Wisbech Town are beaten by Stamford AFC in Northern Premier League Midlands Division match

Wisbech were blown away by a five-star first half performance from hosts Stamford in Saturday's Northern Premier League Midlands Division match.

The Fenmen found themselves facing a strong head wind in the opening period of the match at the Zeeco Stadium.

And they were unable to contain a whirlwind first 45 minutes from their promotion-chasing hosts who scored five times without reply.

Wisbech had gone into the game in Lincolnshire on the back of two solid draws in their last two league outings.

However, they found themselves on the back foot from kick-off as Stamford came close to scoring inside the opening 20 seconds as Zayn Hakeem and Tendai Chitiza linked well to create a path for Cameron Johnson whose well-struck shot was deflected over.

Stamford forced three corners in the opening three minutes as the early onslaught continued and eventually yielded a first goal after nine minutes.

Hakeem was again the provider as his lay-off set Chitiza free and he slotted his shot past the advancing Luke Pearson in the Wisbech goal.

The lead was then doubled five minutes later as Chitiza produced some great play on the left before clipping his cross to the back post where Hakeem's shot was deflected home by Jack Duffy.

Chitiza broke clear again moments later, only to be thwarted by a fine stop from Pearson, before a third goal arrived after 25 minutes.

Connor Bartle's long throw into the Wisbech box wasn't dealt with by the visitors and Johnson got the final touch to deflect it home.

Stamford were now relentless and they didn't let up with two more goals in the latter stages of the first half.

Johnson's was bundled over after a skilful jinking run in the box and Vince converted the resultant spot with his customary aplomb three minutes before half-time.

A fifth goal then arrived in first half stoppage time with Bartle again the provider as his long throw was glanced into the Wisbech net by Freeman.

The Daniels lost Johnson to injury early in the second period as Wisbech - with the elements in their favour - came more into the contest.

However, it was Stamford who still looked the more threatening going forward as Hakeem tested Pearson with a well-struck curling shot from outside the box that the Wisbech keeper saved well.

Toby Allen flashed a shot wide of the far post for the visitors after collecting a clearance from home goalkeeper Dan Wallis while Dylan Edge had an effort deflected wide but Wisbech never offered anywhere near the threat that Stamford had in the first half which was the catalyst for the Daniels' emphatic win.

The defeat leaves the Fenmen without a league win since the middle of September after a run of two draws and four defeats that has seen them drop to second-from-bottom in the standings.

Stamford: Wallis, Armstrong (Wright), Bartle, Vince, Freeman, Blunden, Hakeem (Frew), Jack Duffy, Johnson (Morgan), Chitiza, Jake Duffy. Sub not used: Challinor.

Wisbech: Pearson, Wilson, McLeish, Chingoka, Fairweather, Richards (Keeble), Draper, Murphy (Allen), Edge, Viera (Maddison), Hart. Subs not used: Marshall, McQuaid.