Wisbech manager praises his young-guns and assistant boss after home draw

Leon Mettam was full of praise for his young side after seeing them give promotion-chasing Newark & Sherwood United an almighty scare at Fountain Fresh Park.

The Fenmen came from behind to draw United Counties League Premier Division North clash 2-2 in a game they dominated for long spells. [Report and photos here]

Rob Conyard and Danny Brooks were both on target for the Fenmen who put their heavy defeat at Deeping Rangers last week firmly behind them.

"I think it was probably two points dropped but in reality I would have taken a point before we started.

"We've been on a bad run of games and a bad run of defeats, not through the want of trying. but more through a lack of luck and know-how really.

"They're sixth in the league and credit to our lads. I think if you ask Jonno (D'Laryea) and Dennis (Rhule) in the next changing room, I think they will know that they got away with one today.

"They had one shot on target in the first half and scored and one shot in the second half which went in. We've had two cleared off the line, shots going in on the goalkeeper and umpteen corners on the money, but the ball wouldn't really run for us.

"In spells we've been really, really good today, we've not just had the luck that we've deserved, but I'm proud of the lads."

On debutant Arrun Jones, who signed for the club in midweek, Mettam added: "He was excellent. Some of his balls and flicks around the corner gave our strikers a chance to get up the pitch."

Mettam also complimented assistant manager Danny Brooks who came into the side as a centre-half with both Max Matless and Owen Howard missing through suspension.

"He is brilliant for me and he knows what I think of him," said the Wisbech boss.

"We were between a rock and a hard place with losing Max and finding out that another one of our defenders was suspended yesterday, so I asked Danny to do a job in there.

"He's not a defender by trade but I thought he did really well. He won all of his first contacts and we knew the only way they could hurt us was with their pace in behind, but we knew that was the case and Wardy (Chris Ward) covered around well.

"Danny got his just rewards with his free-kick, that's what he brings you."