Rollercoaster Weekend for Wisbech
It was a busy weekend for Wisbech Town Hockey Club, with fixtures spread across both Saturday and Sunday and teams competing across multiple leagues.
The Men’s 1s travelled to St Neots and produced a strong all-round performance to secure a deserved 3–1 victory. Wisbech controlled large periods of the game, showing good composure and intensity throughout. Goals from Danny Haynes, Tom Jupp and Jason Mallett rewarded their positive play and ensured they returned home with all three points.
Wisbech Ladies 1s faced a tough test at home against a strong Peterborough side and were ultimately beaten 10–0. Despite the scoreline, Wisbech showed determination right through to the final whistle, creating several attacking opportunities and earning a short corner. There were positive moments of teamwork across the pitch, and the effort and work rate never dropped. Laura Bell was named Player of the Match for her solid tackles and consistent defensive work, with the team now looking ahead to next week’s fixture against Sudbury.
Men’s 2s claimed an important 2–1 home win against a strong Cambs City 4 side, a result that keeps Wisbech fourth in the table with a game in hand on third-placed Kettering 2s. Knowing Cambs City had recently drawn with the league leaders, this was a valuable result. While it was not the prettiest performance, Wisbech did enough to get the job done. Goals from Lee Punter, who also impressed with his link-up play, and Dom Garfoot, whose strike nearly broke the backboard, secured the points. Kevin Shippey made several key saves, while Josh Bell was deservedly named Man of the Match.
Men’s 2s in action
After a difficult defeat the previous week, Wisbech Ladies 2s responded in emphatic fashion away against Peterborough, earning a 5–1 victory. Following a motivating team talk, Wisbech set the tone early, opening the scoring just four minutes in through Jane Pegg. Emma Baker added a second before Lily Cooper converted from a short corner just before half-time. Wisbech continued to control possession in the second half, moving the ball well and playing some excellent hockey, with further goals from Freya Matthews and a second for Baker. Peterborough pulled one back from a penalty flick, but Wisbech remained in control. Goalkeeper Kirsty Harrison was named Player of the Match for her excellent decision-making and saves throughout the game.
Men’s 3s endured a difficult afternoon at home against Bourne Deeping, falling to a 9–0 defeat. From the opening whistle, misplaced passes, poor decision-making and a lack of urgency allowed the opposition to dominate. Despite a few half-chances, Wisbech struggled to build any momentum, with defensive lapses and discipline issues compounding the problems. Goalkeeper Rhys Archard was named Player of the Match for producing a series of excellent saves in challenging circumstances.
Men’s 3’s in action
Wisbech Ladies 3s secured a hard-fought 1–0 home victory against Bourne Deeping Ladies 2s in a tightly contested match. The first half was evenly balanced, with both sides creating half-chances but unable to break the deadlock. Wisbech were forced into a change midway through the half after a head injury, yet the team showed resilience to reach the break level. Wisbech raised the tempo after half-time and took a deserved lead in the 48th minute when Georgia Ward drove forward and delivered a superb ball across the edge of the D for Elana Freedman to smash home. Wisbech enjoyed further attacking spells but were unable to add to their advantage, remaining disciplined defensively to see out the win. Emma Webb was named Player of the Match for an excellent defensive display.
Ladies 3’s
Ladies 4s faced Spalding and found the first half challenging, conceding goals in the 14th and 34th minutes as the visitors capitalised on early mistakes. Wisbech showed more promise after the break, producing a vastly improved performance with better positional discipline, sharp passing and strong movement off the ball. Elysha Wood-Mcdermid pulled a goal back with a calm finish from the top of the D following a well-worked move, and Wisbech pushed hard for an equaliser but were unable to find a second. Despite the defeat, the second-half display was a huge positive. Elysha was named Player of the Match for her defensive work and first goal, alongside Rachael Archard for her outstanding saves and goal-line clearances.
Ladies 4’s with their mascot for the game
Wisbech Men’s 5s Development team were involved in a well-spirited and evenly matched game against St Ives. The visitors took an early lead, but Wisbech settled into the contest, with the young squad showing tireless running. Charlie Bester set up Cole for the equaliser, and as the game progressed George Bester continued to impress with his defensive work and forward passing, earning Man of the Match as Wisbech secured a deserved draw.
Wisbech Ladies 5s travelled to Peterborough expecting a tough contest and were met by strong, experienced opposition. Despite a late fixture and a squad made up of young players, beginners and late additions, Wisbech played with confidence, using the full width of the pitch and supporting each other throughout. Although they were unable to find a goal, Wisbech created several promising chances and spent long periods in the attacking half. The Wisbech goalkeeper produced an excellent performance, making several crucial saves, while the team showed resilience. The opposition captain praised the performance of Wisbech’s younger players, and the entire team earned a collective Player of the Match for a spirited display.
Ladies 5’s
On Sunday, the over 35s were in action. The Men’s Over 35s travelled to Bury St Edmunds with just 11 players but delivered an outstanding performance to secure a 6–0 victory. Goals from Sam Markillie, James Mansfield (2), Charlie Bester (2) and Scott Welcher capped a dominant display, with strong cohesion and interplay across the pitch proving decisive.
Wisbech Town Ladies Over 35s completed the weekend with a 3–1 home win against Southwell Brinkcliffe United. Wisbech controlled possession from the outset, using patient build-up play and excellent movement to dictate the game. Georgie Dunn opened the scoring in the 11th minute, before Nat doubled the lead in the 20th. Dunn added her second four minutes later to give Wisbech a commanding 3–0 half-time lead. Southwell converted a penalty flick in the second half, but Wisbech remained composed, with goalkeeper Kirsty making key saves and Swampy producing vital goal-line clearances. Georgie Dunn was named Player of the Match for her two goals and all-round performance.
This weekend another 5 games will be on home turf at Harecroft Road as the men’s 1s take on Cambridge Normads at 2pm and ladies 1s open the action against Sudbury at 11am. Come down and show your support.