Fenmen finally find their stride

WISBECH Town manager Dick Creasey admits his team s pre-season preparations have been up and down but he has welcomed his new-look side s latest performance. The Fenmen s 5-1 home victory against Sleaford on Tuesday evening marked a significant improvemen

WISBECH Town manager Dick Creasey admits his team's pre-season preparations have been up and down but he has welcomed his new-look side's latest performance.

The Fenmen's 5-1 home victory against Sleaford on Tuesday evening marked a significant improvement on their other pre-season matches and new players certainly made an impression.

The Fenland Park crowd were given the opportunity to see two newly-signed defenders, Danny Hussey and Danny Hammond, as well as former Boston United midfielder and Fenmen trialist Dane Harper.

Former King's Lynn and Stamford player Hammond signed a season-long loan deal this week while Hussey put pen to paper to confirm his move from Stamford just before kick-off.

Creasey believes that his new signings address a weakness in the Wisbech side.

He said: "Last season we leaked too many goals so I was keen to bring new defenders to the team.

"Hussey is a versatile left-sided defender who can play at centre half or as a full back, while Hammond is an imposing centre half."

Despite adding new players, Creasey is aiming to keep his squad size down. He said: "I'm aiming to have a smaller squad than last year, probably 15 or 16 players.

"Large numbers of players brings financial pressure and I am determined to concentrate on quality rather than quantity this season."

The Wisbech boss admitted the 1-0 defeat to Fakenham and the 1-0 win against Deeping had not exactly impressed him. "To be honest, before this week, I was a little concerned with the form we had shown in pre-season but we have shown signs of improvement."

And Tuesday's victory would certainly have helped to alleviate Creasey's concerns.

Wisbech were ahead within a minute when Liam Nimmo latched on to a through pass to slot the ball home. The tide continued to flow in the home side's favour and the lead was extended on the half-hour mark.

The impressive Lee Hudson forced an own goal before he made it 3-0, converting a saved shot from Luke Pepper.

Liam Harrold tapped-in to make it 4-0 and Hudson scored an eye-catching fifth and his second of the game on the hour.

Sleaford's Mark Wilson grabbed a consolation 10 minutes from time following a goalmouth scramble.

There are still injury worries for Creasey to consider however. Mark Jimson is due to see a specialist this week and could face a hernia operation while Nimmo picked up a knee injury on Tuesday and could miss tonight's match at home to Yaxley.

WISBECH Town face Yaxley at Fenland Park tonight (7.45pm kick-off). Wisbech Reserves entertain Woodlands at 3pm on Saturday.