An hour and a half by car into Cambridgeshire to 'The Capital Of The Fens', for this 1st round Trophy match against Wisbech Town, of the Doc Martens Eastern Division, where they are struggling this season, 3rd from bottom. We have only met once before in 1996 in the 3rd qualifying round of the F.A.Cup, when we won 2-1, both goals from Greg Howells. The attendance was over 2500 that day. A neat little ground, good clubhouse and nice people. Some old faces among the Travelling City Faithful but bad news for the Supporters Club coach which broke down and terminated at Baldock leaving 30 or so fans to
return to St. Albans. Despite the efforts of Ian Rogers, Gary Roberts and the Wisbech Officials, the referee would not delay the kick-off. At least they can see the replay...Oops. I've given the result away.
For today, the Dynamic Duo selected Wilmot in goal, 3 at the back: Moran, Campbell (C) and Rattle; 4 in the middle: Honeyball, Evans, Cook and Smith; in front of them: Nabil; and in front of him: Martin and for his first start of the season, Ansell. On the bench were Lee Burns, Jason Blyth and Durgam Heider, formerly known as Duick. In the stand were the suspended Brown, the injured Bignal and at home on the treatment table Craig Mackail-Smith and
Jake Attwood. Back at Chelmsford are Hyatt and, on loan, Wraight. City had the majority of the possession and position for the first half but despite a string of corners and attacks, they could not stretch the home keeper, apart from one Martin effort which struck the top of the cross-bar. I noted 3 optimistic penalty appeals when shots or through balls struck defenders hands. Individuals played well but the final ball was disappointing against a packed defence. Ansell showed touches but is short of match fitness. It was not one-way traffic, however, and Wisbech came close a couple of times, particularly from a free-kick awarded after a back-pass. This was unlikely to finish goal-less. H.T. 0-0.
The second half started the way the first finished with Saints pressing. On the hour, the best move of the match saw a pass from Moran in defence to Ansell on the right, out wide on the left to Nabil who took it on and passed infield to Smith and across the area to Ansell who swept in his second goal of
a frustrating season. 0-1. As was to be expected, Wisbech responded and enjoyed their best spell of the game, but The Saints defence looked solid to-day with Campbell outstanding and both Moran and Honeyball having good games. Martin injured his back and was replaced by Burns who is a lively
midfield player rather than threatening striker. Wisbech brought on a couple of big guys and threatened at a couple of corners. Wilmott complained of coins being thrown at him but didn't say how much he had collected. A Steward maintained order. A few minutes later in the 89th minute, a cross from the
Wisbech right was headed home unopposed. 1-1. City pressed but the only other incident worthy of mention in 7 minutes of injury time was an unsavoury fracas when Rattle fouled the home winger in front of the dug-out and was (wo)manhandled by the Wisbech Assistant Manager, who was then manhandled by someone (I didn't see who, m'lud) from the the Saints dug-out and almost everybody joined in. The Wisbech dug-outs are not the strongest looking structures and came under severe pressure. I think there were 18 in the home dug-out at one stage and the F.A.rules limit the number to 7. The Wisbech Asst.Man. was banished and a free-kick awarded but no yellow for Rattle. F.T.
1-1.
City will be disappointed that the game wasn't wrapped up before half-time but The Chairman will be pleased with the income from a replay. Wisbech were workmanlike and well organised. They will be delighted to remain in the draw
but my money is on Saints to visit Canvey Island in the next round. The replay is at Clarence Park on Tuesday night. The crowd was 376 of which perhaps 150 or so had made the trip from Hertfordshire.
Entertainment 7/10. Atmosphere 6/10. Technical Merit 6/10. Referee 4/10.
Next up. Tuesday evening at Clarence Park for the replay. The cup match scheduled for that night at Hertford is to be re-arranged. Next Saturday, November 11th, we return to League action, away at Hitchin.
Report by Awayday |
