WISBECH Town boss Steve Appleby has praised his squad’s strength in depth after a managerial masterstroke saw three of his midweek replacements score in a 3-0 win.

The Fenmen were left dejected on Saturday after they threw away a two goal lead to take just a point from their clash with draw-specialists Walsham-le-Willows.

But Scott Johnson, Simon Flanz and Darren Jimson returned for Tuesday night’s game against Newmarket Town - and the trio bagged a goal-a-piece as Wisbech cruised to victory and up to sixth place in the Ridgeons Premier Division.

Appleby said: “We rested a few players as they’ve had a lot of football and the lads who have come in have all scored. It’s a bit scary really. Some people might start thinking I know what I’m doing.

“It just shows that we now have quality players and whatever side I pick it doesn’t weaken us. When I first came to the club you had a certain number of players and when someone got injured you were left scratching your head.”

Saturday’s disappointment seemed a distant memory when Scott Johnson scored inside the first minute against struggling Newmarket. Flanz’s penalty and Jimson’s neat finish secured the points.

“Credit where credit’s due - they worked really hard,” said Appleby. “They are a very good bunch of lads, with good character and team spirit.

“I can have a pop at the them on Saturday because they didn’t play well but you can see in their faces that they knew that.

“It hurts them as well and they have bounced back. You want that at the club. You don’t win anything with just good footballers - you’ve got to have heart, desire and good spirit.

“We have got players who are good characters. None of them have got huge egos. There’s no superstars, nobody is bigger than anyone else. We’re all pulling in the same direction.”

Last week, Appleby allowed Aaron Turner (Lakenheath Town) and Tommy Treacher (Holbeach United) to leave the club on loan.

Winger Matt Lunn is missing and captain Paul Cousins is doubtful for Saturday’s home tie with Hadleigh United. The Fenmen have 13 league matches still to play - and a crucial league cup semi-final against Stowmarket.

Appleby said: “Winning is a habit and losing is a habit. We want to be winning games before our semi-final.”

• Saturday’s game at the Tom Wood’s Beer Fenland Stadium was sponsored by the Wisbech Standard.

The half-time competition saw 13-year-old Erin Larham win the Wisbech Standard raffle. She was awarded a football signed by the Wisbech Town team.