GALLERY: Apted’s late winner secures Wisbech crucial win over Norwich City
Wisbech hockey v Norwich City. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
Wisbech took a major step towards survival with a comeback 3-2 win over fellow strugglers Norwich City at Harecroft Road on Saturday.
Wisbech hockey v Norwich City. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
The hosts fell behind in the first half but a Daniel Martell double and Brad Apted’s late strike secured a crucial three points which takes them four points clear of the Premier A relegation zone with five games remaining.
The hosts began the stronger of the two sides and created early chances, but were unable to convert.
Norwich took the lead against the run of play when their forward ghosted into the circle, fluffed his first shot, but then slipped through Tom Peggs’ legs in the Wisbech goal with his second attempt.
More chances fell to the Fenmen but, as has been the case all season long, they struggled to convert.
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A highly charged half time team talk seemed to jolt the players back into their rhythm and they equalised through Daniel Martell shortly after the re-start.
It was Martell who put Wisbech into the lead after a swift attacking move, but the dogged Norwich outfit levelled.
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With both sides pressing for the winner, it was Brad Apted who grabbed the decisive goal - he received a pass from Sam Blunt at a penalty corner and rifled past the keeper and into the backboard.
Captain Jon Shippey said: “At half time I told the players whoever wanted it most would win the game. “It was a massive win, which you could see by the reaction of the players at the final whistle.”
Wisbech’s next game is away at Bedford, who beat them 5-1 in November, on Saturday.
Shippey says, with relegation rivals Ramgarhia and Norwich still to play each other, Wisbech needs to pick up more points if they want to ensure survival.
He said: “I don’t want the players to think that we are already safe. We definitely need to pick up more points.
“Confidence should be up and we are determined to show everyone we are good enough for this league.”
