NE14 HOCKEY EAST MENS LEAGUE PREMIER B DIVISION Wisbech Town 3 Bourne 1 WISBECH extended their unbeaten run to remain at the top of the league. Town never really found the fluid passing moves of previous weeks but as the half drew to a close, they began

NE14 HOCKEY EAST MENS LEAGUE

PREMIER B DIVISION

Wisbech Town 3 Bourne 1

WISBECH extended their unbeaten run to remain at the top of the league.

Town never really found the fluid passing moves of previous weeks but as the half drew to a close, they began to assert themselves on the game and Brad Apted scored.

Bourne equalised right on the break.

Wisbech fought back and restored their lead almost immediately. Jon Shippey blasted the ball into the circle from a wide position and Martell cleverly deflected the ball high into the net.

Drew Harvey made sure of the win when he pounced on the ball at close range during a scramble from a short corner.

NE14 HOCKEY EAST MENS LEAGUE

PREMIER B DIVISION

Long Sutton I 3

Bury St Edmunds I 4

SUTTON started the game without four regular players and were reduced further early on when midfielder Jeremy Watt pulled up with a hamstring injury.

Sutton re-organised, with Ash Taylor stamping his authority on the midfield, and Stu Belding marshalling the defence.

Half-time saw the hosts go into the break 2-1 down, a Gary Hales strike leaving Sutton with all to play for.

The home side began the second half strongly, and were unfortunate not to draw level.

Hales and Smith scored second-half goals, but Bury's pressure was too stern a test and they scored a further two goals.

Taylor was Long Sutton's man of the match.

NE14 HOCKEY EAST MENS LEAGUE

DIVISION THREE NORTH WEST

Wisbech II 2 Bourne II 3

WISBECH travelled to Bourne and it was the home side who took control and scored with their first opportunity.

Towards the end of a scrappy first half a Bourne shot that looked to be covered by the Wisbech keeper was deflected into the net by a defender.

Being 2-0 down at half-time, Wisbech started passing the ball wide and Jody Betts scored.

Shortly afterwards, Bourne replied with their third and final goal when Wisbech keeper, Matt Duff was unsighted.

Wisbech had a large number of short corners throughout the game and only converted one when Joe Melton finished well.

The last few minutes saw Bourne defending resolutely to keep Wisbech ruing their multitude of missed chances.

NE14 HOCKEY EAST MENS LEAGUE

DIVISION FOUR NORTH WEST

Wisbech III 0 Alford I 2

WISBECH were outplayed and deservedly beaten.

They struggled to find their rhythm and, as a result, couldn't retain possession.

Alford took advantage and score a quick opening goal.

Wisbech created chances, with Joe Brownlow making some excellent midfield runs.

In the second half the hosts were put under constant pressure, but some fantastic saves by keeper Kevin Shippey and defending by man of the match Toby George, meant the scoreline was kept to a minimum.

NE14 HOCKEY EAST MENS LEAGUE

DIVISION SIX NORTH WEST

Long Sutton III 2 Wisbech V 2

LONG Sutton took the lead in the first half when Simon Clarke bulled his way into the D and fired home from an improbable angle.

The visitors responded, glancing in a near-post cross and the teams were level at the interval.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first, with Sutton's goal coming from a Ben Shore penalty.

As things got tense towards the end, Wisbech pounced on a defensive slip to win themselves a share of the spoils.

Sutton were disappointed to come away without all three points after being a goal up with five minutes to go.

FA CUP SECOND ROUND

Long Sutton I 2

Crewe Vagrants I 5

SUTTON lined up on Sunday to face last year's beaten finalists with an enthusiastic young side.

They began confidently, passing the ball fluidly and defending with a real intensity that was genuinely tested at times.

A 10-minute spell saw Crewe stamp their mark on the game by scoring four goals.

The home side responded with a couple of goals of their own - a sharp finish from striker Gary Hales and a rasping Nick Ellis strike - keeping them in the game until Crewe scored a fifth towards the end.

Notable Long Sutton performances came from Stu Ingram, at right back, and Simon Clarke deputising well at the back of the midfield.

HA CUP SECOND ROUND

Wisbech Town 4 Ashford (Kent) 2

WISBECH hosted unbeaten Ashford and found themselves up against a well-drilled side who passed the ball exquisitely.

They had the better of the early play but Ashford took control quickly and had the bulk of first-half possession.

Town defended well and late in the half Brad Apted scored.

Early in the second half, Apted scored again and Sam Markille scored the third. Matt Levanda added a fourth but Wisbech then switched off, conceding two quick goals, and had to endure a torrid few minutes at the end.