MANAGER Steve Appleby said Wisbech Town’s 2-1 defeat to champions Wroxham summed up their season.

Chris Bacon’s goal couldn’t prevent the Fenmen from slipping to their first defeat in seven games against the Yachtsmen last night (Tuesday).

Appleby said: “I think that game just summed up our season - we are nearly there but not quite. The good thing is we realise that. We could kid ourselves and say we’ve been unlucky but we’re not.

“I do need to make two or three additions over the summer but that’s not to say I haven’t got a good squad.

“You could see why Wroxham have still got the results when they haven’t played the greatest football. You could see why they are top and we are fourth.

“The difference is consistency and a bit of nous - knowing how to win scrappy. That’s what Wroxham do and you have to take your hat off to them.”

The Fenmen went behind after a defensive mix-up at the Elgood’s Fenland Stadium last night. Bacon grabbed an equaliser but Wroxham restored their advantage five minutes later, and closed the game out in the second half.

The defeat, which followed Saturday’s 2-0 win over 10-man Felixstowe & Walton United, dealt a blow to Wisbech’s hopes of pipping Brantham Athletic to third place in the Ridgeons Premier Division.

Appleby said: “It would be nice to take it to the last game (away at Brantham).

“I’ve made it pretty plain to the lads that some people are still playing for their places for next year.

“If there’s a lack of motivation now, they won’t be around next season.”

Wisbech host Walsham-le-Willows on Saturday. Anthony Reeve and Matt Lunn are injury doubts while Paul Cousins is suspended.

Appleby added: “If we’ve learnt from this year, we won’t have any problems next season.

“I think we all know we could have done better and we are all a bit disappointed that we didn’t push on when we had the chance.

“But at the end of the day we weren’t quite good enough this year, and that’s the brutal honest truth.”