PAUL Bass scored goals 23 and 24 of his season when Godmanchester Rovers beat Fakenham Town 2-0 at Bearscroft Lane on Saturday.

The striker, who has chalked up the goals despite missing three months of the campaign with an ankle injury, scored a penalty in the feisty clash before heading home a John Turner cross late on to secure the points.

The result means that Goddy are lying comfortably in second in Division One of the Ridgeons Eastern Counties League with two promotion places to the Premier Division up for grabs.

Joint manager Nev Nania says: “We only need 12 points from out final seven games – so it’s all in our hands.”

“We could be celebrating promotion in Essex at Brightlingsea Regent on Easter Monday if we win our next three games.”

Seeing as Goddy have only lost one league game this season – to March Town United back in August – and drawn three of their 23, that ambition is certainly attainable.

Tempers flared a few times in the first half against Fakenham and the visitors were lucky to still have 10 players on the field. But at the back, their central defender Lee Day was excellent and he kept out at least two good Goddy chances from Turner and Mike Hyem.

For the second half the Rovers management duo made some changes, introducing defender Rob Stamper, and moving Jason King into midfield. “These changes plus a strong dressing room conversation paid dividends,” said Nania.

The breakthrough came on 65 minutes when James Hall was fouled in the area and Bass calmly slotted home his spot kick.

Turner had a great shot tipped over the crossbar after that – but Goddy went down to 10 men when Mike Hyem a red carded following a sliding tackle.

No Matter: Turner made a great break down the right and found Bass at the far post with a superb cross.

The striker’s header secured the points.

“Bassy is a big strong lad,” said Nania, “but he suffers from injuries. If it wasn’t for his injuries he would be playing at a higher level.”