Wisbech Town 4 – 3 Eynesbury Rovers (AET)

Wisbech Town needed extra time to see off a spirited challenge from lower league opposition and progress into the second round of the United Counties League Knock Out Cup last night.

Danny Jezeph and Tony Battersby had early chances for the Fenmen but it was Eynesbury Rovers who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute.

Ben Wilkes found himself in space 20 yards out and hit a sweet half volley past Lea Jordan.

Wisbech drew level on 41 minutes through Callum Reed, who produced a measured finish into the bottom left hand corner from the right edge of the box.

The hosts almost went ahead on the stroke of half time but Reed’s wicked free kick was deflected onto the bar by an Eynesbury defender.

In the second half, joint-manager Scott Johnson all but put Wisbech ahead from 25 yards but his rifled half volley rebounded off the crossbar.

Eynesbury midfielder Steve Smith was sent off on 70 minutes for a second yellow card after a studs-up challenge on James Tricks.

Reed put Wisbech ahead with 12 minutes remaining - Tricks was fouled just outside the box and Reed stepped up and curled a free kick around the wall into the bottom corner.

But the tenacious visitors were not about to surrender and shocked the hosts with an equaliser on 86 minutes.

Steven Reid’s clearance went straight to Ben Culmer, whose a pinpoint cross which was diverted in by Wilkes.

Wisbech started extra time strongly and were rewarded on 92 minutes when captain Neal Spafford rose highest to head home Jezeph’s corner.

Six minutes later, substitute Lewis Clayton extended the hosts lead with a stunning strike from 30 yards which flew into the top corner.

There was still time for Eynesbury’s Alex Marsh to reduce the deficit after a fumble from Jordan but the Fenmen held on for the hard-fought win.