Wisbech Town ladies lost 3-0 to Division 1N leaders Dereham at Harecroft Road on Saturday.

The hosts conceded inside the first 10 minutes when they were late to react to a Dereham free hit just inside the 23.

Within minutes Wisbech found themselves two behind from a neat piece of skill and composed finish from the Dereham centre forward.

Wisbech kept fighting on in the second half but they were unable to find a break through.

The hosts were caught on the counter attack late in the second half, again with an accomplished finish from the Dereham winger.

Captain Leanne Williamson said: “It was a tough game, we just couldn’t break Dereham down or get any consistent flow with our passing.

“Some outstanding defending kept the score to just three though. The team should be proud of the positive attitude we displayed on Saturday.”

The ladies’ next game is at joint bottom Watton, who they beat 10-0 earlier this season.

Williamson said: “I would expect us to win however we have had two disappointing results on the bounce and I’m sure Watton will be stronger at home, so we definitely won’t be going into either of next weekend’s games (they play Spalding at home in the cup on Sunday) with complacency.”

Wisbech’s difficult season continued with a 7-1 loss at Premier A relegation rivals Blueharts.

They travelled to Blueharts with a depleted side, due to three players being suspended.

Wisbech’s consolation goal came from a saved Danny Haynes shot, which Sam Blunt coolly finished.

Wisbech captain Charlie Baxter said: “We lost Jonathan Shippey after 15 minutes with injury which meant we only had 11 for the rest of the game and it’s always going to be difficult in this league whoever you play if you’ve got less than 14 in your match day squad for rotations.

“It’s another defeat unfortunately, but the feeling in the camp is that there is a big result around the corner. Morale is perhaps higher than its been in the squad all season.

“We know that if we keep working hard it will come good. We are looking forward beyond this season too and I have the support of the club to rebuild a young, exciting, competitive squad for the seasons to come. The signs are there already.”