The Great Escape: Jimson hails Wisbech Town Reserves’ remarkable revival
JOINT boss Mark Jimson saluted Wisbech Town Reserves’ great escape after his side sealed their league safety in style.
The Fenmen’s second string looked doomed in January, with just seven points recorded in Kershaw Senior A.
But Jimson, together with Mel Mattless, has helped guide them to a comfortable 12th-placed finish in the 16-team league.
The managerial duo took over the reserves when former boss Darren Edey quit in October.
Jimson said: “Between October and January, I don’t think we named the same team twice.
“There were some Saturdays where I only had nine players an hour before the start of the game. We were scraping together a team.
“Then, all of a sudden, we started getting a regular side and some results.
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“There were moments when I wondered whether it was all worth it but once we got a couple of wins people started to believe again. We’ve come a long way.”
Goals from Anthony Melton and Joe Gallagher fired the reserves to a 2-0 win over Cherry Hinton in their final match on Saturday.
It was Wisbech’s third consecutive victory and followed their incredible 2-1 triumph over champions Sawston United.
Jimson is expected to continue as reserves boss next season with Mattless taking “more of a back seat” role.
“It has been a challenge,” said Jimson. “It was a horrible job until February but once it started to click I really enjoyed it.
“If we can carry on how we left off then it will make the job a lot easier next season.
“I learned the hard way between October and January. I saw the bad side and hopefully there are better times around the corner.
“I’m not saying we could challenge for the league but we competed with the top teams towards the end of the season.
“There is certainly something to build on.”
