sears.

After a disciplined first half, Downham continued to frustrate their hosts, only for Maldon to finally break through on 63 minutes with a deft finish from Anisius Lewis.

Downham almost levelled soon after when Dylan Kirk’s effort was brilliantly blocked.

The closing stages saw further controversy as Briggs was sent-off for bringing down the last man following confusion over an earlier foul, which subsequently saw Tevan Allen also receive his marching orders.

Despite the defeat, this was a courageous display from a depleted Downham side against the division’s top team.

Next Saturday, Dale Stokes' side entertain fourth-placed Gorleston at the Memorial Field.