Wisbech's new signings impress but individual mistakes lead to defeat

jeremy.ransome@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 21:29, 25 September 2021

| Updated: 22:30, 25 September 2021

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Wisbech Town 0, Carlton Town 3

Pitching In Northern Premier League Midland Division

A match against third placed Carlton may have looked like a guaranteed defeat before kick off for a Wisbech team in 17th spot, but, had the stars aligned slightly differently, the Fenmen could have been celebrating at least a point this evening.

Brett Whaley's men matched their Nottingham opponents for most of the match and enjoyed several spells in the ascendancy, but three poor individual mistakes led to the Millers taking the spoils, whereas at the other end, the home team were profligate with their chances.

The four new faces introduced to supporters at Fountain Fresh Park all showed signs of bright futures at the club, but unfortunately, some of those who have impressed this season were off their game. If they'd been on it, this result could have been so different.

Of the new men, only defensive midfielder Daniel Palacios started and he impressed in front of another makeshift defence, left backs Tom Mcleish and captain Liam Marshall taking it in turns to partner Jon Fairweather in the first half.

Carlton keeper Kieran Preston denies Toby Allen

Palacios is strong and likes to tackle – when Wisbech get a regular central defensive partnership flowing, he could play a pivotal role in front of them.

Former West Ham academy player and Equatorial Guinea international central defender Roque Nchaso, who has not yet trained with the team, replaced Mcleish at the break and looked calm and capable despite getting caught out positionally a few times as he adapts to the way the team plays.

Striker Florian Tsaguim, on loan from National League side King's Lynn Town, gave the team real energy and purpose after replacing the lacklustre Avi Vieira at the break, and the former March Town youngster could prove to be a real fans' favourite with his running, skills and enthusiasm.

Wilson Chingoka, formerly of Isthmian League outfit Northwood Town, only had 10 minutes to impress as substitute but did enough to suggest he could also be a key player and was unlucky not to get on the end of a Tsaguim cross after a lung-bursting run.

Daniel Palacios impressed on his home debut

Wisbech made a strong start against Carlton on Saturday and should have taken the lead after four minutes. A great ball into the box resulted in an instinctive shot from Toby Allen being blocked before Liam Adams pounced, only for keeper Kieran Preston to save brilliantly with his legs.

After 17 minutes, Preston was Carlton's hero again, rushing out to deny Danny Draper on the edge of the box. And that save was vital, as a long ball forward was misjudged by makeshift central defender Tom Mcleish and Carlton's first chance was converted into a goal by Louis Czerwak.

Seven minutes later and another individual mistake made it 2-0, keeper Charlie Congreve rushing out to a long throw he was never going to meet. It was nodded on, giving Niall Davie the easiest of headers home. Congreve can make some great saves but is at least the fourth time a rush of blood to the head has cost his team a goal this season.

Avi Vieira had a disappointing afternoon

The goals were such a pity as Wisbech were playing with an impressive intensity. After 38 minutes, Liam Adams skinned his man on the right but his delicious low cross in front of the goal deserved better anticipation fromVieira and Allen.

Mcleish, not a natural centre back by any means, was perhaps unlucky to be replaced by Nchaso at the break, and Tsaguim came on for the disappointing Vieira.

Carlton sat back and their relaxed attitude clearly showed they thought the points were in the bag. Unfortunately, Wisbech did not have enough going forward to prove otherwise.

The closest they went was in the 68th minute when Tsaguim went on one of several menacing runs and crossed a dangerous ball into the area. It was cleared for a corner, from which Nchaso's header went just wide.

But the defender was at fault two minutes from the end when he failed to clear his lines and Tyler Johal completed a scoreline for the visitors which was somewhat generous.

Wisbech Town (4-3-3): Congreve; Hart, Fairweather, Mcleish (Nchaso 46 mins), Marshall; Draper, Palacios, McQuaid (Chingoka 81); Allen, Vieira (Tsaguim 46), Adams. Subs (not used): Williams, Thompson.

Bookings: Adams (Wisbech), Holmes (Carlton) – fouls.