Wisbech boss praise players after crucial home win against Newark & Sherwood United in UCL Premier Division North

Wisbech manager Luke Hipwell was delighted for his players after seeing them strengthen their United Counties Premier North survival hopes on Saturday.

Ethan Wilson scored the only goal of the game as the Fenmen moved five points clear of the drop zone after a 1-0 home success over mid-table Newark & Sherwood United.

The hosts could even afford the luxury of a missed penalty from Rob Conyard in the second half.

"I think it's a brilliant three points," said Hipwell.

"I've said it numerous times since I've been here, the group have been brilliant.

"We had a group of 17 today. I think we've got five or six injuries with Ellis Perry-Burdett, Max Mattless, Kyle Barker, Sam Murphy and a few others but that's a good side out there today and I think we could have probably scored a few more.

"I think first half it could have been 2-2 potentially but we had the better of the chances second half obviously with the penalty, but these things happen.

"Rob (Conyard) is a goalscorer and his hold-up play and the way he brought players into it was brilliant.

"We were great to a man all over the pitch and they're a good side. They're good going forward and they tested us with a long throw and things like that but we stood up and we certainly were counted.

"That lifts us to about 14th now so it's getting tight down there, but it's another good win.

"I look at the overall points average and we're looking more like can we get in the play-offs if you take away the first seven games as opposed to looking down.

"It's a nice winning feeling for the supporters as well, who were fantastic again today and the young lads, I think it was the under-14s, I thought they were superb and it creates a little bit of atmosphere as well.

"I'm pleased to go into Christmas with a win.

The Wisbech boss praised Wilson's winning free-kick early in the proceedings at Fountain Fresh Park.

"He's got great technique and sometimes I give him a bit of a hard time but I just see the quality in the lads and if they can just become more consistent because we're good players," said Hipwell.

"That's a great free-kick, I think. To get that from that distance up and over the wall it was brilliant and he's another one who has come off with an injury.

"He's another young lad who I think has got the levels in him, he just needs to become consistent a little bit more consistent with certain things."

The Fenmen's matchwinner was forced off the pitch with a hamstring injury six minutes before the break and youngster Noah Freeman was forced into the action early.

"To come in as another young lad and play like that is a testament to his mentality and thanks to Jimmy and Peterborough United in terms of what they do for him.

"I thought Luke Gilbert looked assured at the back when he came on as well and I've always said that I'm willing to give young players the chance.

"I want a side and a squad here that can evolve and it's about looking at the longevity as opposed to looking at the here and now. "We have to look at the here and now but these lads can do that.

"Our back five are an average age of about 22 between them and if you take Ollie out I think they're even younger, and he was superb today as well.

"I thought they were great and I think we've only conceded ten goals, something like that since we beat Bourne Town here, which is great and we're creating chances and should be scoring probably more goals than we are.

"Equally speaking, you always give yourself a chance if you're not conceding and I'm not worried about us going forward.

"We've got great players attacking-wise and I do think someone is going to get two, three or four past them soon."

Wisbech: Lakin, Wilson (Freeman 38), Williams, Nicholson, Harris, Braham, Bennett (Gilbert 80), Falcao, Conyard, Lennon, Ward (Foster 87). Subs (not used): Langford, Cavozzi.

Attendance: 146.