Goals, Grit and Derby Defeats
It was another action-packed weekend for Wisbech, with nine of the ten Saturday sides in action and the mixed team taking to the pitch on Sunday morning.
The Men’s 1s had a quieter week after receiving a walkover when Cambs City were unable to field a team, and they’ll be back at home next weekend against Newmarket.
The Ladies 1s delivered one of their best displays in recent weeks despite a 4–2 loss to Cambridge City. A well-worked move down the right saw Georgie Dunn combine with Harriet Esser, who drove the baseline and slipped the ball across for Becky Gillick to open the scoring. Laura Bell added a second from a trademark short-corner routine, and although the result went against them, the performance was full of promise. Nat Ward was superb at centre-back and earned Player of the Match for her consistency and composure under pressure.
Ladies 1s at Home to Cambs City on Saturday
Away at Kettering, the Men’s 2s produced a superb 2–0 win over a side sitting third in the table. Their organisation, communication and quick transitions proved decisive, with Wisbech frustrating the hosts throughout. Jerome Lawrence took Man of the Match for an excellent all-round display.
The Ladies 2s produced the comeback of the weekend with a thrilling 3–3 draw against high-flying Cambridge City 6s. After falling 3–0 behind, Wisbech found a spark when Lou Sandall’s perfectly weighted through ball was delicately lifted home by Amber. The second half saw a transformed Wisbech side: newcomer Layla Bullman lashed in a brilliant tight-angle finish, before Swampy converted a calm penalty stroke to level the match. The final 15 minutes were frantic, but Wisbech held strong. Amber Crossley-King earned Player of the Match for her goal, her tireless running and pinpoint passing.
Ladies 2s
The Men’s 3s put on a dominant show in their 9–1 win over Pelicans 4s. A hat-trick from Ciaran Lowe, doubles from Willis Ruff and Harry Shippey, plus goals from Brodie Ellis and Chris Stanhope capped a rounded all-team performance. With relentless pressure and a solid defensive unit, the whole squad earned collective Man-of-the-Match praise.
A confident 3–1 win for the Ladies 3s saw them control much of their match against Newmarket 2s. Neat passing from the back through midfield created the platform for goals from Elana Freedman, Fiona H-P, and Becky Allen. Though Newmarket pulled one back after half time, Wisbech’s strong shape and smart play saw them through. Player of the Match was shared between Fiona H-P and Elana Freedman.
The Men’s 4s pushed Peterborough 7s all the way in a tight contest, eventually falling to a 1–0 defeat. A balanced mix of youth and experience worked well, with Wisbech creating good spells of play but unable to find the breakthrough. Peterborough struck in the second half, and despite Wisbech digging in, that goal proved the difference. Charlie Baxter took Man of the Match.
For the Ladies 4s, it was a frustrating 2–0 defeat at home to Peterborough. After a bright and confident start, they created chances and several short corners but couldn’t convert. A loss of shape late in the first half allowed Peterborough to take the lead, and a second goal late on sealed the result despite a last-minute Wisbech short corner that flew just wide.
Ladies 4s battled at home against Peterborough
The Men’s 5s travelled to Peterborough 8s for a valuable development match. The young Wisbech squad produced encouraging passages of link-up play, with Ty Mahwire showing great attacking intent and Man of the Match Alex Parker putting in a standout defensive shift.
Ladies 5s were also away this week at Spalding. Starting with positive spirits despite the wet weather, but conceding the first goal within 5 minutes. Goals came in quick succession, and despite a highly defensive game and a 13-0 scoreline there was some excellent saves from all defenders, and goalkeeper Evana Hewitson-Townley earned Player of the Match.
Ladies 5’s away at Spalding
On Sunday, the mixed team kicked off their cup campaign with an emphatic 8–2 win over St Ives. After an early goal from Holly Turner was quickly cancelled out, Wisbech shifted up a gear in the second quarter. Further strikes from Jason Mallett, Nat Ward and Turner put them firmly in control. The goals kept flowing after the break, with Sam Markillie and another from Turner adding to the tally, before Jason Mallett and Turner completed the scoring in the final quarter. St Ives grabbed a late consolation, but Wisbech’s performance was commanding throughout. Player of the Match went to the four-goal star, Holly Turner.
Mixed team away at St Ives
This upcoming weekend will see five teams on home turf at Harecroft Road. Come down and show your support.