Wisbech Town boss disappointed by United Counties League Premier Division North defeat at Hucknall Town

Wisbech Town boss Luke Hipwell said his side looked like a team that hadn't played a competitive fixture since the festive period as they lost their United Counties Premier North relegation six-pointer at the weekend.

The Fenmen suffered a 1-0 defeat at fellow strugglers Hucknall Town who leapfrogged the Fenmen in the league standings as a result of the win.

Niall Towle registered his 22nd goal of the season from a 57th-minute penalty after Solace Uyi-Olaye was brought down.

Hipwell said: "We were too passive, especially in the first half, but equally we had opportunities in transition from winning the ball that we failed to execute with our quality.

"I'm not using it as an excuse but it did show that they'd had a couple of games whereas we hadn't played a competitive game since Boxing Day. That sometimes can be telling.

"I thought they were quicker all over the pitch and they were on the front foot. It wasn't a 'they wanted it more than us type of game' it was more of a game where they demonstrated better quality and they had a lot more moments than us.

"Hopefully, that's got it out of our system. We're a good side and have some good players but it doesn't matter if you've got good players if you don't produce as a collective.

"I'm disappointed and the group are disappointed that we didn't show enough today and it's not often I've said that."

Wisbech are now in 17th place, five points clear of the relegation area but having played three games more than 19th place Shirebrook Town.

With Hucknall, Sleaford and Kimberley Miners Welfare all picking up three points at the weekend, it again makes it a lot tighter towards the bottom as the Fenmen head into Saturday's game at Harrowby United.

"It will be another battle for us," admitted Hipwell.

"If we are not at it in terms of putting in the hard yards I could be saying the same thing, so we've got to make sure that doesn't happen."

Wisbech Town: Lakin, Braham (Gilbert 70), Williams (Falcao 75), Barker, S Harris, Freeman, Lennon (Frew 60), L Harris (Nicholson 86), Conyard, Bennett, Ward (Challinor 60).