Cambridge City boss full of praise for gutsy Wisbech Town after 3-2 semi-final loss
Chris Bacon twice drew the Fenmen level. - Credit: Archant
ADAM Marriott snatched a late winner as Cambridge City were forced to dig deep to see off Wisbech Town in their Cambs Invitation Cup semi-final last night.
The Lilywhites got their winner in the 89th minute to claim a 3-2 victory over a gutsy Wisbech Town side - and City boss Gary Roberts was full of praise for the Fenmen.
“Full credit to Wisbech,” said Roberts. “They came here with a game plan and determination to have a go and cause us some problems, which they did.
“I think our mindset was wrong going into this game, which encouraged Wisbech to attack and that was reflected in the scoreline.
“Yes we have made changes for this game but that is taking nothing away from Steve and his team. I used it as a chance to get minutes into some players who have struggled lately.”
The Fenmen started well but fell behind after just 10 minutes. Ash Fuller burst past Jon Fairweather before darting into the box and delivering a pin point cross for Craig Hammond to head home.
However a resilient Wisbech came back strong and after a good spell of pressure were soon back on level terms. Former Linnet Chris Bacon fired home after an impressive break from the Fenmen, while City were still complaining about a debatable offside decision.
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Wisbech were then foiled by the linesman’s flag in the 34th minute - Joe Jackson had the ball in net but had strayed into an offside position.
The second half had little to write about until the 75th minute when the game erupted into life.
Craig Hammond restored the Lillywhites’ advantage but only for Chris Bacon to pull level again just two minutes later.
Then with extra time looming and fog descending, meaning the game was in danger of reaching a conclusion, Adam Marriott converted an Ash Fuller cross to send City into May’s final against Ely City.
City : Barrett (6), Pepper (6), Blanchett (6), Theobald (5) (Prada 45), Chaffey (6), Cambridge(7), Lewis (6), Cleaver (5), Hammond (8) ( Reynolds, 90) , Bryant (6) (Marriott, 54 (7)), Fuller (7).
Subs Not Used: Nick, Midgley.
Fenmen : Roberts (7), Fairweather (5), Johnson (6), Reeve (6), Cartwright(5), Reid (7), Bacon (8), Reed (6) (Millson 14 (7)), Jackson (7), Friend (6), Gale (6).
Subs Not Used : Cousins, Jimson, Jordan, Baggaley.
Booked: City – Bryant (31, dissent); Wisbech – Fairweather (74, foul).
Attendance : 133.
Referee : Mr. J. Marin.
