WISBECH Town manager Dick Creasey is targeting a top six finish in the Ridgeons Premier League following two encouraging results over the New Year period. Going into 2007, Creasey is in bullish mood thanks to the 3-1 home victory over Histon Reserves on N

WISBECH Town manager Dick Creasey is targeting a top six finish in the Ridgeons Premier League following two encouraging results over the New Year period.

Going into 2007, Creasey is in bullish mood thanks to the 3-1 home victory over Histon Reserves on New Year's Day.

And despite the Fenmen losing 2-1 to high-flying Lowestoft Town on Saturday, the Wisbech boss was boosted by his team's performance that he described as "the best of the season so far."

Creasey said: "We played the best we have played all season at Lowestoft, particularly in the second half, and I thought we were very unlucky not to get something out of the game.

"When the opposing fans and players are applauding you off the pitch you know that you have played well."

Wisbech were forced to play the entire second half with 10 men following the dismissal of Lewis Brooks for a foul in the box just before the break.

The resulting penalty put Lowestoft in front but Wisbech fought back and scored an unlikely equaliser when Liam Nimmo converted Andy Lodge's cross with only 15 minutes remaining.

But the home side robbed Wisbech of a deserved point when a late free kick was glanced in at the near post.

However, the Wisbech disappointment was quickly put behind them on New Year's Day when a crowd of 179 at Fenland Park witnessed another solid performance from the home team.

Histon were able to field a strong team but it was the Fenmen who weathered early pressure and went on to dominate the game.

Nimmo's 19th minute goal broke the deadlock before Darren Jimson diverted the ball home seven minutes later.

Again, Wisbech soaked up their opponents' attacks and the game was killed off with a third goal just after the hour. Jimson produced good work to release Stuart Cobb, who struck the ball in from the edge of the box.

Reserves scored a consolation in the dying minutes but Wisbech were able to reflect on a good performance that puts them 12th in the league, seven points behind sixth-placed Lowestoft.

Creasey said: "We weren't quite as convincing in the Histon game but I am sure that if we continue to play in the same way for the rest of the season we will be in the top six.

"We struggled a little on New Year's Day because we were forced to play several players who really shouldn't have been on the pitch."

He added: "And with so many games to play over the Christmas period, it is no surprise that the lads will be feeling tired going into January.

"I received a call from Steve Appleby on Sunday and he told me that he could hardly walk. But when Matty Oswin was forced out of the Histon game, Steve volunteered to play."

In addition to dealing with injuries, Creasey has been fending-off transfer bids from rival clubs. He revealed: "Diss Town put in an offer for Luke Kennedy but I am delighted to say that he has decided to stay with Wisbech.

"The offer was astonishing and I really expected Luke to take it but he has been superb for us and he wants to play football for the right reasons."

Creasey has also been aiming to bring a new defender to the club and admitted: "I was in negotiations at 1.45am on New Year's Day morning to try and sign him before the Histon game but it fell through.

"I don't want to reveal his identity at the moment but I am still hopeful of doing the deal before our next game."

Steve Appleby will almost certainly miss Saturday's home match against lowly CRC. Matty Oswin is a doubt with a knee injury but Danny Hussey is back in the squad.