Wisbech claim all three points against Long Sutton in derby clash
A superb team performance saw Wisbech Town men's 1sts claim all three points against local rivals Long Sutton.
The two sides met at Harecroft Road in a keenly contested Division One North clash.
The visitors started the stronger of the two sides and took an early lead through McKenzie East, but Wisbech grew into the game and slowly began to dictate possession.
Chances remained limited, but Player-of-the-Game Danny Haynes managed to get Wisbech back on level terms, deflecting Charlie Baxter’s cross into the back of the net.
Wisbech maintained control of possession, but Long Sutton were a continual threat on the counter and restored their lead shortly before half-time through Josh Baker.
A strong second-half showing from the hosts turned the game in their favour. Baxter and Hayne combined again to see the latter complete his brace with a deft finish at the back post.
With the scores level, Wisbech tightened defensively, limiting the visitors’ attacking opportunities and creating chances of their own on the counter, setting Ryan Jackson through on goal only for the Wisbech forward to be brought down by the Long Sutton goalkeeper, resulting in a penalty shot.
Wisbech skipper Tom Jupp duly stepped up to fire home and put his side ahead with ten minutes to play.
A tense ending to the game saw tempers flare, but Wisbech held their composure to see out the game and secure a vital win.
This weekend the men travel to Cambridge University 2nds hoping to climb the league table.
The Ladies’ 1sts lost 6-0 Cambridge City 4ths where Player-of-the-Game Lexie Klibanecz making a series of excellent saves in the Wisbech.
The ladies will get the opportunity to bounce back on home soil on Saturday, when they host St Neots.
The Ladies’ 2nds hosted Division 3 North West league leaders Bourne-Deeping, putting in a strong defensive performance led by Player of the Game Sharon Empson, and Ali Mason, while goalkeeper Georgia Ellis made a number of strong saves.
The visitors broke the deadlock after 20 minutes before doubling their advantage in the second half.
Wisbech will get the opportunity to bounce back when they travel to Pelicans this weekend.
A late goal for hosts St Neots denied the Mens 2nds a point in their Division Two North West clash.
Mike Lawrence was on the scoresheet for Wisbech, before the hosts equalised from a penalty corner to leave the game finely poised at half-time.
Just as it appeared the game was heading for a draw, a deflected effort saw St Neots claim the victory late on.
Wisbech host league leaders Bourne-Deeping this weekend.
The men's 3rds lost 3-0 to near-neighbours March Town 2nds.
Wisbech will look to get back to winning ways at Pelicans 3rds on Saturday.
Three goals in the second half helped Spalding 3rds beat Wisbech Ladies 3rds 4-0.
The Fenland side entertain St Ives 3rds this weekend.
The Ladies’ 4ths suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at league leaders Cambridge City 7ths.
The team have a weekend off before resuming their league schedule on November 30.
The men's 4ths shared the spoils with Long Sutton 3rds in a 1-1 draw.
Wisbech grabbed a late equaliser when Howard Atkins ball into the circle was deflected in by Paul Jackson.
This weekend the men host Bourne-Deeping 3rds.
Cole Hewitson-Townley set the men's 5ths XI on the path to victory, in a closely-fought encounter with Cambridge Nomads 4ths. Hewitson-Townley opened the scoring, before Pete Shippey extended Wisbech’s lead.
The visitors were able to pull a goal back before Wisbech secured the win with a well-worked penalty corner routine.
The team travel to Peterborough 7ths this weekend.
A young Ladies 5ths outfit lost 3-0 to Long Sutton 2nds, delivering a hard-working performance against a team sitting third in Division 5 North West.
Player-of-the-Game Ann-Marie Kok helped create some excellent chances for the home side.
There was success in the England Hockey Mixed Tier 1 KO Championship on Sunday too, with the Mixed A team beating St Ives 5-0 at Harecroft Road.
Meanwhile, five goals from Brandon Ruff underpinned a 6-1 win for the Mixed B team away at Cambridge South B.
Both teams will now go into the draw for the second round of the Cup competition.