Walthamstow v Fakenham Town preview

Walthamstow return to Wadham Lodge this weekend as they host Fakenham Town in the Isthmian League.

Stow have had a tough spell of results recently, losing to Hashtag United in the Essex Senior Cup and Felixstowe & Walton United in the Isthmian League – putting in good performances but being on the wrong side of the results.

However on Wednesday evening, Stow lost 3-1 at Grays Athletic who deserved the three points on the evening. Sam Wade and Gabriel Chapps gave the hosts a 2-0 lead before Elijah Grant pulled one back for the Stow before half time. Grays added a third in the second half through Chapps again.

Our visitors – The Ghosts

Fakenham Town currently sit bottom of the Isthmian League table, winning only once away at Canvey Island 3-1. Their most recent league game was at home against top of the league Newmarket Town. Josh Lee gave the Jockeys the lead half an hour in, before Ben Nolan’s goal in the second half secured the three points.

The Ghosts were in midweek action as they hosted fellow Isthmian North side Takeley in the Isthmian League Cup First Round. Former Stow striker Charlie Heatley gave Takeley the lead from the penalty spot, but the hosts drew level through Valter De Rocha. Takeley were the ones who progressed to the next round thanks to Joshua Sykes’ winner in the 83rd minute.

In the other cup competitions, Fakenham got to the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup beating Eynesbury Rovers and St Ives Town on their way. They were drawn against Southern Central side Ware and were forced to a replay after a 3-3 draw at Wodson Park. In the replay, Ware won 3-1 with both sides going down to 10 men. This season is Fakenham’s first ever at Step 4, meaning it was their first FA Trophy campaign. The Ghosts beat Wroxham in the First Qualifying Round, but were defeated by Waltham Abbey in the next round.

Previous meetings

The two sides have already met this season in the first league game of the season, where the points were shared in a 1-1 draw. Ali Njie scored the opener in the 55th minute, but Fakenham went right up the other end and equalised through Jake Watts.