Matty Franks' scrambled winner three minutes from time settled a pulsating FA Vase second qualifying round encounter as Fakenham saw off Mildenhall at Clipbush Park.

Franks struck late on to confirm the Ghosts' name goes into the hat for this afternoon's draw for the first round proper.

After an even first half in which Ben Boyce came close to opening the scoring for the hosts, Fakenham finally got their noses in front thanks to Boyce's fine left-foot finish in the 47th minute.

Fakenham goalkeeper Tommy Rix then made an excellent save to deny Craig Nurse from the spot shortly after but the visitors equalised in the 75th minute through Adam Burroughs. The Mildenhall goalscorer almost settled the tie in the 85th minute only to see his effort cannon off the post, allowing Franks to be the hero for the Ghosts.

Great Yarmouth Town also marched on in the Vase thanks to Jason Thompson's strike early in the second half whilst goals from Miguel Lopez and Ian Hunter gave Kirkley & Pakefield victory at home to Newmarket.

Thetford's Vase participation came to an end after a 3-1 defeat against Peterborough Sports.

In the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division Gorleston closed to within a point of leaders Hadleigh thanks to an excellent 3-0 win over the Suffolk side. The Greens took the lead in the 27th minute thanks to a fine individual effort by Bradley Hough and they doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark through Ali McKenna.

The final goal came after 79 minutes when a pass from Mark Goldfinch was intercepted allowing Hough another clear run on goal to give Ben Nower no chance.

Norwich United are also within a point of the summit, with a game in hand, thanks to a 4-3 win at Brantham Athletic. The Planters sit in second place after a topsy-turvy encounter. Adam Hipperson put Norwich in front before the hosts equalised only for Ben Thompson to restore their lead.

Brantham pulled level once again but goals from Adam Bennett and Matt Blake put United in charge and despite conceding again they held on for the points.

In Division One Swaffham Town enjoyed an impressive 2-0 win over Needham Market Reserves thanks to second-half goals from Joe Jackson and Liam Reed.

Downham Town continued their 100pc record at home after a 2-0 victory over Cornard – Karl Tansley and Matty Calvert on target.