Needham Market 3

It seems that the Fenman are better on their travels this season as a third game at Fenland Park went by without a win in comparison to two good away victories.

But to be fair to them Wisbech were up against a very good Needham side that reached the last four in the Vase last season and Premier Division runners-up.

To their credit though the home side made sure the Needham Market side had been in a game and although they took the lead against the run of play it was not by far their first chance to have scored.

The goal came after 30 minutes when James McManus found himself unmarked on the edge of the box and let fly with fierce low shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Needham though were playing the better football orchestrated by Kevin Horlock, who was plying his trade in the Premier Division not so long back and they were on teams six minutes before the break.

It was goal that upset Fenmen boss Steve Taylor though for he felt the referee should have blown for a foul on Billy Smith when the opposition began the move. But the referee waved play on and the Fenmen defence was opened up by some swift passing for Tom Smith to score from six yards out.

They may have gone in at the break ahead but for a good save from Chris Horton while Smith forced the Needham keeper into a save at the second attempt at the other end.

In the second half Wisbech produced their best football as they switched to 4-4-2 without creating too many clear cut chances although Impey should have done better with one effort from just inside the area, while Horton had to be alert at the other end to stop a further score.

Then Needham went ahead after 75 minutes when sub Danny Smy with almost his first touch cut in from the wing and beat Horton with a well placed lob over his head.

Cubberley was close to an equaliser and Setchell's header beat the keeper but a defender was there to save the day with a diving header off the line.

Four minutes from the end Needham sewed up the points when Glen Snell's left shot from eight yards beat Horton.

Fenmen boss Taylor who had left skipper Lee Day and Scott Cubberley to bring in Jason Pease and Stuart Cobb said: “It was tough game for us against a good side.